December 11, 2015
The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife's Pequest Trout Hatchery had a banner year for trout production in 2015. Almost 642,000 Rainbow Trout were stocked in state waters this year, providing for fantastic fishing since spring and continuing through the winter.
The majority of the fish, 612,390 for the spring stocking, were 11.4 inches on average, almost an inch more than the target length of 10.5 inches. Additionally, more than 2,000 breeders were stocked at up to 24 inches in length.
Larger fish were released in the fall, with nearly 21,000 two-year old Rainbow Trout averaging 14.6 inches being stocked, along with 745 three-year old fish averaging 21.1 inches. The winter stocking of 5,635 two-year old trout also had an average length of 14.6 inches.
What this means for anglers in New Jersey is great year-round fishing now and in the future. The fall and winter fish remain available in many waters, as do some fish from the spring. Anglers may want to focus on Holdover and Trophy Trout lakes, but fish remain in many north and central Jersey rivers and streams, and some ponds and lakes.
For those not up for the challenge of cold weather fishing conditions, there is much to look forward to in the spring when another bumper crop of trout will be available throughout the state. And anglers can take advantage of the new "Buddy" licenses to introduce someone new to the sport, or rekindle the interest of someone who hasn't fished in years. See www.njfishandwildlife.com/fishbuddy.htm for details. Licenses go on sale Thursday, December 17.
For detailed 2015 stocking summary information visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/peqsum15.htm.
For information on trout fishing in New Jersey visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/trtinfo.htm.