June 2, 2015
The seven-week 2015 spring stocking season concluded on May 22 with a total of 614,445 trout stocked in state waters. Not only did this exceed the baseline target of 570,570 by nearly 44,000 trout, but the average length of the trout was 11.4", nearly an inch larger than the 10.5" standard.
Further increasing the enjoyment for trout anglers was the release of more than 2000 broodstock fish. These two-year and three-year old fish averaged 17.8" and 21.4" respectively, provided anglers the opportunity to land a true trophy size fish.
The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife reminds anglers that great trout fishing remains available even after spring stocking concludes. Waters that remain cool will hold trout for weeks into the summer, and Seasonal and Year-Round Trout Conservation Areas, along with Holdover Trout Lakes harbor trout and provide great fishing all year. And come October, the Fall Trout Stocking Program will stock approximately 20,000 two-year old trout measuring more than 14 inches to 22 inches.
For more information on trout fishing in New Jersery, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/trtinfo.htm.