Fall trout-stocking has become one of the most popular stocking programs offered by the state DEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife, particularly since 2006 when the Division began stocking only larger two-year old trout. Anglers enjoy the additional fish provided by the Division as well as the opportunity to fish during one of the most beautiful times of year.
The big fish, cool water, great weather and spectacular scenery combined to make the fall season what many consider to be New Jersey’s premium trout fishing season.
During the 2016 fall trout stocking season, Fish and Wildlife will stock more than 20,000 trout in the state’s major trout waters.
Fall trout stocking begins Tuesday, October 11 and continues through Wednesday, October 19.
Trout measuring 14 inches to 24 inches and weighing 1.5 to 8 pounds are raised at the division’s Pequest Trout Hatchery. Trout not caught during the fall will be available all winter long for anglers to enjoy. Many are even caught the following spring. Trout will be stocked in 16 streams and 21 ponds, including six lakes/ponds moved from the winter program to the fall.
Waters stocked during the first week of fall stocking are the 16 large streams and rivers in northern and coastal areas, such as the Big Flatbook, Pequest River, South Branch Raritan River, Musconetcong River, and the Manasquan and Toms Rivers.
During the second week, 21 ponds and lakes in the central and southern portions of the state are stocked. All fall-stocked waters may be fished as soon as they are stocked—no “closed waters” during fall stocking.
Check the fall schedule:
www.njfishandwildlife.com/flstk16.htm
More information on the upcoming fall and winter trout seasons, including stocking schedules: www.njfishandwildlife.com/trtinfo.htm
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By: Jay Edwards
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(Photo Courtesy: Tom Pagliaroli/NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife Facebook page)