Trout Season Springs into Action with Exciting Opportunities for New Jersey Anglers

New Jersey anglers are gearing up for the opening day of the spring trout season on Saturday, April 8, as over 180,000 rainbow trout fill the state's waterways. With around 100,000 fishing enthusiasts of all ages expected to participate, the event marks a time of celebration, especially for the Pequest Trout Hatchery, which is commemorating its 40th anniversary.

Assistant Commissioner Dave Golden of the NJDEP Fish & Wildlife commended the quality of the state's trout fishing, highlighting that opportunities abound in every county. Freshwater Fisheries Bureau Chief Shawn Crouse also emphasized the importance of the hatchery's milestone, encouraging anglers to participate in an online survey after the season to help improve the stocking program.

The spring stocking will result in approximately 570,000 rainbow trout being placed in waterbodies statewide, with most fish averaging 10 ½ inches in length and weighing around half a pound. Additionally, about 6,000 trophy-size broodstock trout will be stocked, ranging from 14 to 26 inches in size and weighing up to seven pounds.

The Bonus Broodstock program will further boost excitement by stocking 10 trout-filled lakes and ponds with 30 to 50 broodstock each. From April 8 to May 31, anglers can catch up to six trout per day, with a minimum legal size of nine inches. From June 1 to December 31, the daily limit reduces to four trout.

Anglers can access the 2023 stocking schedule and trout allocations on the spring trout webpage or by scanning the QR code found on signs along trout-stocked waters. Information on trout-stocked waters and fishing regulations can also be found in the Fishing Digest, with copies available at license agents and Fish & Wildlife offices.

To fish for trout, individuals aged 16 and older must obtain a New Jersey fishing license and trout stamp. Anglers can save through the Buddy Up and Save! program, which offers reduced-priced fishing licenses for existing and new anglers. For fishing locations, visit Fish & Wildlife's fishing locations webpage or use the Freshwater Fishing Explorer app.