The state's fourteen major trout streams are stocked every week following Opening Day and are closed to fishing from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the day of stocking to allow the trout a chance to disperse. All other waters are open to fishing on stocking days, following opening day, with most stocked at least three times. Since every county has waters that are stocked with trout, trout fishing opportunities are never too far away.

Each spring, approximately 570,000 rainbow trout raised at the Pequest Trout Hatchery are stocked into the state's streams, ponds, and lakes. Nearly 1/3 of these trout, 184,100, await anglers on April 11 when the season opens. The majority of trout being stocked will average 10½ inches but large breeders, measuring 14 - 23" and weighing up to 7 pounds are also distributed in the early weeks of the season.

THE SPRING TROUT STOCKING PROGRAM Each spring, approximately 570,000 rainbow trout raised at the Pequest Trout Hatchery are stocked into the state's streams, ponds, and lakes. Nearly 1/3 of these trout, 184,100, await anglers on April 11 when the season opens. The majority of trout being stocked will average 10½ inches but large breeders, measuring 14 - 23" and weighing up to 7 pounds are also distributed in the early weeks of the season. The state's fourteen major trout streams are stocked every week following Opening Day and are closed to fishing from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the day of stocking to allow the trout a chance to disperse. All other waters are open to fishing on stocking days, following opening day, with most stocked at least three times. Since every county has waters that are stocked with trout, trout fishing opportunities are never too far away.

There were some significant changes in trout regulations in 2018 which anglers should remain aware of, including those for wild trout. These changes included:

Catch and Release Only for Brook Trout Within the Brook Trout Conservation Zone

Brook Trout caught within the Brook Trout Conservation Zone (delineated by I-287 to the east, Route 202 to the south, the New York state border and up to  but not including  the Delaware River), must be released immediately, unharmed.



Brook Trout caught within the Brook Trout Conservation Zone (delineated by I-287 to the east, Route 202 to the south, the New York state border and up to  but not including  the Delaware River), must be released immediately, unharmed. New Wild Trout Stream and Trout-Stocked StreamsWild Brown Trout Managed Categories, and Other WTS Changes

TROUT SEASON HIGHLIGHTS Ten Bonus Broodstock Lakes and the breeder stocking programs provide plenty of trophy size fish within a short drive from anywhere in the state. The Bonus Broodstock Lakes generally receive 30 - 50 extra large trout. The Hook-a-Winner rewards anglers who catch one of the 1000 jaw-tagged trout stocked during the pre-season. Anglers who catch a tagged trout can claim their a certificate and patch by submitting an application form. QR Codes on trout stocking regulations signs bring up the entire spring stocking schedule with all seven weeks of stocking following Opening Day on April 11. The schedule includes day of the week and the number of trout stocked. This feature can guide anglers to other fishing opportunities throughout the state right from their favorite fishing spot. The Buddy License offers a current and a new angler (or two new anglers) reduced price fishing licenses!



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Share trout fishing with a youngster. Brown and Brook Trout are still available, and regulations are in place to keep it that way (see page 22 in the 2020 Freshwater Fishing Digest). Waterbodies such as the South Branch Raritan River, Pequannock River and Big Flat Brook, (to name a few) have naturally reproducing trout in them that will surprise and delight many lucky anglers with their beautiful markings and coloration. Anglers should be aware that most trout-stocked waters are closed to fishing during the 3 weeks leading up to Opening Day (March 23 - April 11, 2020 at 8 a.m.). There are several waters that remain open for catch-and-release trout fishing: Lake Hopatcong (Morris/Sussex), Mountain Lake (Warren), Prospertown Lake (Ocean), Lake Shenandoah (Ocean), Swartswood Lake (Sussex), and the section of Lawrence Brook from Davidsons Mill Rd. to Farrington Lake dam are open year round to fishing. Catch and Release Only, Seasonal, and Year-Round Trout Conservation Areas and designated Holdover Trout Lakes are also open to fishing. However, trout caught in any of these waters during this period must be released immediately. Note that, fishing is not permitted on Seasonal Trout Conservation Areas from 12:01 a.m. to 8 a.m. on April 11, 2020. Trout can be harvested from the state's two Trophy Trout Lakes, Merrill Creek and Round Valley Reservoirs. Be sure to check the Freshwater Digest for regulations pertaining to these waters.

Don't forget that a fishing license and trout stamp are required to fish for trout if you are 16 years or older. Children under 16 and New Jersey residents 70 years and older can fish without a license. Licenses and stamps may be obtained through one of the many license agents statewide, or online.