Winter Trout Stocking Begins November 23

November 19, 2015

Great trout fishing continues late in 2015 with the final stocking of the year. On November 23 and 24 the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife will be releasing approximately 5,000 Rainbow Trout just in time for the long holiday weekend. As was the case with the recent fall stocking, two-year old fish, raised at the Pequest Trout Hatchery and averaging 14-18 inches, will be stocked this year. The large rainbows will be distributed in 24 designated ponds and lakes over a two-day period.

This winter stocking comes on the heels of the 20,000 trout released in October in 16 streams and 15 lakes. A number of those trout still remain for anglers. Trout stocked during the fall and winter are available for anglers throughout the winter into late spring. There are no closed dates during the fall and winter stocking, but anglers should consult the NJ Freshwater Fishing Digest for regulation and other information.

Like the recent fall trout stocking, this winter sees a return to the stocking of larger fish. The opportunity to catch a true trophy-size fish has never been better!

Wintertime trout anglers enjoy the more serene setting of the winter months. Although much of the winter fishing occurs during open water, many anglers look forward to the opportunity to catch trout through the ice. Anglers are reminded to check with the individual park offices regarding their regulations on ice fishing as some of the parks where trout are stocked, particularly in urban areas, prohibit ice fishing.

Common methods for catching trout through the ice are using tip-ups with powerbait or fathead minnows, and jigging with small jigs or ice jigging flies. If there is open water, traditional baits like worms, fathead minnows, meal worms and powerbait fished on the bottom work well for those fishing from shore.

See the 2015 Winter Trout Stocking Schedule or call the Trout Stocking Hotline at 609-633-6765 to find a nearby stocked water. Updates to the winter stocking program will be posted as necessary.

Trout Fishing in New Jersey