DIVISION INITIATES SEA RUN BROWN TROUT
PROGRAM IN THE MANASQUAN RIVER


March 3, 1998

For more information contact:
Mark Boriek at 908-236-2118

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife has initiated a new Sea Run Brown Trout Stocking program in the Manasquan River, Monmouth County. Last autumn, 16,000 8-inch brown trout were stocked in the lower freshwater portion of the river to migrate out to sea and eventually return.

"The Manasquan was selected because of its location and history of occasionally producing sea run brown trout," said Division Director Bob McDowell.

Young brown trout may, after a period of freshwater residence, migrate to saltwater to take advantage of the abundant food sources available, grow between two and four pounds (or larger) and then return to freshwater creating a trophy fishery. They have an overall silvery coloration masking most of the spotting found on the body, but with numerous small spots remaining on the head.

According to McDowell, the program will be evaluated for five years and continue if a successful fishery develops. Anglers are asked to report all catches of brown trout in tidal water to the Division's Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries at 908-637-4173, 908-236-2118, or 609-292-8642.


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