| DEP OFFERS FREE FISHING
DAYS ON JUNE 12 AND 13
(04/63) TRENTON - Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell
today announced New Jersey's annual Free Fishing Days will
be held Saturday, June 12, and Sunday, June 13, offering
residents and visitors an opportunity to fish the state's
public waters without a license or trout stamp.
"Free Fishing Days are a wonderful time for children
and adults to learn how to fish and for visitors to sample
some of the finest freshwater fishing in the Northeast,"
Campbell said.
Healthy freshwater fish populations are located throughout
New Jersey, thanks in part to the DEP's Hackettstown and
Pequest fish hatcheries. These populations include muskellunge,
northern pike, walleye, hybrid striped bass, channel catfish
and lake trout in larger lakes, and brook, brown and rainbow
trout stocked in smaller streams and waterways. Any smallmouth
or largemouth bass caught during this time must be released.
The Pequest Trout Hatchery sponsors free programs throughout
the year, including fishing classes during both Free Fishing
Days. Residents are encouraged to register early for the
classes by calling (908) 637-4125. Pequest's Natural Resource
Education Center features wildlife exhibits, a butterfly
garden, picnic areas and hiking trails. There also is a
handicapped-accessible fishing site along the Pequest River.
To assist anglers, the DEP's Division of Fish & Wildlife
publishes "Places to Fish," which features only
those waters with adequate populations of desirable species,
and areas that guarantee public access.
Free Fishing Days are held in conjunction with National
Boating and Fishing Week.
For more information on fishing in New Jersey, including
Free Fishing Days, places to fish, fishing classes, regulations,
feature articles and species fact sheets, visit the DEP's
Web site at www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/.
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