November 18, 2009

The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has confirmed the largest lake trout ever captured from New Jersey waters was caught on November 18, 2009 in Round Valley Reservoir. Weighing in at 32 lbs. 11 oz., this female Laker surpasses the current state record caught by Greg Young in 2002 by 3 ounces. No state record accolades will be given in this case however, as this fish was hauled in by Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries biologists during their annual gillnetting surveys, which are used to monitor the lake trout population. The massive lake trout was returned to the reservoir alive and well.

Prominent lake trout anglers may not be surprised by this news, as they have voiced their confidence claiming “a new record is out there somewhere,” but seeing is believing. Most successful anglers catch many small fish (less than 20 inches or 3 pounds) and very few larger ones. This should not discourage anglers from trying their luck at catching big fish however, as more than 30 lake trout weighed in at over 3 pounds during this falls gillnetting including six fish weighing in at 22, 21, 19, 16, 16, and 15 pounds.

Word of this big Laker is spreading fast, but anglers should remember the season on lake trout is still closed until December 1. Please check the latest Freshwater Fishing Issue of the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Digest for complete rules and regulations.

Additional links for articles previously written about Round Valley Reservoir include:

Spotlight on Round Valley Reservoir
www.njfishandwildlife.com/artrndvalley07.htm

Lunker Lakers Lurk Below
www.njfishandwildlife.com/artlakers05.htm

Round Valley Rainbows Get Anglers Off To An Early Start
www.njfishandwildlife.com/artrvanglers03.htm