(09/P6) TRENTON - With truckloads of trout already out in New Jersey’s waters and tons more fish on the way, Department of Environmental Protection Acting Commissioner Mark N. Mauriello today encouraged residents and visitors to celebrate the official opening of trout season on Saturday, April 11, at 8 a.m.

“We’re always eager to share our excitement about the quality of New Jersey’s trout and the opportunities available year-round to try your luck in our beautiful streams, lakes and ponds. So forget your troubles, grab a rod and reel, and go trout fishing in New Jersey,” Commissioner Mauriello said.

For opening day alone, the DEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife released upward of 180,000 brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout throughout New Jersey. During April and May, nearly 600,000 trout are stocked in waters statewide for unforgettable fishing that will last through summer.

Most of the fish stocked during spring are 10½ inches long and weigh one-half pound. All of them are raised at the DEP’s Pequest Trout Hatchery in Warren County.

Anglers also have the chance to catch bragging-sized trout during the spring season. The Division of Fish and Wildlife will release during April and May more than 6,000 big, breeder trout, weighing 2 pounds to 5 pounds, in all of New Jersey’s trout-stocked waters. As a special bonus for opening day, select ponds and small lakes throughout the state received an extra share of these huge trout.

Come October and November, New Jersey anglers can gear up to hook into some 26,000 super-sized trout, which measure 14 inches to 24 inches, and can be caught throughout autumn and winter.

For more information on trout stocking, all the great places to fish for trout and tips on how to catch them, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com. Or call the Trout Stocking Hotline, (609) 633-6765, for weekly stocking schedules.