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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2015

Contact: Al Ivany  (908) 319-2456
Lawrence Hajna (609) 984-1795
Caryn Shinske (609) 984-1795

FALL TROUT SEASON TO GET UNDER WAY WITH STATEWIDE STOCKING
STARTING OCTOBER 13

MAKE LASTING MEMORIES BY HOOKING SOME BIG FISH THIS AUTUMN

(15/P87) TRENTON – The Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Fish and Wildlife will begin stocking rivers, lakes and streams across New Jersey with thousands of large two-year-old trout on Tuesday, October 13, providing anglers with opportunities for some great fall fishing, Commissioner Bob Martin announced today. 
 
image“Lake and stream trout fishing in the fall continues to grow in popularity because of the thrill of hooking a large and healthy fish,” said Commissioner Martin. “We remain committed to the outdoor community, and this is a special time of year when fall foliage and cooler weather provide a picture-perfect backdrop for enjoying some of the best trout fishing anywhere and making memories that will last a lifetime.”

After a scaled-back stocking in 2014, the full complement of 20,000 two-year old fish, averaging 14 to 22 inches in length, will be stocked in rivers, streams, lakes and ponds this fall. Because the majority of areas stocked in the fall also support trout released previously, these waters provide anglers ample opportunities to catch a bigger fish.

The Division of Fish and Wildlife will be stocking waters spread throughout all regions of the state with rainbow trout to provide convenient access for all to enjoy the sport.

Waters stocked during the first week of the two-week fall stocking program are the 16 large streams and rivers in northern and coastal areas, including the Big Flatbrook, Pequest River, South Branch Raritan River, Musconetcong River, Manasquan River, and Toms River. During the second week, 15 ponds and lakes in the central and southern portions of the state will be stocked.

All fall-stocked waters may be fished as soon as they are stocked; there are no “closed waters” during fall stocking. There is a 9-inch minimum size limit on trout in New Jersey, so anglers must immediately release fish smaller than the minimum size.

Other waters offer fine trout fishing opportunities even though they are not stocked in the fall. The Holdover Trout Lakes, such as Lake Aeroflex in Sussex County’s Kittatinny Valley State Park and Lake Wawayanda in Passaic County’s Wawayanda State Park, provide year-round trout fishing opportunities.

imageThose waters, along with Tilcon Lake in Allamuchy Mountain State Park, are included in the landlocked salmon stocking program, now in its ninth year. All three yield harvestable size salmon (minimum 12 inches).

“Fall trout fishing in New Jersey is exceptional,” Division of Fish and Wildlife Director David Chanda said. “I encourage anyone who has not given the fall trout season a try to come out this year and see what it’s all about.”

The complete list of fall-stocked waters and the stocking schedule is available at http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/flstk15.htm  or through the Trout Stocking Hotline at (609) 633-6765. 

Anglers may also download the stocking schedule right to their cell phones by simply scanning the QR Code that appears in the Freshwater Digest or on the Division's trout stocking signs posted along trout stocked waters. Updates to the fall stocking program will be posted as necessary.

A wealth of information about trout fishing in New Jersey, including regulations, fishing access points and trout fishing facts can be found at: //www.njfishandwildlife.com/trtinfo.htm

Anyone age 16 or older must obtain a fishing license and trout stamp to fish for trout. Children under 16 and New Jersey residents 70 years and older may fish for free. Licenses and stamps may be obtained through license agents statewide, found at www.njfishandwildlife.com/agentlst.htm

They can also be purchased online at www.nj.wildlifelicense.com

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Last Updated: October 7, 2015