N.J. Trout Fishing Season Begins Today

Anglers will converge along parts of the Delaware & Raritan Canal in town this morning as the state’s spring trout fishing season officially began at 8 a.m.

The state Division of Fish and Wildlife has spent the last couple weeks stocking 178 streams, lakes and ponds throughout New Jersey with more than 180,000 trout. It is estimated that 100,000 people will go fishing on Saturday in the state.

"Opening day of the trout season is truly a remarkable event, one that connects families and friends in a cherished tradition of spring," said state Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin. "The Christie Administration understands just how important this tradition is to the many thousands of New Jersey residents and visitors who cast their lines for these prized fish, and the importance of protecting the environment around trout waters to ensure the continued high quality of water that is needed to support these fish."

Martin noted that the Division of Fish and Wildlife will continue stocking trout over the next few months until a total of almost 600,000 fish have been placed in 88 streams and 90 ponds and lakes around the state. These will include about 6,000 “big” trout – 3- to 8-pounders – that will join larger trout released last fall and winter that eluded capture.

Click here for a detailed listing of trout fishing locations in the state.

According to the state’s 2011 spring trout allotment guide, Colonial Lake in Lawrence Township will be stocked with a total of 1,210 trout through April, while the Delaware & Raritan Canal – which stretches from Bordentown to New Brunswick – will be stocked with a total of 5,980 trout up through May.

Weekly in-season trout stocking information is also available by calling the Trout Stocking Hotline at (609) 633-6765.

"Trout fishing has truly never been better in New Jersey,'' said Division of Fish and Wildlife Director Dave Chanda. "The fact that trout stamp sales have increased nearly 20 percent since 2005  and that sales to out-of-state residents are increasing tell us clearly that the  word is spreading about the quality of the trout we stock and the wonderful experiences people are having fishing New Jersey's fabulous trout waters.''

Fishing for trout in New Jersey requires a fishing license and trout stamp for anglers between the ages of 16 and 70. Anglers under age 16 and those 70 years of age and older do not need a fishing license or trout stamp.

A fishing license and trout stamp can be purchased online and printed out at home, or can be purchased directly at one of more than 200 licensed agent locations throughout the state.

Click here for more information on New Jersey’s 2011 spring trout fishing season.