MOUNT OLIVE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — A Northern pike netting and egg production effort at Budd Lake has yielded strong results this season, with more than 900,000 eggs produced, according to Mount Olive Township officials.
The operation, conducted in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Fish and Wildlife and the Hackettstown State Fish Hatchery, resulted in the collection of 150 Northern pike, including 92 males and 58 females. The total marks a significant increase from last year’s catch of 99 fish.
Officials said 26 female pike were successfully spawned during the effort, producing more than 900,000 eggs. The eggs are expected to hatch at the Hackettstown State Fish Hatchery and will later be stocked in waterways across New Jersey.
The annual initiative supports recreational fishing opportunities and helps maintain ecological balance in the state’s waters.
Township officials praised the continued collaboration with NJDEP Fish and Wildlife, noting that joint efforts are essential to sustaining healthy fisheries.
Budd Lake remains an important natural resource in Mount Olive, with officials expressing optimism about continuing fisheries management efforts in the future.
