NEW JERSEY – The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Fish & Wildlife has announced a delay in the fall trout stocking schedule due to low flow conditions in many trout-stocked rivers and streams.
With the long-term weather forecast not predicting any substantial rainfall over the next 10 days, the agency has made the decision to postpone the stocking of rivers initially scheduled for October 8-11 by two weeks, rescheduling it for the week of October 21.
However, lakes and ponds scheduled for stocking on October 15 and 16 will proceed as planned, as water levels and temperatures in those areas are expected to be suitable for stocking.
“We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause,” NJDEP officials stated.
Beginning October 15, NJDEP Fish & Wildlife will stock approximately 20,000 two-year-old Rainbow Trout, averaging 14-16 inches, over a two-week period. Additionally, up to 1,000 Broodstock trout, which are three-year-old Rainbow Trout averaging 18-22 inches, will be included in each truckload to enhance fishing opportunities across the state.
Anglers can look forward to fishing in all fall-stocked waters as soon as they are stocked, as there are no “closed waters” during the fall stocking period. The NJDEP encourages the public to enjoy the fishing experience and take advantage of the upcoming opportunities.
For the complete 2024 Fall Trout Stocking schedule, click here.
