HARMONY TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Warren County) — Merrill Creek Reservoir is asking anglers to assist with a fisheries study being conducted in partnership with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.
The study, which began this month, focuses on three Salmonidae species in the reservoir: Atlantic landlocked salmon, lake trout and rainbow trout.
Officials are asking anglers who catch any of the three species to report the fish to an on-duty boat ramp attendant at the Merrill Creek Reservoir boat launch. Boat ramp attendants will record the fish’s weight and length using equipment available at the reservoir’s boat house.
Anglers who catch and release fish are also being asked to report the estimated weight, length and species upon returning to the boat launch.
According to reservoir officials, optional stomach content collection may take place later this summer for harvested fish. The procedure would only be conducted with the permission of the angler, and samples would be collected by a boat ramp attendant.
Officials said the study is intended to provide information on angler success and harvest rates, prey usage and the overall health and population dynamics of salmon and trout species in the reservoir.
The reservoir also is asking anglers who catch Atlantic salmon to check for fin clips, which are used by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife to identify the year a fish was stocked. Officials said the information helps determine the age of the fish and supports fisheries management and research efforts.
A chart explaining salmon fin clip markings will be posted at the kiosk next to the Merrill Creek Reservoir boat house in the boat ramp parking lot.
