NEW JERSEY — Trout fishing season will open across New Jersey at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 11, bringing expanded opportunities for anglers, including more stocked waters, additional fish and updated regulations.
State officials said this year’s season includes 19 extra days of fishing on many lakes and ponds, as well as more than 20 additional waterbodies added to the stocking program.
“The additional fish, expanded season, and various regulation enhancements will make the eagerly anticipated spring trout season even more exciting for both novice and experienced anglers,” said Department of Environmental Protection Acting Commissioner Ed Potosnak. “The changes being implemented for spring trout season will improve the overall trout fishing experience while supporting the Sherrill Administration’s mission to deliver simplified and responsive services to the people of New Jersey.”
More than 180,000 rainbow trout and larger broodstock will be stocked for the spring season, along with 20,000 brown trout supplied through a partnership with the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission.
By the end of the spring stocking period, more than 570,000 rainbow trout are expected to be released statewide. Most fish will measure about 10½ inches and weigh roughly half a pound, while thousands of larger broodstock trout — some up to 26 inches — will also be stocked.
“Trout season in New Jersey provides an excellent opportunity to spend quality time outdoors and enjoy some of the best recreational fishing in the country,” said NJDEP Fish & Wildlife Assistant Commissioner Dave Golden. “The thrill of the first catch cannot be understated. We are pleased that the brown trout provided by Pennsylvania will only add to the excitement for all who are looking forward to the spring trout fishing season.”
Officials said the return of brown trout marks the first time in more than a decade the species has been stocked in New Jersey waters, following earlier concerns related to disease at state hatcheries.
Fishing regulations have also been updated. From April 11 through May 31, anglers may keep up to six trout per day with a minimum size of nine inches in most waters. Beginning June 1, the daily limit drops to two trout.
“We are very proud of the regulatory changes we’ve made and can’t wait to hear the response from our anglers, especially the families that get to enjoy 19 more days of angling on our lakes and ponds,” said NJDEP Fish & Wildlife Freshwater Fisheries Bureau Chief Shawn Crouse. “To make these improvements, we have invested more than two years in stakeholder meetings, online surveys, and dialogue with the Fish & Game Council. This was a real group effort – and New Jersey anglers will reap the rewards.”
Pre-season fishing closures for lakes and ponds have been lifted, allowing year-round access to nearly 100 stocked waterbodies, though certain trout streams remain closed during stocking hours.
Anyone age 16 or older must have a valid New Jersey fishing license and trout stamp to fish for trout.
Officials said updated stocking schedules, regulations and fishing locations are available through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Fish & Wildlife website and mobile tools.
