NJ Trout Season Opens Saturday, April 7

[The Broken One]

The most anticipated day on the New Jersey fishing calendar is the opening day of trout season, which falls on April 7 this year. More than 180,000 trout have been stocked for opening day anglers, including thousands of breeders that measure 17 to 24 inches and weigh 3 to 8 pounds.

During April and May, nearly 600,000 trout, including more than 5,000 breeders, will be stocked in nearly 200 streams, ponds and lakes throughout New Jersey. Nine ponds and small lakes will each get a special allocation of 30 to 50 breeder trout providing great opportunities for many anglers to catch that trout of a lifetime. This year's Bonus Broodstock Ponds and Lakes are listed at http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/bonus_brdstk12.htm.

The entire spring trout season stocking schedule can be viewed at http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/trtinfo_spring.htm. Weekly in-season stocking information is also available by calling the Trout Stocking Hotline, (609) 633-6765.

There's a reason the number of New Jersey trout anglers has increased more than 20 percent during the past six years. It's because trout fishing has never been better in the Garden State, and we're working to keep it that way in 2012. Don't miss out this year; join the growing group of anglers who know the value and quality of New Jersey trout fishing.

In just minutes, you can be on your way to enjoying some time in the outdoors while experiencing the thrill of trout fishing in New Jersey. Simply visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com to buy and print your fishing license and trout stamp online. Licenses and trout stamps can also be purchased at nearly 200 license agent locations throughout the state listed at http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/agentlst.htm. License buyers have the satisfaction of knowing 100 percent of their money goes toward improving fishing in New Jersey and protecting the quality of the state's waters both for fish and people.

 

[IrishAyes]

 

[Scott G.]

 

[DJ76]

trout fishing can be fun, but what I don't understand is all the fisherman that crowd on top of one another on opening day.  I love to drive by the clinton waterfall by the old mill and see all the fisherman...how can they even cast? I could literally walk across their heads and never touch the water crossing from one bank to the other.  i just don't see how thats enjoyable.

[IKAT]

trout fishing can be fun, but what I don't understand is all the fisherman that crowd on top of one another on opening day.  I love to drive by the clinton waterfall by the old mill and see all the fisherman...how can they even cast? I could literally walk across their heads and never touch the water crossing from one bank to the other.  i just don't see how thats enjoyable.

Well D--As you and I have never met -but shared some good conversations--And you know my age.

I think the opening day of Trout season in Nj is more Tradition then anything. I don't think it matters to anyone as to just being there with the people that go-and I know some that only go that day.

In my eyes I have never in my 50 years of trout fishing in streams-private spots-etc. in Nj have ever had a bad day--Now that is with being shoulder to shoulder and Tons of tangled lines and the words -"is that yours or mine".

As I recall it didn't matter if we caught the fish or got limits-we just had fun being there-in rain snow and whatever.

I guess I am only posting this because of the way some people view the bay or ocean fishing where they think a body of water is theres.

If you go have fun with your son as I know you do--and even if you just watch It's always a great day.

PS the Dam at the Paulinskill is great.

[Andys Delight]

I love seeing all the guys packing it in at the Raritan near 202 and route 22 by Milltown Rd.  Trout fishing has never been my cup of tea, nor has freshwater fishing in general to be honest, but I definitely understand the excitement.

[Kenny]

My 8 year old son is stoked....Dad's gona get the licence and get him into some north Jersey trout this year.......then a Monger trip or two to pop his salt water cherry....can't wait...gona be a fun 2012

[DJ76]

If you go have fun with your son as I know you do--and even if you just watch It's always a great day.

I do go to watch Den and like you said its pretty neat to see, especially a fly fisherman who really knows what he is doing, it takes skill to work a fly properly.  I see your point about going with friends, guess its no different than throwing three of us in my tiny boat!!!!