On Saturday, April 5, tens of thousands of anglers will wake by the crack of dawn and head out to their favorite trout water. More than 181,000 trout from the Pequest Trout Hatchery have been stocked in nearly 200 ponds, lakes, and streams statewide. This pre-season stocking of trout, which occurs over a three-week period has gone according to plan, and by Saturday all waters will have been stocked with their allotted number of trout.
If you haven't already bought a fishing license and checked over your equipment, now is the time. Morning showers are in the forecast so be sure to pack rain gear along with your fishing tackle. Rain seldom affects conditions in ponds and lakes, but it's a good idea to have some alternate locations in mind if you fish the big rivers in case the water is high and turbid. The nine Bonus Broodstock ponds and lakes are always good bets, and these big fish like to strike shiny, artificial lures such as spinners and spoons.
Trout stocking will continue throughout the seven weeks following opening day. Nearly 390,000 more trout will be stocked during this period, so there's plenty of opportunities to catch freshly stocked trout after this weekend. The full stocking schedule is available online and also through the Trout Hotline: 609-633-6765. Visit
http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/trtinfo_spr08.htm for the schedule and additional information about the spring trout season.
Fishing is fun and a wonderful way to reconnect with family and friends. So go out there and have a great time fishing this weekend!
