Fish on! N.J. trout season begins this weekend

A broodstock trout.  (NJDEP photo)

A broodstock trout. (NJDEP photo)

Get your poles and tackle ready.

Nearly 200,000 freshly stocked rainbow trout will be ready to bite hooks when trout season opens this Saturday.

State officials expect more than 100,000 anglers to take part when the season officially opens at 8 a.m.

The day will be marked by a ceremonial first casting of lines by military veterans at the Pequest Trout Hatchery in Oxford, Warren County. Officials expect 100 veterans to attend.

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“New Jersey can take pride in offering some of the finest trout fishing found on the East Coast,” Acting Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe said. “Trout season offers anglers a chance to relax and spend quality time in the outdoors. We strongly encourage newcomers to try their hand at trout fishing and discover a rewarding way to enjoy the splendid scenery of early spring.”

By late May, 570,000 hatchery-raised trout will be released in 173 streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds. There are numerous fishing opportunities at the Jersey Shore (click here).

Select lakes will also receive additional huge trout as part of the “Bonus Broodstock Lakes” program. 10 trout-stocked ponds and small lakes located throughout the state will each receive 30 to 50 broodstock fish, providing anglers the opportunity to experience the catch of a lifetime.

Fishing licenses and trout stamps are available online and at license agents across the state. For the online license and stamp application, a list of licensed agents, and the in-season stocking schedule, visit here. Click here for the current regulations.

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