Sunday, October 13, 2024

Lack of Rain Delays Fall Trout Stocking

 


Due to low flow conditions in many of New Jersey's trout-stocked rivers and streams and the long-term forecast not predicting any substantial rainfall soon, NJDEP Fish & Wildlife has delayed Fall Trout Stocking.  

Lakes and ponds scheduled for October 15 and 16 will be stocked as previously scheduled as water level/temperature will not be an issue.  Rivers scheduled for October 8-11 will be postponed 2 weeks to the week of October 21.

Beginning October 15, NJDEP Fish & Wildlife will stock approximately 20,000 two-year-old Rainbow Trout, averaging 14-16 inches over a two-week period.

In addition to these trout, up to 1,000 Broodstock trout (three-year old Rainbow Trout, averaging 18-22 inches) will also be stocked. Broodstock trout are mixed in with each truckload of fish to provide exciting fishing opportunities throughout the state.

All fall-stocked waters may be fished as soon as they are stocked.  There are no “closed waters” during fall stocking.

Complete 2024 Fall Trout Stocking Schedule

Fall Trout Fishing in NJ

2024 Freshwater Fishing Digest

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

The New Jersey Fall Foliage Updates


Autumn at Duke Farms, Hillsborough

Although New England gets more attention, New Jersey offers plenty of locations for great autumn colors. This past weekend, travelers throughout the Garden State could see early changes in foliage. After a dry month, the needed rain will knock down some leaves but it should be minimal.

Some areas of NJ, including Long Pond Ironworks State Park in Passaic County and the Wharton State Forest are already at mid-peak conditions. 

The NJ Forest Service's Facebook page at facebook.com/NewJerseyForests posts a weekly foliage update on Fridays.

Take in the striking foliage at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (Skylands Region), where you can hike part of the iconic Appalachian Trail. At High Point State Park in Sussex (Skylands Region), trek to the summit of the Kittatinny Ridge for sweeping views of the Poconos, Catskills and the Wallkill River Valley. Allamuchy Mountain State Park in Stanhope (Skylands Region) offers several waterways, so you can enjoy the reflections of dazzling fall colors in their glassy surfaces.



Sunday, September 29, 2024

Earth's Largest Living Animal Visits the Jersey Shore

My post title almost sounds like something from a sci-fi horror film, but it is true and quite wonderful.

On Sept. 12, a blue whale surfaced in the Atlantic Ocean about 50 to 60 miles off the coast of Cape May, New Jersey. This endangered species is the world's largest animal and isn't often spotted in that part of the Atlantic Ocean. 


Example of a blue whale - NOAA Photo

Blue whales can be found in every ocean in the world, but they're most populous in the Southern Hemisphere. In the Atlantic Ocean, they're most often spotted in waters east of Canada, including the Gulf of St. Lawrence. In the North Atlantic, blue whales can measure up to 90 feet long and sometimes weigh more than 100,000 pounds. Antarctic blue whales can grow even larger, reaching 110 feet in length and weighing up to 330,000 pounds, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 

Blue whales are listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act and like other endangered species are protected in the waters off NJ. The World Wildlife Fund estimates only 10,000 to 25,000 blue whales remain in the world, down from as many as 250,000 before whaling decimated their populations. They were the industry's most sought after whale species due to their size and economic yields for blubber oil and food. The species remains threatened by ship strikes, fishing gear, exposure to toxins and environmental change. 

Whale watchers off the coast of Cape May with Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center got a rare glimpse during a wildlife research trip. NOAA previously recorded three blue whale sightings near Montauk Point, New York in 2008, and this sighting illustrates the incredible ecosystem off our coast.

The center shared photos  on their Facebook page showing the blue whale in the water, in addition to other wildlife spotted during the trip. 

An NOAA spokesperson confirmed to the Asbury Park Press that the creature seen off the coast of Cape May was a blue whale. They can be distinguished by a small dorsal fin on the lower part of their bodies and the aquamarine appearance of their skin underwater. Laurino said the whale was in an area about 200 feet deep. It was alone and retreated underwater after it had surfaced for about 15 minutes. Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center has conducted ecological tours of the Atlantic Ocean since 1987. The American Star is usually out on the water about 200 days per year. The researchers often spot a wide variety of wildlife — from dolphin and whale species to manta rays, sea turtles and birds — but the people aboard the boat earlier this month witnessed a first. 

Monday, September 23, 2024

Rutting Season

 

Deer rutting season in New Jersey typically begins in late October and can extend into November, but I have already seen news reports warning us that the season is upon us and that may find deer to be more active and male deer more aggressive. The exact timing can vary slightly depending on weather conditions and other environmental factors.

The term "rutting" is used to describe the mating season of deer and moose. For moose in northern areas, the Full Moon this week is often considered the start of the season. Rutting Moon was a name used by the Cree of Ontario because it's when moose start scraping the velvet from their antlers before mating season. 

The origin of the word "rut" is pretty interesting. It comes from the Old English "rot," which means "to copulate." During the rut, male deer and moose become territorial and engage in battles with other males to establish dominance and access to females. This behavior is often accompanied by loud vocalizations, such as bugling or grunting, and physical displays of strength.

So be especially careful when driving at sunrise and sunset in wooded area. Actually, for much of New Jersey (like my suburban area), you don't have to be driving in a wooded area and it can be any time of day that you may encounter deer on the road!