Trout Season Opening Day April 7

Opening day of trout season in NJ is next Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 8 a.m.

During the three weeks prior to opening day, all ponds, lakes or sections of streams are stocked
with trout, and almost all of these waters are closed to fishing for all species until opening day. This allows the fish to acclimatize to the new locations.

To fish in NJ for trout or salmon, a valid New Jersey fishing license and trout stamp are both required for residents at least 16 years and less than 70 years of age plus all non-residents 16 years and older.

The regulations for trout fishing in NJ can be confusing to new anglers, so you should check that information online at http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/pdf/2018/trtregs18.pdf  New regulations are noted in red there.

For example, all Brook Trout caught within the “Brook Trout Conservation Zone” (mostly in northwestern NJ) must be immediately released unharmed. The Conservation Zone includes
all waters west of I-287 and north of Rt 202, extending to, but not including the Delaware
River.

After opening day, which can be quite crowded at the edge of popular spots, trout-stocked waters are open to fishing, including the days they are stocked, unless specifically listed with in-season
closures. In-season closures also apply to designated Seasonal Trout Conservation Areas.

Only one daily creel limit of trout may be in your possession. Once the creel limit is reached, an angler may continue to fish provided any additional trout caught are immediately returned to the
water unharmed.

When fishing from the shoreline, no more than three fishing rods, hand lines or combination
thereof may be used.

Separate stringers or buckets must be used for each angler’s catch. Containers in boats may hold only the combined daily creel limit for each legal angler on board.