New Signs at Trout-Stocked Waterbodies

New Jersey offers some of the best trout fishing opportunities you will find in the northeast – and its not just a spring thing anymore. Stocking programs in spring and fall provide for excellent year-round trout fishing opportunities in the Garden State.

Be on the lookout for brand‑new “Trout Stocked Water” signs at stocked waterbodies across New Jersey this year. These updated, durable signs replace the older version and make it easier than ever for anglers to get the information they need on the water.

Each sign features a QR code that connects you to:
The Trout Stocking Schedule
Additional trout fishing resources
Our new, easy‑to‑use, map‑based Fishing Regulations App, which provides location‑specific regulations for every freshwater waterbody in New Jersey. Simply select the waterbody where you plan to fish, and a pop‑up will display location-specific regulations, including special waterbody regulations and species harvest regulations.

• Fall Trout Fishing
• Fishing Access to Trout Stocked Waters by County
• Fishing Access to Trout Stocked Waters by Name
• Freshwater Fisheries Forums
• Landlocked Salmon
• Spring Trout Fishing
• Summer Trout Fishing
• 2026 Trout Regulations PDF

Stocking Landlocked Atlantic Salmon in New Jersey

 

NJDEP Fish & Wildlife’s Hackettstown State Fish Hatchery staff have been stocking landlocked Atlantic Salmon this fall. With the cooler weather, water temperatures dropped into the low 50s, allowing staff to safely stock the fish. 

Landlocked Atlantic Salmon are a freshwater form of Atlantic Salmon that do not migrate to the ocean. In New Jersey, they are actively stocked in select lakes each fall and are thriving as a recreational fishery.

The salmon averaged 14 inches and ranged from 11.7–16 inches, with some reaching 24 inches and 6 pounds.

Stocking occurs when surface temperatures drop below 60°F, typically in October–November. Each year’s salmon is marked with a distinctive fin clip to track age and health over time.

Following the stocking, staff were able to split next year’s fish into two tanks to allow room for growth.

The following waterbodies were stocked with Landlocked Salmon. These lakes are deep, cold, and well-oxygenated, with Alewife forage fish to support salmon year-round.

Tilcon Lake – 440

Lake Aeroflex – 505

Wawayanda Lake – 1,275

Merrill Creek Reservoir – 720

Holdover Trout Lakes (Tilcon, Aeroflex, Wawayanda)

Salmo salar sebago, is a freshwater variant of Atlantic Salmon. Native to eastern Canada and Maine; they were introduced successfully to New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, and other northeastern states. Unlike their ocean-migrating cousins, landlocked salmon live entirely in freshwater lakes and reservoirs.

For anglers, the minimum size: 12 inches.
Daily limit: 2 salmon per day
Spring pre-season closure: All salmon must be released unharmed.
Trophy Trout Lake (Merrill Creek Reservoir): Minimum size: 15 inches. Combined daily limit: 2 fish (includes salmon, rainbow, and brown trout

All salmon stocked from 2022-2025 have a distinct fin clip marking the year they were stocked. This will help Fisheries Biologists assess the growth rates and condition factors of these fish during sampling. 

Freshwater Fish of New Jersey

Wondering what kind of freshwater fish you might encounter while fishing in New Jersey? The list is quite extensive and filled with familiar and unfamiliar species.

Just looking at catfish, for one example, we find several species that many people would just call simply "catfish."

The most popular catfish among anglers is the Channel Catfish. This species is stocked throughout the state, from large lakes and rivers to small park ponds.

Channel Catfish

The Flathead Catfish is an unwanted invasive species. Some surpassing 20 pounds have been captured from NJ waters. Biologists have concerns for their negative impacts on recreationally important species and fish assemblages in general.

The White Catfish is NJ’s largest native catfish and is found throughout the state, but may be declining.  It is commonly caught by anglers alongside of Channel Catfish. In comparison, White Catfish have a broader head, longer anal fin, and a more deeply-forked tail.

The Brown Bullhead is commonly caught by anglers and found in most ponds, lakes, most streams and rivers that do not have a high gradient. The Yellow Bullhead is similar to the Brown Bullhead, and is another catfish that is widely distributed in NJ, including the Pinelands.

Brown bullhead. Ictalurus nebulous.(NOAA image)

A rarity is the Tadpole Madtom, which is not a tadpole in the froggy sense. Similar to the Margined Madtom, it has venom glands that can be quite painful.  This species is NJ’s smallest catfish and is primarily limited to the Pinelands.  It can be collected and used as bait.

See a list of all of NJ's freshwater fish at

dep.nj.gov/njfw/fishing/freshwater/freshwater-fish-of-new-jersey/

Imperiled Freshwater Fish Species

Some information from a formal review process led by Fish and Wildlife’s Endangered and Nongame Species Program that was conducted in 2014 and 2015 to determine the status of our native freshwater fishes.  The procedure is known as the Delphi Technique.  

It is a systematic method for reaching consensus among experts in which absolute, quantitative answers are either unknown or unattainable.  It is an iterative process characterized by anonymity among the participating experts, controlled feedback via the principal investigator, and a statistical estimator of group opinion.  By structuring the group communication process, the Delphi Technique helps the group reach a consensus of opinion by incorporating all available data and disseminating those data among all participants.  

NJFW created species distribution maps using GIS, based on data collected from 2000 through 2012.  In addition to data collected by the Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries Research and Management Unit, data were supplied by the Department’s Bureau of Freshwater and Biological Monitoring, the Pinelands Commission, and United States Geological Survey.  Results informed the update of the New Jersey’s State Wildlife Action Plan.

The following recommendations were made by the Committee:

1. Endangered (Candidate):   Bridle Shiner, Ironcolor Shiner
2. Threatened (Candidate): Slimy Sculpin
3. Special Concern (Candidate): American Brook Lamprey, Comely Shiner, Northern Hog Sucker, Blackbanded Sunfish, Mud Sunfish, Shield Darter, Brook Trout

Read the full report at dep.nj.gov/njfw/wp-content/uploads/njfw/FINAL-fish_status_rprt.pdf 

brook trout

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

NJ Freshwater Fishing Licenses

 

New Jersey has two free fishing days each year, in the spring and fall, when residents can fish in public waters without a license or trout stamp:
June 1, 2024: This day coincides with National Fishing and Boating Week
October 19, 2024: This day takes advantage of fall trout stocking

Did you enjoy fishing on Free Fishing Day? To continue making those memories, purchase your 2024 NJ Freshwater Fishing License today and experience the many freshwater fishing opportunities that New Jersey has to offer, from small ponds to major rivers, from panfish to trophy muskellunge.

Find out where there are places to fish in NJ.

NOTE: Youngsters under the age of 16 and oldsters 70 or older don’t need a license.
New Jersey doesn't require a license to fish in saltwater, but you must register with the New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry Program (NJSRRP) annually if you're 16 or older or are a for-hire vessel. Registration is free and can be done online.

You can purchase a license online at https://nj.aspirafocus.com/internetsales/

April Trout Fishing Programs at Pequest

 

As you wait for trout stocking to end and the season opens, why not brush up on your trout fishing knowledge and technique by attending a Pequest Education Program?

April 1, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Intro to NJ Trout Fishing (seminar)

April 2, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Fly Casting Basics (workshop)

April 3, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Intro to NJ Trout Fishing (seminar)

April 8, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Senior Fishing Rodeo 

Info and registration

Free Freshwater Fishing Day Saturday October 21

NJDEP Fish & Wildlife has two Free Fishing Days each year. The first was held on June 3 and the second Free Fishing Day will occur after fall trout stocking on October 21, 2023.

On these two days, only residents may fish New Jersey’s public fresh waters without a license or trout stamp. All other regulations, including size and daily catch limits, remain in effect.

It is a great day to get parents and grandparents out with kids to try fishing without needing licenses.

A valid New Jersey fishing license is required for residents at least 16 years and less than 70 years of age (plus all non-residents 16 years and older) to fish the fresh waters of New Jersey, including privately owned waters. Resident anglers age 70 and over do not require a fishing license or Trout Stamp. (license information)

Experience freshwater fishing at its finest, with destinations ranging from the Delaware River and native trout streams to urban ponds and hidden lakes off the beaten path.

For more information, please visit Free Fishing Days at New Jersey Fish & Wildlife

Jersey Trout

I did a survey for NJFW at a local lake on the opening day of trout season. I was recording how many people were fishing and what they caught (if anything). But a good number of people fishing looked a bit panicked when I came up to them. Some immediately showed me their fishing license and trout stamp, but a good number were fearful because they didn't have that license. Enforcement was not my goal or in my purview but I did remind everyone to "Display your license - it’s the law!"

Hunting and fishing licenses must be visibly displayed in a holder in a conspicuous place on your outer clothing when hunting, fishing or trapping, and you must carry a printed copy of permits with you while in the field. Using a digital display on a smartphone is not an acceptable way to exhibit your license in New Jersey. You can purchase your license online at https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/licenses-and-permits/ 

Now, on to the topic of trout.

The outbreak of Furunculosis led to modifications in the 2014 trout stocking program to ensure the conservation of the state's trout fishery. Rainbow trout are the only species stocked since 2013. That doesn't mean you won't find some brown or brook trout in some locations that have survived and bred on their own, but in many stocked waters it is only rainbows. Many people asked me about brown and brook trout.

New Jersey has two Trophy Trout Lakes. Round Valley and Merrill Creek Reservoirs both support big rainbow trout, brown trout, and lake trout.

Catch rate studies show brown trout to be 5 to 6 times more difficult to catch than rainbow trout in areas with similarly sized populations of each. Brook trout were introduced from Europe in the 1800s and are now are native in some places. They are New York State's official state fish. Brook trout generally live in small-to-moderate-sized streams, lakes, and ponds, wherever cool (below 72 degrees Fahrenheit) water is available. They tend to prefer colder water than rainbow and brown trout, and they are often found in the headwaters of streams.

Depending on the size of the body of water and available forage, brook trout can average between 6 inches to 25 inches as adults. In many native streams, "brookies" barely reach 7 inches. The name "brook" might suggest a small size, as in a smaller river, but they are known to be great tasting and hard fighting,

NJ Fish and Wildlife’s stocking programs go well beyond rainbow trout and include Walleyes, Hybrid Striped Bass, Channel Catfish, Muskellunge, Northern Pike, and Lake Trout.

For more information on freshwater fish stocked in NJ: dep.nj.gov/njfw/fishing/freshwater/stocking/

2023 Trout Season Opens Saturday April 8

 

Rainbow Trout by Lisac Mark, USFWS on Pixnio

April 8 at 8:00 a.m. will be the opening of the New Jersey 2023 trout season.

Trout Fishing Information dep.nj.gov/...digest-freshwater-fishing-2023-segment-16-21.pdf

Trout Stocked Waters in NJ dep.nj.gov/...spring-trout-allocations-2023.pdf

NJ Trout-Stocked Waters Closed to Trout Fishing Before Trout Season

Most of NJ's trout-stocked waters will be closed to trout fishing from march 20-April 8, 2023.

NJ Fish & Wildlife continues its normal stocking schedule with three weeks of pre-season stocking and seven weeks of the in-season stocking with in-season closures in effect. Trout-stocked waters will not be open to catch-and-release during the pre-season this year.

2023 spring trout season will be as follows:

Up to March 19: Waters open to fishing, with a 4 trout daily limit and a 9" size minimum

March 20 - April 8 at 8:00 a.m.: Waters closed to trout fishing (* See Exceptions below)

April 8 at 8:00 a.m.: Opening day of trout season!

Information at dep.nj.gov/njfw/fishing/freshwater/spring-trout-fishing-information/

*Exceptions: Lake Hopatcong, Mountain Lake, Lake Shenandoah, Lawrence Brook (section from Davidson's Mill Rd. to Farrington Lake dam), Prospertown Lake, and Swartswood Lake are open year-round to fishing. However, all trout caught during this period (above) must be released immediately. Seasonal and Year-round Trout Conservation Areas and designated Holdover Trout Lakes (see pages 19-21 in the Trout Regulations) are also open to fishing but are catch-and-release only for trout. Fishing is not permitted in Seasonal Trout Conservation Areas from 12:01 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. on April 8, 2023. Round Valley and Merrill Creek Reservoirs (Trophy Trout Lakes) are open to year-round fishing; trout may be harvested within the regulations as shown on page 21 in the Trout Regulations.

Trout Season Is Open - But Different

Though all of us are sheltering at home, trout season in NJ is open. Due to an accelerated stocking schedule, most waters have already been generously stocked with their full allotment of trout. All regulations remain in effect except there will be NO IN-SEASON CLOSURES this spring on the 14 major streams where they normally would be in effect. Wildlife Management Areas remain open except for the Round Valley boat ramp. 

Help keep WMAs and other areas open by observing proper social distancing. Although state and county parks have closed, there are nearly 125 other trout-stocked waters open to the public for fishing. The Division has reserved trout at the Pequest hatchery in anticipation of being able to resume stocking towards the end of May, depending on the status of COVID-19, stream temps and public access.

Please keep your e-mail address and other information in the license database up-to-date (select Edit Customer Profile) so we can keep you informed of specific conditions affecting your hunting and fishing activities.

Trout Season Updates

2019 Freshwater Fishing Digest Now Available

The 2019 Freshwater Fishing Digest is available on the DFW website in PDF and on the publisher's site in an interactive format. It will arrive in stores early next week.

The Digest includes articles on popular waters you may not have fished, fisheries project highlights, and kayak bass fishing in addition to regulations.

2019 Freshwater Digest

Interactive Publisher's Version