A major trout stocking effort is underway across New Jersey, opening lakes immediately to anglers while rivers remain closed until April.
Trenton, NJ – New Jersey Fish & Wildlife announced a spring stocking of 20,000 brown trout across multiple lakes and ponds, part of a partnership with the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission aimed at boosting fishing opportunities statewide. The first wave of stocking took place Friday, with additional releases scheduled in the coming weeks.
The stocked lakes and ponds are now open to fishing, marking an early start for anglers ahead of the traditional trout season opener. Officials said the effort is part of a broader initiative to expand access while maintaining conservation measures during the preseason period.
Among the waterbodies stocked Friday are Round Valley Reservoir, Amwell Lake, Rosedale Lake, Crystal Lake, Sylvan Lake, and Greenwich Lake, along with several smaller ponds across the state.
Lakes open now as rivers remain closed until April
While lakes and ponds are immediately open, rivers and streams remain closed to fishing during the preseason stocking period, which runs through the morning of April 11. On that date, trout season officially opens statewide at 8 a.m., with expanded access to moving waters.
Key Points
- NJ Fish & Wildlife stocked 20,000 brown trout in lakes and ponds statewide
- Stocked lakes are open now, while rivers remain closed until April 11 at 8 a.m.
- Daily trout limit is 2 fish until opening day, increasing to 6 afterward
Brown trout will also be stocked in Diamond Mill Pond on March 27, expanding the program further before opening day.
Beginning April 11, trout will be available in several rivers, including the Manasquan River, Toms River, Rahway River, Rockaway River, Musconetcong River, and the Raritan River system.
“All trout stocked lakes and ponds will remain open year-round to fishing and are no longer closed during the preseason stocking period,” New Jersey Fish & Wildlife stated. “There is a 2 trout daily possession limit until opening day (April 11 at 8 a.m.), when the limit increases to 6 trout per day.”
Officials also reminded anglers that “rivers and streams are CLOSED to fishing during the preseason stocking period, March 23 – April 11 at 8 a.m.”
The agency said the changes are designed to balance recreational access with fishery management as stocking efforts continue across the state.