Taking stock for trout season ~ LAWOK LEPAS

Starting this past Monday (March 21st), trucks from the state’s Pequest Trout Hatchery have been crisscrossing the state, their tanks loaded with trout. Their mission - to stock the state’s lakes and streams in preparation for April 9th’s opening day.

Approximately 600,000 trout averaging about 10 ½ inches are scheduled to be stocked by year’s end, with the bulk of that number to be distributed by opening day and the 7 weeks following it. The state will also be stocking approximately 6,000 surplus breeder trout weighing in the 2-5 lb range in select waters throughout the state.

Unfortunately for Essex County anglers the nearest water to receive the lunker trout is Woodcliff Lake in North Bergen, where 50 of the monsters are slated to be released. On the positive side for locals, several thousand standard size “production trout” will be released in Essex County waters in the coming weeks.

Among the area waters receiving trout are Newark’s Branch Brook Lake and Weequahic Park Lake, Clark’s Pond in Bloomfield, Diamond Mill Pond in Millburn, Grover Cleveland Park in Caldwell, Lake Vincent in West Orange, Orange Pond in Orange and Verona Park Lake in Verona.

Newly stocked trout are often willing biters, as they’ve yet to develop the legendary shyness of their wild brethren, so fishing in the days immediately following a stocking can be especially productive. Check NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife’s website for the stocking schedule.

Freshly stocked trout will hit a variety of baits. Live baits such as mealworms, small shiners, small garden worms, crickets or half a night crawler fished on a #8 - #12 hook can be productive. Dough balls, marshmallow pieces and salmon eggs are also popular trout bait among anglers. For those who prefer artificial baits, casting a small spinner or a 1” Rapala can be effective. For the trout fishing purists a fly rod with a streamer, dry fly or nymph tied on is the only way to fish.

Of course, anybody over 15 and under 70 will need a NJ fishing license and a trout stamp before they can hit the water. There are some exceptions for NJ National Guard members, active duty military personnel and blind anglers. See the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s website for details. Licenses can be purchased at most sporting goods stores, or for those who enjoy the convenience of shopping from home, they are available online.