Jersey Lakes Stocked For Start Of Trout Fishing Season

Jojo Doria - AHN Sports Contributor

Trenton, NJ, United States (AHN) - The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife is currently stocking lakes and streams with trout in advance for the trout season slated to begin April 22.

According to the state division, the stocking process commenced on March 22 with fish from the Pequest Trout Hatchery.

Nearly 600,000 young fish, which include catchable-sized brook, brown & rainbow trouts, are supplied to 89 streams and 90 ponds and lakes statewide.

They will join the previous stockings of about 26,000 two- and five-pound bruisers still in the water.

The Pequest Trout Hatchery, constructed in 1980, is raising and stocking about 700,000 trout each year.

Spring stacking starts about three weeks prior to the season opener in April.

It continues for another seven weeks after the opening day.

Participation in trout fishing has increased by more than 21 percent during the past five years, according to Fish and Wildlife officials.

The economic crunch may have contributed in the rise of enthusiasts in the sport, considered as inexpensive by those who adhere to traditional baits and lures