NEW JERSEY’S TROUT OPENER ON APRIL 11 - The Fisherman

NEW JERSEY’S TROUT OPENER ON APRIL 11

Because of the Coronavirus outbreak, pre-season trout stocking originally scheduled to begin on March 23 in New Jersey was moved up a week.  However, as of March 23, most trout stocked waters in the Garden State are officially closed to angling until the opener on April 11.  Exceptions include Lakes Hopatcong, Mountain, Prospertown, Shenandoah, Swartswood, and the section of Lawrence Brook (Davidsons Mill Rd.) as well as Trout Conservation Areas, and Catch & Release Areas are open to fishing during the pre-season closure (March 23-April 10), however, all trout caught must be immediately released.  Trophy and Holdover Trout Lakes are open to fishing year round with special regulations on trout.

Remember a fishing license and trout stamp is required to fish for trout for resident anglers age 16 through 69, and for nonresidents 16 and older. Licenses and stamps can be purchased and printed online or obtained through one of the many license agents throughout the state.

  • Resident Fishing (Ages 16-64 yrs.) – $22.50
  • Sr. Resident Fishing (Ages 65-69 yrs.) – $12.50
  • Resident Trout Stamp – $10.50
  • Non-Resident Fishing (Ages 16 and up) – $34.00
  • Non-Resident Trout Stamp – $20.00
  • 7-Day Vacation Fishing (nonresidents only) – $19.50
  • 2-Day Vacation Fishing (nonresidents only) – $9.00

Saltwater anglers, don’t forget to register!  While there’s no fee to fish in New Jersey marine waters, registration allows for improvement of the recreational data collection efforts at the state and federal level – it’s also the law!  Before you drop a line in New Jersey’s bays, rivers or oceans this season, go to saltwaterregistry.nj.gov.

Related