According to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife (Division), due to an accelerated stocking schedule in 2020, most New Jersey waters have already been generously stocked with their full allotment of trout as of mid-April. As such, 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.
Following the governor’s closure of state and county parks, the Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) have remained open during the COVID-19 crisis except for the Round Valley boat ramp. The Division is encouraging anglers to 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.
