The start of trout season usually begins for me with a “ceremonial” first cast as it does many others with a day at the Pequest Open House which is a two-day celebration of all that is outdoors along with a really interesting Flea Market.
This year it took place on Saturday and Sunday, April 2 and 3 as thousands came to celebrate the arrival of spring and the opening of trout season at the Pequest Trout Hatchery Open House.
There were activities for people of every age; including some of New Jersey’s wildlife artists, taxidermists and carvers and as for the flea market – well I found some really rare lures, got a casting reel for $20 and supported club stocking efforts.
I also like getting to know some of New Jersey’s conservation groups and learn what they do for our natural resources. One of my favorite activities was trying to hit the running rabbit target as hunter education Instructors taught children how to safely shoot a bow at the archery range.
The most popular activity was by far the Education Pond where leviathan trout swim and pulled drags of those casting under close supervision of both Division of Fish and Wildlife Staff and members of Trout Unlimited. The Education Pond is the epicenter of the fishing classes taught at Pequest and action is usually hot as monster rainbow treat feed with abandon.
I am pleased to say that the Division of Fish and Wildlife has created a course called Family Fishing Basics, which I am honored to be teaching this season. The first one was held on April 9 on Opening Day at 1 p.m. and had families learning the basics of fishing in this hands-on session. Topics included fish biology and identification, casting techniques, equipment, knot tying and more. Discussions were followed by an actual trout fishing experience in the Education Pond. This program that runs all the way until fall is geared for ages 8 years and above.
Younger children are welcome to participate with direct adult assistance. All equipment is provided for the program and all you do is supply a few night crawlers. One adult per group should have a valid fishing license and remember to ask about the fishing buddy license when taking the family fishing. It saves almost half on the second license. The Pequest has them available at the front so come a few minutes early and take advantage of the new program when you sign in.
Another great program beginning in April is the Beginner Fly Fishing first held on April 10 and led by Wildlife Conservation Corps volunteer Russ Congleton. Topics covered included; how to handle a fish safely, different ways of fly fishing, practice casting and of course there was some actual time fishing on the education pond. This more-advanced program takes it to the next level and is open to anyone 12 years of age or older. Two more of these introductions to the art of fly fishing will be held on April 30 and again on June 11.
Also in the realm of fly fishing are classes on Introduction to Fly Fishing, Streamers, Nymphs, Dry Fly’s and Terrestrials and Midges that will be held on Saturday’s from April through October. In this discussion on fly fishing, WCC volunteers Pierre Benoist and Jim Flatley will discuss equipment, flies, different types of knots and the very basics of fly fishing. This program is the first in a series of seven fly fishing/tying classes. After successful completion of all seven classes, the students will receive a course completion certificate. If you don’t want to earn a certificate, you may pick and choose the classes you attend. It is open to anyone 10 years old and above.
If you are thinking of taking the whole family, kids, grandkids and others out for the first time, let the experts be your guide and I guarantee that you will soon learn what it takes to go “catching” instead of just “fishing and wishing.” Click here for a full schedule of all the different year-long programs and course listing at Pequest.
The Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center is located on Rt. 46 nine miles west of Hackettstown in scenic Warren County. The Pequest Trout Hatchery is now open weekends through the end of October. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the facility, visit the exhibit hall or enjoy a wide variety of programming, including fishing education, guided hikes on our trail system, and bird, bat and amphibian programs.
For GPS navigation, use the address 605 Pequest Road, Oxford, NJ.
Call 908-637-4173 for information and registration.
