TRENTON, N.J. — Anglers in New Jersey are in for a treat as approximately 4,500 two-year-old rainbow trout, each averaging 14 to 18 inches in length, will be stocked in 18 designated lakes and ponds across the state on Monday, Nov. 25, and Tuesday, Nov. 26.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Fish and Wildlife Division announced that the winter trout stocking marks the final trout stocking of the year, bringing the 2024 total to over 600,000 trout distributed statewide. Stocking locations include lakes and ponds ranging from five to 100 acres, with both shoreline access and boat launching facilities available.
“All winter-stocked waters may be fished as soon as they are stocked,” the DEP said, ensuring anglers have the opportunity to start casting lines immediately.
The winter stocking program, which began in 2000, has shifted some lakes to the fall stocking schedule in recent years to maximize fishing opportunities before ice forms. While ice fishing is not permitted on many of these waters, the move allows anglers additional weeks to fish in warmer conditions.
Stocking highlights include Lake Aeroflex with 370 trout, Furnace Lake with 360 trout, and Little Swartswood Lake with 350 trout. Popular fishing spots such as Green Turtle Pond, Silver Lake, and Mt. Hope Pond will also be stocked.
For a complete list of stocking locations and trout quantities, visit the New Jersey DEP Fish and Wildlife website.
This seasonal stocking aims to provide anglers with a rewarding holiday fishing experience while wrapping up another successful year of trout distribution.