By: Richard L. Smith
As winter finally loosens its grip, fishing enthusiasts across New Jersey are preparing for the highly anticipated start of trout season, which officially kicks off at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 5.
With more than 180,000 rainbow trout ready to be released for opening day, anglers can expect another season packed with opportunity and excitement.
According to information released by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), this year’s spring trout stocking program will ultimately include more than 570,000 trout distributed to waterways throughout the state.
These fish, primarily rainbow trout, are raised at the Pequest Trout Hatchery in Warren County and are known to average 10½ inches in length and weigh about a half pound each.
Beyond quantity, anglers can also look forward to quality. The DEP plans to stock approximately 6,000 broodstock trout — mature fish ranging from 14 to 26 inches and weighing up to seven pounds — in lakes and rivers across the state.
These larger, trophy-size trout are sure to add excitement for both novice and experienced anglers alike.
“Trout season in New Jersey provides an excellent opportunity to spend quality time outdoors and enjoy some of the best recreational fishing in the country,” said DEP Fish & Wildlife Assistant Commissioner Dave Golden.
“Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, you’ll find great fishing locations in every corner of the state.”
According to a statement released by the DEP, the department will also continue its Bonus Broodstock Program, which distributes additional large trout into 10 select ponds and small lakes.
Each of these sites will receive between 30 and 50 of the larger broodstock fish, giving anglers an extra chance at landing a memorable catch.
Fishing regulations will be in effect starting April 5. From that day through May 31, the minimum legal trout size is nine inches, with a daily limit of six trout in most stocked waters.
Beginning June 1 and continuing through winter 2026, the daily limit will drop to four trout.
Anyone aged 16 or older who plans to fish for trout must have both a New Jersey fishing license and a trout stamp, which can be purchased online through the DEP Fish & Wildlife website or from licensed agents across the state.
“I grew up fishing in New Jersey, and I could have never imagined the amount of work that goes into our trout stocking program,” said Shawn Crouse, Chief of the Freshwater Fisheries Bureau.
“Our hatchery staff, biologists, truck drivers, and conservation officers all play a vital role in giving anglers a truly special experience.”
Following opening day, the DEP will stock the state’s 14 major trout streams on a weekly basis. 
These streams will be closed to fishing from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. on stocking days to allow the fish to acclimate. However, all other stocked waters will remain open to fishing with no time restrictions on those days.
For outdoor lovers and anglers alike, New Jersey’s trout season is not just a recreational pastime — it’s a spring tradition built on decades of conservation, community, and appreciation for the state’s rich natural resources.