This Is My New Jersey

While the thermometer is throwing out temperatures like the Power Ball, I do know spring is here. How do I know you might ask? This weekend marked opening day for spring fishing season. At 8:00am on April 5th, anglers dropped a line and another season full of fishing stores, and lies, began. By the end of 2025, New Jersey Fish and Wildlife will have stocked approximately 600,000 trout throughout the state.

Where are trout stocked in New Jersey?

You can find trout stocked waters from High Point to Cape May. The initial stocking took place from mid-March until the first week of April. There is a great interactive map identifying all the trout stocked waters in New Jersey.

It is also important to remember that stocking will continue to take place throughout the spring with periodic water closures. The trout stocking map also includes total stocking numbers and when the stocking takes place. There is additional information available on the spring trout fishing page on the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife website. There is even a downloadable PDF you can print out and keep in your fly box.

New Jersey Fishing Regulations

It is important to remember fishing regulations change slightly each year. Make sure to check out the 2025 Freshwater Fishing Digest. In addition to updated regulations, it includes dates for public comment meetings, free fishing days, and planned kids programs.

I will sound like a killjoy for a moment, but please buy a fishing license. If you are between 16 and 69, you are required to have a license visible on your clothing while fishing. The cost of a resident license is $22.50 for 2025, with a reduced cost of $12.50 for anglers between 65 and 69. A resident trout stamp is $10.50. These fees go directly back into the resource we use all year. The money helps with conservation and habitat preservation. It helps to maintain the Pequest Trout Hatchery, supports the stocking program, and provides education programs throughout the state.

When you head to the water, make sure you know the regulations for that stretch of water. Is it a conservation area? What are the “catch and keep” and size regulations? Make sure you are familiar with all the rules.

Be Safe and Neat

Also, make sure you have safety in mind. Keep your wading staff at the ready. When you are traversing a stream, a wading staff will always keep two points connected to the ground. Make sure your wading boots are still in good shape to avoid slips. And make sure you wear a wading belt. If you do fall, a wading belt will prevent your waders filling with water, turning them into an anchor. And never zip up your fly vest.

It is important to stay hydrated when you head out for a day in nature. But it is equally important you don’t drop your trash along the way. Keep a small trash bag with you so you can carry out what you carry in. Sadly, I’ve been told more than once “the best spot to fish is 10 minutes past the last cigarette butt you see.” Having a bag on hand will help picking up those butts, worm containers, and other trash easier. Remember to take only photos and leave only footprints. We have a collective responsibility to protect what open space we have available to us.

Have a great season!

Here’s hoping that we all have a safe and productive season full of barb-free hooks and tight lines!