OFFICIAL SITE OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY

(16/16) TRENTON – The Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Fish and Wildlife is hosting its annual free Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center Open House and Sportsmen’s Flea Market on April 2 and 3, in anticipation of the spring trout fishing season.

The spring trout season opens the following weekend, on Saturday, April 9, at 8 a.m. with an estimated 100,000 anglers expected to take part across New Jersey.

“Trout fishing in New Jersey is extremely popular, both for anglers to enjoy a relaxing day on the water and for families to spend time together,” said Rich Boornazian, DEP Assistant Commissioner for Natural and Historic Resources. “This annual event is a wonderful opportunity to appreciate New Jersey’s outdoors, make great memories and catch fresh trout.”

Anglers will have a good opportunity to hook trout on opening weekend. The Division of Fish and Wildlife is stocking more than 570,000 rainbow trout across the state throughout the spring, with nearly 200,000 in the water and ready to be caught on opening day.

“Opening day of trout season is one of the most anticipated days on the calendar for anglers,” said Division of Fish and Wildlife Director David Chanda. “New Jersey offers some of the best trout fishing on the East Coast, and has one of the best trout stocking programs found anywhere.”

The Pequest Open House is one of the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s premier events, held annually the weekend prior to the opening of trout season to spotlight trout fishing and New Jersey’s natural resources.

The Open House runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 2 and Sunday, April 3. It offers a range of activities suitable for people of all ages and anglers of all experience levels. The event will be held rain or shine.

The Open House is also an opportunity for visitors to learn about trout and New Jersey’s abundant natural resources through family friendly activities, demonstrations and conservation exhibits that focus on fishing, hunting and wildlife in the Garden State.

Activities include:

• A giant mobile fishing tank holding thousands of gallons of water and loaded with extra large trout and warm-water game fish. Professional fishing demonstrations are scheduled throughout the day, with tips for anglers on casting methods, lures and effective fishing techniques.
• The Pequest fishing education pond will be open for children ages 8 to 16 to try trout fishing before the season opens. Staff and volunteers from the Wildlife Conservation Corps and Trout Unlimited will provide expert instruction. Children under 8 years old can try catching trout in the Kiddie Fishing Tank. All fishing equipment will be provided.

• Inside the Natural Resource Education Center, Division of Fish and Wildlife staff and representatives from conservation organizations will have exhibits and information available to explain efforts to protect natural resources. Wildlife artists, carvers and taxidermists will exhibit their artwork and offer items for sale.
• A Sportsmen’s Flea Market will offer deals on fishing and hunting equipment, outdoor gear and many other items. Food vendors will be available, or you can bring your own lunch and enjoy one of three picnic areas on the grounds of the 5,000-acre Pequest Wildlife Management Area.

For more information on the Open House, including a schedule of events and directions, visit: https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/peqoh.htm__;!!J30X0ZrnC1oQtbA!ereTZ0VnsSe0tQyL6PgIRLx-L3CPpCQohkdBYWju8jZL0AWFg0s4SpIsjB51tUzoqQ8WUg$ or call (908) 637-4125, Extension 100.

For more information on the spring trout stocking program, including the in-season stocking schedule, visit: https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/trtinfo_spring.htm__;!!J30X0ZrnC1oQtbA!ereTZ0VnsSe0tQyL6PgIRLx-L3CPpCQohkdBYWju8jZL0AWFg0s4SpIsjB51tUy3MeH2Ew$ . Stocking information is also available through the Trout Stocking Hotline at (609) 633-6765.

Anyone age 16 or older must obtain a fishing license and trout stamp to fish for trout. Children under 16 and New Jersey residents 70 years and older may fish for free. Licenses and stamps may be obtained through license agents statewide, found at https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/agentlst.htm__;!!J30X0ZrnC1oQtbA!ereTZ0VnsSe0tQyL6PgIRLx-L3CPpCQohkdBYWju8jZL0AWFg0s4SpIsjB51tUw3LecR2A$ . They can also be purchased online at https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.nj.wildlifelicense.com__;!!J30X0ZrnC1oQtbA!ereTZ0VnsSe0tQyL6PgIRLx-L3CPpCQohkdBYWju8jZL0AWFg0s4SpIsjB51tUwe7MEvMQ$

A new type of license is also available to anglers introducing a friend to freshwater fishing. The Fishing Buddy License offers both a current and a new angler (or two new anglers) reduced-price fishing licenses. For information about the new Buddy Fishing License, visit: https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/fishbuddy.htm__;!!J30X0ZrnC1oQtbA!ereTZ0VnsSe0tQyL6PgIRLx-L3CPpCQohkdBYWju8jZL0AWFg0s4SpIsjB51tUxWYEAqqQ$