Official Site of The State of New Jersey
New Jersey is home to 4 different species of trout that naturally reproduce in waters across the state: Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Lake Trout.
Brook Trout
Brook Trout are the only trout species native to New Jersey, meaning they were present in the state prior to colonial settlement occurring.
Wild Brook Trout Genetics Study
Conserving the Eastern Brook Trout – An Overview of Status, Threats, and Trends (pdf, 107kb)
Brown Trout
Native to Europe, Brown Trout have established wild populations through widespread stocking.
Rainbow Trout
Similar to Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout are an introduced species of trout that continues to be stocked widely across the state. However, very few wild populations of this species have become established in the state.
Lake Trout
Lake Trout were once stocked into two different NJ reservoirs that provided suitable habitat: Round Valley Reservoir and Merrill Creek Reservoir. This species now naturally reproduces in both locations.
