[Mark B.]

Northern Pike were originally stocked in Pompton Lake (where the current state record is from). They swam out of there to the Passaic River, where they flourished. So, NJDF&W began stocking them directly in to the Passaic River.

For the confused (unable to think clearly; bewildered) Andy S.:

Those brown trout were leftover surplus from the spring stockings. Where could NJDF&W stock them? Not in Trout Maintenance lakes or inland TM rivers due to fears of overstocking on existing trout populations. Not in the lower Raritan River, as it is classified as Non-Trout water. That is, it gets too warm in the summer months for the trout to survive. And, no matter how many tires are removed, it will always be classified as Non-Trout. The Trout Maintenance classified Manasquan River was chosen because of past reports of sea runs. And, there were no fears of overstocking, as the increased population would push individuals farther down to the salt water. Right where you wanted them to go.

Hatchery-wise, there are no leftover surplus Northern Pike.