Trout - fall stocking

[DiPaoro]

Anyone planning on fishing this week for the stock trout? I am very new to fly fishing and plan to enjoy landing a few rainbows this week.

[thmyorke1]

I remember doing poorly first two weeks of fall stocking. Fish are straight out of the trucks + it's when fishing pressure is at its highest. Unlike spring where there's a few weeks between stocking for the fish to get comfortable in the rivers.

Myself I'll be targeting them a bit later, just preference. Good luck if you head out. And give us a report.

[DiPaoro]

Well, I did take Wednesday off and will be sure to provide a report. I am less optimistic based on your comments. We will see.

Still better to be fishing than working.

[Dave B.]

I have to agree with 'thmyorke1', the fall stockies really don't seem to bite well for a week or 2 after stocking. They have full bellies and good fat reserves built up from their time in the hatchery, and being older fish they take their time to explore and adjust to their new homes.

[DiPaoro]

All this means is there will be another day to take as PTO end of next week.

I enjoy the river regardless but was looking forward to catching a few tomorrow. I will let everyone know how I do. At least now will not feel so badly if do not land a fish.

[thmyorke1]

Originally Posted by DiPaoro

All this means is there will be another day to take as PTO end of next week.

I enjoy the river regardless but was looking forward to catching a few tomorrow. I will let everyone know how I do. At least now will not feel so badly if do not land a fish.

https://www.njfishandwildlife.com/flstk18.htm

Check out this schedule if you're fishing early into the stocking period.

Stocking begins today, remember that they take two weeks to get every waterbody stocked. They'll be stocking the black river today, but South Branch Raritan is until Friday. The major trout rivers will be stocked by the end of this week. Also keep an eye on the Updates section on the bottom. Some years they dont even stock a certain body of water due to low flow or other conditions. They'll post an update there if that happens.

[DiPaoro]

I am planning to visit the Black River tomorrow.

[thmyorke1]

Originally Posted by DiPaoro

I am planning to visit the Black River tomorrow.

Sweet, you might hook into some holdovers and also some wild browns if the fresh stockies dont cooperate.

[acabtp]

If you want to fish, just get out there and fish. I have several times caught 2+ year old rainbows that I helped stock 10 minutes earlier. IMO the two week lockjaw is a myth. Try big flashy lures rather than small lures or bait.

[DiPaoro]

I will be going with the Fly Pole and lots of flies...streamers.

Leaving the spinning rod home this time.