Preseason Trout Stocking

[Billfish715]

I recently heard/read that at least one of the major trout streams will be stocked closer to opening day than in the past. This is due to the residual conditions of the fields, roads and access points after the winter's snow and ice. Plan accordingly when going to your favorite spots as quite likely, the majority of the trout will be released where there is easy access. The closer the stocking is to the opening day, the more likely they will be right where they were put once 8:00 AM on the 4th rolls around. Can any of the volunteers who stock fill us in on any more?

[Dave B.]

I can tell you that at least 2 of the major northern streams will be stocked on the Thu before opening day for a certainty. Those are the Flatbrook and the Musky. As for the others it's likely that any with potential access issues will be treated likewise.
The persistent wintery conditions are to blaim as you said. However the high flows brought about by the snowmelt will help to spread the fish out even in that short time period between stocking and the opener. As well, both of the streams mentioned get varying amounts of volunteer dispersal stockings so finding fish in areas well away from the bridges and roadsides is a very real possibility.
The downside is that the residual snowmelt may cause stream temps low enough to turn the bite off, especially in those watersheds that still hold considerable snow and ice such as the Flatbrook.

[Billfish715]

Thanks, Dave. Some of the streams need two trucks to complete the runs because of the miles that need to be covered and the amount of time it takes to do it. That ties up an extra vehicle and crew. That's one reason why they are stocked earlier in the preseason. The bigger streams have also been stocked earlier in the past to give the trout a chance to spread out. Despite the efforts of the volunteers to spread the trout, the honey holes will still get a good dose of fish. Thanks for your dedication to stocking and spreading the fish around. I like to get off the beaten track to fish so I appreciate it when the trout are not all at the bridge sites. Let's just hope no one gets hurt on the slippery banks and that no trucks get stuck in the mud or break down especially on those runs close to opening day.

[Dave B.]

Actually the float stockings I do are a pleasure for me. I thoroughly enjoy the process of spreading the fish out in itself, but then there's the added benefit of knowing other anglers are able to get out and fish through some fairly secluded stream sections and not only enjoy the scenery but have a great day of fishing as well.

As for some waters requiring multiple trucks/runs you're absolutely right and for just the reasons you stated as wll as the actual numbers of fish they're recieving, which of course is tied to the stream size and length. As I'm sure you're aware the trucks have a limited capacity so streams like the Flatbrook, Musky, Pequest, SBR, etc that recieve 10,000-16,000 fish pre-season do require 2 to 3 runs to complete.

Hopefully the delayed pre-season stocking dates will allow enough time for conditions to adequately clear!

[Billfish715]

I know a little bit about the logistics of the stocking. Both my brother and uncle were volunteers with the division. Besides the length of the streams and the time required to stock them, the average size of the fish has increased thanks to the efforts of the hatchery crews and the hatchery itself. These increased sizes and weights of the trout limit the numbers of fish that can be loaded into each truck. Too many fish in each load depleat the oxygen in the tanks and the fish die. Besides, the trucks are only certified to carry a certain amount of weight.

There can't be too many streams that are float stocked but can you share which stretches are floated? I've heard about parts of the Paulinskill and Flatbrook being done that way but I'd love to know about some of those off-the-beaten-track sections.