Do you need a trout stamp.....

[HerringKing]

A couple buddies are interested in going to Round Valley next spring to target smallmouth. They will not be targeting any trout. Do they still need a trout stamp to fish trout stocked water?

[Wilson]

Age old question with many answers.
I say you need a stamp to POCESS Trout or I.E. to keep them.
If you read the law as stated in the Digest it is vague at best.
It states: No person age 16 or older (see Exceptions below) may take, attempt to take (i.e. fish for), or kill trout without a valid fishing license with a trout stamp attached. The exceptions are:
LICENSE EXCEPTIONS

Anglers Under 16 - No fishing license is required of persons under 16 years old.
NJ Residents Age 70 and Over - State residents 70 and older are exempt from fishing license and Trout Stamp requirements. A driver's license or other acceptable proof of age containing date of birth and physical description will function as the actual fishing license/trout stamp for New Jersey residents 70 and over. Fishing On a Farm - Farmers and family members that live on a farm do not need a license to fish on their farm, but must obey all fishing regulations.

In Pa. for instance they state in clear English you must have a stamp to fish Trout stocked water.

I say as long as they have a valid license and no Trout in their possession then have at it

[Mark B.]

Originally Posted by HerringKing

A couple buddies are interested in going to Round Valley next spring to target smallmouth. They will not be targeting any trout. Do they still need a trout stamp to fish trout stocked water?

No.

If they happen to catch a trout, it must be released, unharmed.

[AndyS]

I always buy a trout stamp and rarely keep any trout, just adds more money for stocking of mutant Rainblows.

[Treble Hook Jim]

You absolutely 100% do need a trout stamp.

[Chrisper4694]

You absolutely do not need a trout stamp to bass fish rvr

[Treble Hook Jim]

While the wording on the website can be considered vague, when you purchase your license online, it specifically states that a trout stamp is REQUIRED to fish in waters stocked with trout. But feel free to fish without it...