Fall Trout Stocking Begins

[Billfish715]

There are a few adjustments coming up in the fall trout stocking which begins in two weeks. The biggest change will be the "gag order" on the stocking schedule. Just as during the spring schedule, there will be no advanced information about when and where the trout will be stocked. Much like last year, the streams are very low. Where the fish are stocked will likely be the same as the last several years but exact spots for stocking will be subject to the water depth and flow at specific locations. It is also left up to the discretion of the driver and his helper to determine if conditions at those stocking points are favorable for stocking.

There is a limited number of trout that will be stocked compared to the spring schedule. Not every location where there is a "trout stocked waters" sign will be stocked with trout. If you have fished in the fall in the past, you'll know where to go. If you fish in the upper stretches of many of the major streams like the South Branch, expect to find that parking is at a premium. The upper portions of some of the streams are usually much narrower than the downstream sections and so finding a "hole" that is stocked will draw crowds. The SB is also very accessible from the roads that are adjacent to it but finding a pull off with no parked cars is a challenge.

With a lot of people still working from home, I expect to see more fishermen along the banks this fall. I'm sure they will make time to get away from their computers at home and will conduct business with a fishing rod in one hand and a phone in the other.

https://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/trtinfo_fall.htm