2020 New Jersey Freshwater Fishing Digest :

[AndyS]

When will Fish and Wildlife restore stocking of Brown (and/or Brook) Trout?

This may be the most frequently asked question in recent years. Brown trout will be reintroduced to the Pequest Hatchery once the raceways are covered. Although there are select strains of brown trout that are resistant to furunculosis — the disease that necessitated euthanizing nearly 230,000 trout at Pequest — it’s important to know that other pathogens also pose a potential fish health threat. Covering the raceways is the best protection we can provide for the hatchery’s valuable fish stock. Covers prevent pathogens from being introduced by birds that regularly prey on raceway trout despite the numerous deterrent devices already in place. There are no plans to bring back brook trout. However, in the future, Fish and Wildlife may investigate other trout strains to provide a diverse fishing experience for our coldwater anglers.

Do I need a trout stamp if I don’t keep the trout I catch?

Yes, a valid fishing license and trout stamp are both required to fish for or possess trout and salmon for all anglers (resident and non-resident) age 16 and over plus residents under age 70. No license or trout stamp is required for residents age 70 years and over.

I caught a snakehead/flathead catfish/invasive species. May I release it?

No. The northern snakehead and flathead catfish are two of the 10 fish species listed as Potentially Dangerous Fish. (See Summary of Fishing Regulations). The possession or release of live potentially dangerous fish is prohibited. Anglers must destroy these species if encountered while fishing and are directed to submit a specimen or email a photo to NJFWFISH@dep.nj.gov or call the Lebanon Field Office at (908) 236-2118.

I found many dead fish along the bank of my favorite pond. What should I do?

For large numbers of dead fish (at least 50 or more), immediately call (877) WARN-DEP. Next, call any Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries field office: (908) 236-2118 for north Jersey, (609) 259-6964 for central Jersey and (856) 629-4950 for south Jersey. Report the estimated number of fish, location, fish species and general size (all small, all large or a mix), plus the location within the waterway (as specific as possible) as well as any odd coloration or odor of the water.

What should I do if I catch a fish that looks diseased?

Do NOT release a fish that looks ill or diseased! Please keep the fish and report it to our fish pathologist at (908) 637-4173 ext. 120 or to any of the Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries offices at (908) 236-2118 for north Jersey, (609) 259-6964 for central Jersey and (856) 629-4950 for south Jersey.

What should be done when I see people fishing without a license? Keeping short fish? Keeping fish over the limit?

Never confront a suspected violator. Instead, contact the appropriate Fish and Wildlife regional Law Enforcement Office, (908) 735-8240 for north Jersey, (609) 259-2120 for central Jersey, and (856) 629-0555 for south Jersey. Weekdays after 4 p.m., or on weekends, call (877) WARNDEP to report the violation. Be sure to include your name and phone number so a conservation police officer can contact you directly if more information is needed.