F&G Council meeting Oct. 8, 2024:

[AndyS]

Fish Code Recommendations from Fish Committee:
Chief Crause gave a presentation on the Fish Code Recommendations.
Fish Code timeline:
• Proposed & Approved by Fish Committee 8/15/24
• Proposed to F&G Council 10/8/24
• Fall of 2024 – Draft Proposal
• Fall 2025 – Code in Place
• December 2025 – To Publisher for 2026 Digest
Recommended Fish Code & Program Changes: Trout
~ Opening Day of Trout Season the2nd Saturday in April (2026-2030)
~ Remove Pre-Season Closures on all trout stocked lakes & ponds
~ Addition of 22 small Ponds to Trout Stocking Program
~ Expand stocking boundaries on 3 streams
~ Change the “General Trout Regulations” section to “Trout -Stocked, Wild Brown Trout Managed” ~ Reduce the Summer/Fall/Winter creel from 4/day to 2/day
Lunker Bass Regulation Changes:
~ Minimum size 15”
~ Daily limit of 3
~ Ryker and Rainbow Lake
• General Bass Regulation: Min size 12” & Daily limit of 5
• General Panfish Regulation: No Min Size & Daily Limit of 25
Invasive Species Regulations:
~ Freshwater Drum to Potentially Dangerous Species
~ Add “all catfish species” to the species that are allowed to be taken with a bow. This allows the invasive
Blue Catfish to be taken, without concern for accidentally shooting a Channel, White, or Bullhead. American Eel Daily Limit Alignment
~ Reduce American Eel baitfish daily limit to 25
Councilman Pollock mentioned the Fish Committee did meet and agrees that we should move forward
with recommendations as presented.
Public Comment:
Andrew S. commented he thinks fall stocking on the Raritan River is a good idea.