Trout survey results :

[AndyS]

Freshwater Fisheries:
Chris Smith reported on the Trout Angler Survey; we are conducting a series of short online surveys to obtain angler feedback concerning our Trout Stocking Program throughout the state. The information collected will be used to inform future stocking, management, and regulation decisions. Trout Stamp buyers were notified directly by email. Emails were also sent
out via GovDelivery. We also reached out through social media and on our website. This particular survey is designed to determine which waters are fished most frequently by trout anglers over the course of the year. It also aims to determine angler satisfaction on those specific
waters. It was launched on 6/28/23. As of 6:15pm on Monday, 1,952 surveys were submitted. Completion rates were 70%, with an average survey time of 10 minutes. During this Fish and Game Council meeting it was reported “Unfortunately, angler compliance in entering their CID number was very low. In fact, less than half the anglers in the first survey entered their CID number. This is unfortunate, as it limits our ability to cross-reference the data. More importantly, it reduces our confidence in the data, as we are now uncertain as to whether anglers may have disproportionately skewed the results by entering multiple surveys.” After further evaluation, angler compliance in entering CID# was higher than was previously thought. Due to
an error during file download, many CID#s became shortened and seemed invalid while others were unaltered, leading to an inability to properly analyze the initial data file. Given this new information, NJDEP Fish & Wildlife can confidently cross-reference and analyze the survey results with a much higher degree of confidence. Of the 1,952 responses to the first survey on
angler usage, 1,763 contained valid CID#s and can be utilized to inform future management decisions. Of the 966 responses from the second survey on pre-season and in-season closures,934 contained valid and can also be used for guiding future management and . Preliminary Results are below:
- 44% of angles fish Lakes and Ponds for trout
- 79% of anglers fish Rivers a regulation determinations CID#s and Streams for trout
Most popular rivers: Musconetcong, S/Br Raritan, Pequest, Big Flat Brook.
- 59% like the current 7 weeks of in-season stocking
- 60% of anglers fish for trout in the Fall and Winter
The second survey focused primarily on the notion of pre-season and in-season closures. It was launched on 7/25/23. As 6:15pm on Monday, 966 surveys were submitted. Completion rates
were 71%, with an average survey time of 5 minutes.
- 50.6% of anglers like preseason C&R and 49.4% do not.
- Why do they like it? Most popular answer was that they would have 3 extra weeks to
fish.
- Why do they not like it? Post popular answer was that there would be too much illegal
harvest.
- 35% of trout anglers would fish for other species (Bass, Panfish, etc)
In general, trout anglers seem split on most issues concerning closures of trout stocked waters
prior to opening day. Many anglers share concerns about illegal harvest and increased mortality
during a pre-season catch & release period. Comments recorded by anglers indicate that many
anglers fear that even with gear restrictions, mortality will increase due to lack of knowledge on
safe fish-handling practices and anglers not following regulations and restrictions. Anglers also
largely share concerns about what they feel is a lack of enforcement of during this time on trout
stocked waters. Many trout anglers have expressed interest in:
- holding a youth-only fishing day during spring trout stocking.
- in allocating more fish to the fall stocking program.
- lowering the daily creel limit for rainbow trout

[thmyorke1]

Missing "100% of trout anglers want browns stocked again"

But im glad they got whatever data they needed.

"- 60% of anglers fish for trout in the Fall and Winter"
I thought this was a bit lower than what i imagined. Im hoping they keep expanding on the fall stocking. Maybe if they asked "if you dont fish the fall/winter trout scene, why not?" They could find out.

[RWole]

While reading the results I thought the entire time
What happened to stocking Brown Trout ????
I guess that fell on deaf ears.

[AndyS]

Funny thing is you don't even need a hatchery to stock fish. Many places take fertilized eggs and put them in small cages anchored to the stream bottom, in the spring the eggs hatch, simple.

[Ol Pedro]

Originally Posted by RWole

While reading the results I thought the entire time
What happened to stocking Brown Trout ????
I guess that fell on deaf ears.

What about Brookies? Caught more on lures/flies than Rainbows.

[thmyorke1]

something about protecting the native brook trout strains? I think rumor is brook trout will never be stocked again as long as they keep up the native brook trout management.

i would love to see them stock tiger trout in replacement of brook trout at least We really just need some variety