Preseason trout stocking points,………..access, ice out?

[Billfish715]

Lots of places are opening up quickly. Spring Lake was frozen last weekend and is open now. The north Jersey streams are open and the access points are getting better. I have to assume the lakes will get stocked where ever there is any opening even if the whole load has to get stocked in one spot.

The preseason stocking would always start in south Jersey first because of the distance the trucks would have to travel and because the ice was out there first. At least the streams are starting to swell so the trout have a chance to spread out. I think some sections of the larger streams will be stocked this week so it won't be necessary for everyone to stand shoulder to shoulder on opening day.

[jimcnj]

In my neck..

Rahway River ready
Nomahegan open at the feeder drains.
Echo Lake Park still frozen, I think.

[UglyStick]

Lake Aeroflex still completely locked up - guys out there ice fishing today

[Billfish715]

The Rockaway in Denville and Rockaway is open and flowing nicely. It's a little high but the trout can be dumped in easily. Speedwell Lake in Morristown is open. Some of the ponds and lakes in Morris County are opening around the edges and inlet areas. Opening day on the lakes will be okay especially if we get some rain. Echo Lake in Mountainside still needs more runoff to move the ice out. Again, getting the trout in will be no problem. Catching them if there's still ice will be a challenge. It gets stocked closer to the opening and by then things will look a lot better.

[CMJeepster]

Originally Posted by Mike M

Rosedale Lake is mostly ice covered but there is open water around the dock.

As of Tuesday night, the area is opening more each day. I usually check once a week.

[Jigman13]

Originally Posted by CMJeepster

As of Tuesday night, the area is opening more each day. I usually check once a week.

Do people ice fish Rosedale? I know it gets stocked, has a deep section, and holds decent bass and black crappie.

[UglyStick]

Aeroflex still ice locked - people out ice fishing today

[Heronimo42]

In the past 5 years, I've seen a couple of guys out on Rosedale. No pickerel, as far as I know, so you're hoping for bass or a random trout that hasn't been picked clean out of there. The non catch and release guys have done a number on that place.

[Mark B.]

Thanks guys,……..keep the reports coming!

Pre-season stocking cancelled today, due to threat of snow.

[CMJeepster]

I've never seen ice fishing on Rosedale, but I don't normally check it in the winter. The bucket brigade has done a number on the place, but there are still fish to be found. I've pulled crappie, sunnies, large and smallmouth out of there. One smallmouth was 18" and fat. I only catch & release when fishing freshwater.