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

[Mark B.]

As preseason trout stocking begins on 3/16, the posting of your observations on the subject will be very helpful. Can the hatchery truck negotiate the access area to the water? Is the water open for the stocking of trout?

Thanks.

Mark B.

Mark Boriek, Principal Fisheries Biologist
NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife
Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries Lab
1255 Route 629
Lebanon, NJ 08833

908-236-2118

[Esox Luciano]

Last week I covered 8miles on the path in Saddle River Park. Naturally all the ponds are frozen but the river itself was still steady flowing.

[liveitup1.75liter]

Raritan is ready for ya's..plenty open water

[acabtp]

There is little to no open water on the Rockaway from Rockaway to the dam in Boonton right now

[RJHooker]

Pascack Brook is free, and the Tenakill is thawed downstream from the dam @ Hardenburgh...

Hopefully I will be able to report some streams west soon...

[hammer4reel]

next weeks weather if forcasted even close should open up most of the waterways statewide.
with another week after that hopefully it should get even better

[Sigma1073]

The pequannock and wanaque are opening up nicely in Pompton Lakes with the rain right now. Should be good after next week.

[Billfish715]

Access to some of the stocking points will be more challenging this preseason especially in the northern counties. The rivers are flowing but places that are not near the bridges or roads will be tough to get to. KLG is snow choked. Stocking there might have to be done by snowmobiles. Hacklebarny also will be a concern. The CO's will keep the division informed I'm sure. They will see first hand when they start puting the signs up.

[jimmythegreek]

Mark if you wanna reach out to any of us for help in access just put up an email or contact info. I know a few guys and myself that could run out and open up some big holes to stock the northern part of the state anyway. Just about every lake has a feeder creek or drainage thats open enough to stock as well

[jimcnj]

Rahway River in Cranford is open in some areas.