4/7/20 - 2020 Trout Fishing Update

[NJDFW]

4/7/20 - 2020 Trout Fishing Update

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[Bonefreak]

Why weren't youths allowed to keep any trout during the recent early special opening?

Seemed like a perfect opportunity for the Division to recruit future license buying constituents and teach youths about providing healthy food for their families during these crucial times of need.....instead of trying to explain to them the catch and release protocol and needing to wait til 8 AM on "opening day"!!!

 

[Coyoteslayer]

I agree bonefreak but at least we could get out earlier. I usually only keep a few to eat and release the rest anyway. 

[stratocaster]

Just so all of you trout seekers are aware:

4/6/20 - All State Parks have recently been closed. The following waters are trout stocked and will not be open for angler access. These closures will also affect angler access areas on rivers within State Park boundaries:

D&R Canal
D&R Feeder Canal
Green Turtle Pond
Lake Aeroflex
Lake Hopatcong (State Park/ramp)
Lake Musconetcong (State Park/ramp)
Lake Ocquittunk
Little Swartswood Lake (State Park/ramp)
Mingamahone Creek
Ringwood Brook
Round Valley (Park area)
Sawmill Pond
Sheppard's Lake
Swartswood Lake (State Park/ramps)
Stony Lake
Wawayanda Creek
Wawayanda Lake

However, I think they missed a few waters and parks and forests.  Flatbrook in Stokes,  Musky in Stephans State Park, Black River in Hacklebarney.  I'm sure there are others I can't remember so feel free to add the ones you know. 

Edited April 8, 2020 by stratocaster

[Bonefreak]

What a waste of time, money, effort, and resources!

If anyone had any power at Fish and Wildlife....they could seize this opportunity and make a deal with Gov. Smurphy to keep access open to trout anglers which not only would satisfy people who already bought stamps n licenses...but would also make the state a few bucks from new license and stamp buyers (who may even become annual anglers for years to come), and provide recreational opportunities for licensed anglers during these stressful times, and the chance at providing food for their families during these tight times!!

I mean...is their anything unreasonable with that or am I missing something??!!

 

[nb6624]

4 minutes ago, Bonefreak said:

What a waste of time, money, effort, and resources!

If anyone had any power at Fish and Wildlife....they could seize this opportunity and make a deal with Gov. Smurphy to keep access open to trout anglers which not only would satisfy people who already bought stamps n licenses...but would also make the state a few bucks from new license and stamp buyers (who may even become annual anglers for years to come), and provide recreational opportunities for licensed anglers during these stressful times, and the chance at providing food for their families during these tight times!!

I mean...is their anything unreasonable with that or am I missing something??!!

 

Excellent idea that falls on deaf ears..

[stratocaster]

So what's next, all the public areas open for trout fishing?  There are a lot of spots on 46 by the Pequest and on 57 by the Musky.

[Finsup1986]

Just spoke to the Police posting up Allaire State Park.  That is closed as well. 

[Hawkeye57]

Will they be refunding our stamp/liscense fees?

 

it is NJ so highly doubt it

[Coyoteslayer]

31 minutes ago, Hawkeye57 said:

Will they be refunding our stamp/liscense fees?

 

it is NJ so highly doubt it

They will refund it with a bill for next year and an IOU. Sincerely uncle phil.

[Rather Be Hunting]

Biggest thing i see wrong is them allowing catch and release all week. You know at many of these people you see out fishing are taking the fish home.

[Nomad]

I guess all the Bonus Broodstock lakes are closed also.  I called Teetertown Preserve, the location of Mountain Farm Pond, and they said it was closed.  

[MikeStaten]

Assuming all the state park boat ramps are closed too?

[Sako76]

I don't eat trout.but I don't understand why they didn't let people keep fish before opening day, what a waste!

[vdep217]

There is already a motion to reopen for certain activities providing social distancing is strictly followed and enforced not sure if it will gain ground