Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen announced today that Union County is prepared for the hundreds of anglers who descend on the County’s parks and waterways for the opening day of trout season, scheduled for Saturday, April 8 at 8 a.m.
According to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, Union County rivers and lakes are scheduled to be stocked with 10,920 rainbow trout this spring. The trout are among approximately 570,000 rainbow trout raised this season at the Division’s Pequest Trout Hatchery in Hackettstown.
The following County waterbodies and the number of trout they are receiving are as follows:
- Lower Echo Lake 1,290
- Milton Lake 1,810
- Nomahegan Park Lake 390
- Rahway River 6,250
- Seeley’s Pond, Watchung Reservation 740
- Warinanco Park Lake 440
“Fishing in Union County parks is a tradition that dates back generations,” said Bergen. “It is a fun, affordable activity that residents of any age may enjoy. Our parks are easily accessible and we are excited to continue this Spring ritual with the cooperation of the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.”
To fish for trout or salmon, a valid annual New Jersey fishing license and trout stamp are both required for residents at least 16 years and less than 70 years of age plus all non-residents 16 years and older. Only one daily creel limit of trout may be in possession. Once the creel limit is reached, an angler may continue to fish provided any additional trout caught are immediately returned to the water unharmed. When fishing from the shoreline, no more than three fishing rods, hand lines or combination thereof may be used. Separate stringers or buckets must be used for each angler’s catch. Containers in boats may hold only the combined daily creel limit for each legal angler on board.
For more information on New Jersey’s Spring Trout Season, visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/trtinfo.htm or call the Trout Hotline at (609) 633-6765.