Trout season will open at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, with more than 180,000 rainbow trout and larger broodstock ready for anglers in waterways across New Jersey. Trout season is one of the most anticipated signs of spring in New Jersey, drawing anglers of all ages to spend time in nature while fis hing and creating memories. “Trout season in New Jersey provides an excellent opportunity to spend quality time outdoors and enjoy some of the best recreational fishing in the country,” said DEP Fish & Wildlife Assistant Commissioner Dave Golden. “The quality of New Jersey’s trout fishing is outstanding and there are opportunities for all anglers, whether beginners or experts. Excellent fishing opportunities are plentiful in every county, meaning great places to fish are easily accessible and can always be found close to home.” From April 5 to May 31, the minimum legal size for trout is nine inches, with a daily limit of six trout in most waters. Starting June 1 through winter 2026, the daily limit reduces to four trout. A New Jersey fishing license and trout stamp are required for anyone 16 or older. These can be purchased on the DEP Fish & Wildlife website or through a license agent. “After a long, cold winter, I can’t wait to get out and do some trout fishing,” said DEP Fish & Wildlife Freshwater Fisheries Bureau Chief Shawn Crouse. “Growing up, I could have never imagined how much goes into New Jersey’s trout stocking program. All of the hatchery workers, biologists, truck drivers, conservation police officers, and information specialists behind the scenes work so well together to provide such a great fishing experience for anyone who wants to give it a try.” By the end of spring stocking, more than 570,000 rainbow trout will be placed in waterbodies statewide. Most trout average 10½ inches and weigh about a half pound each. Approximately 6,000 broodstock trout, ranging from 14 to 26 inches and weighing up to seven pounds, will also be stocked. All rainbow trout are raised at the Pequest Trout Hatchery in Warren County, which includes a Natural Resource Education Center for visitors. The Bonus Broodstock program will supply 10 lakes and ponds with 30 to 50 additional broodstock each. After opening day, the 14 major trout streams will receive weekly stocking and will close to fishing from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. on stocking days. All other waters remain open on stocking days with no time restrictions. The 2025 stocking schedule, trout allocations, and a mapping application of Trout Stocked Waters are available on the spring trout webpage. Anglers can download the stocking schedule to smartphones via QR codes on signs at trout-stocked waters or in the 2025 NJ Freshwater Fishing Digest. Information on trout-stocked waters and regulations is available in the Fishing Digest at license agents and DEP offices, or by calling the Trout Stocking Hotline at (609) 322-9524. The Pequest Trout Hatchery receives support from fishing license and trout stamp sales, plus federal funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Sport Fish Restoration Program. ...read more read less