The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish and Wildlife is gearing up for its annual spring trout stocking season slated to begin March 17 in preparation for the Opening Day of Trout season scheduled for April 5.

Trucks brimming with brook, brown and rainbow trout will leave the Pequest State Trout Hatchery in Warren County this month to stock the State's rivers and lakes. By the time Opening Day of Trout Season arrives, more than 180,000 trout will be available for New Jersey's trout anglers.

A total of 570,000 trout will be stocked in nearly 200 lakes, ponds, and streams throughout the Garden State by the time spring stocking concludes in May.

Most of the trout stocked in the spring are 1½ years old and average 10½ inches in length and ½ pound each. However, some of the trout are considerably larger, weighing 3 to 5 pounds each and ranging from 14 to 19 inches in length.

These large trout are called "broodstock" or "breeders" because they are mature fish (2½ years old) that were used the previous fall to obtain and fertilize eggs as part of the hatchery's continuous production cycle. A total of 4,000 to 6,000 broodstock will be stocked statewide this spring.

Trout fishing is very popular in New Jersey. More than 100,000 licensed anglers are expected to take to waterways throughout New Jersey this year in addition to the thousands of youth anglers under the age of 16, who do not need a fishing license.

Purchasing a fishing license and trout stamp is required in New Jersey if you are over the age of 16.You can purchase your license online at: www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/licenses.htm and print it yourself, or purchase it in person at license agents or select Division of Fish and Wildlife offices.

Pequest Trout Hatchery Open House and Fishermen's Flea Market To Be Held March 29 and 30

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish and Wildlife will hold its annual Open House at the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center on March 29 and 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Admission and parking are free.

Anyone who enjoys the outdoors will find something to do at the Open House. Children between the ages of 8 and 16 can try trout fishing in the Fishing Education Pond a week before the season begins. They will be given expert instruction by staff, Wildlife Conservation Corps volunteers and volunteers from Trout Unlimited. Kids under 8 can try catching trout in the "Kiddie Fishing Tank". All fishing equipment will be provided.

There also will be a kid's activity tent set up at the Open House. Children will be able to make a kite, do fish printing (the ancient art known as Gyotaku), and learn how to make paper. A fish cleaning and cooking station will also be set up for the day where visitors will be able to learn how to prepare fish for the table.

Beginner archery and shotgun ranges will be set up in the fields near the hatchery for those wanting to try their hand at one of the shooting sports. Certified Hunter Education Instructors will be on hand to provide instruction and ensure a safe program. Equipment will be provided. For experts, a 15-target 3-D archery course will be set up in the woods, but you will need to bring your own archery equipment for this course. A Hunter Education field session will also be offered at 10:30.

A Fishermen's Flea Market with a variety of equipment new and used is also available for the outdoor enthusiast. Food vendors will be available at the Open House, or you can bring your own lunch and enjoy one of the 3 picnic areas located within the 5,000 acre Pequest Wildlife Management Area.

The Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center is located 9 miles west of Hackettstown on Route 46 in scenic Warren County. For more information you can go to www.njfishandwildlife.com.

NJDEP seeks volunteers for Adopt-A-Beach Program

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is looking for volunteers to help with the annual spring Adopt-A-Beach Program being held on beaches from Atlantic Highlands to Cape May on Saturday, April 12.

Last year more than 415 volunteers covered 49 miles of beach and removed 6,825 pounds of trash.

Volunteers and group leaders are asked to participate once again by adopting a beach and organizing a clean up. NJDEP provides the supplies.

If you are interested, please call 609-29BEACH, or mail NJDEP, P.O. 402, Trenton, New Jersey 08625, attn: Adopt a Beach Program.