(13/P32) TRENTON – More than 180,000 freshly stocked trout will be awaiting anglers when they cast their lines on the opening day of trout season this weekend thanks to the efforts of the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Division of Fish and Wildlife, which for the past two weeks has been stocking nearly 200 streams, lakes and ponds across the state.

The season officially gets under way at 8 a.m. Saturday. More than 100,000 anglers statewide are expected to participate.

“Opening day of the trout season is a cherished tradition in New Jersey, one that connects families and friends across our entire state in the enjoyment of the state’s great outdoors, including our state parks and natural areas,” said DEP Commissioner Bob Martin. “The Christie Administration understands the importance of this tradition to thousands of residents and visitors who will cast their lines for these prized fish, and who know the importance of protecting the environment to ensure a continued high quality of water that is needed to support great fishing.”

This year’s Opening Day also marks an important milestone for New Jersey’s trout stocking program, as the Pequest State Trout Hatchery in Warren County celebrates its 30th year of trout production. The hatchery produces 600,000 trout annually for the spring stocking and additional stocking periods in the fall and winter. Visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/pequest.htm for more information on the Pequest Trout Hatchery and trout production.

This spring, trout will be placed in 88 streams and 90 ponds and lakes throughout New Jersey. Those trout will be in addition to some of the 26,000 big trout still in the water from stockings last fall and winter.

Ten ponds and small lakes each will get special allocations of 30 to 50 big trout that measure 15 to 24 inches and weigh 3 to 8 pounds. The locations of those 10 Bonus Broodstock Ponds and Lakes  and other important spring trout stocking information are posted on the DEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife website. Visit: http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/trtinfo_spring.htm

“Trout fishing has truly never been better in New Jersey,’’ said DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife Director Dave Chanda. “The word is spreading about the quality of the trout we stock and the wonderful experiences people are having fishing New Jersey’s excellent trout waters.’’

Weekly in-season trout stocking information is also available by calling the Trout Stocking Hotline at (609) 633-6765.

Fishing for trout in New Jersey requires a fishing license and trout stamp for anglers 16 and older. Anglers under age 16 and New Jersey residents age 70 and older do not need a fishing license or trout stamp.

Buying a fishing license and trout stamp can be done easily through the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Automated Licensing System. Anglers can buy and print a fishing license and trout stamp online at http://www.nj.wildlifelicense.com/ or can purchase a license and stamp at one of more than 200 license agent locations throughout the state – see http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/agentlst.htm for a complete listing of license agents.

All proceeds from freshwater fishing licenses are dedicated to improving fishing in New Jersey and protecting the quality of the state’s waters, both for fish and people.

A wealth of information about trout fishing and all other freshwater fishing in New Jersey, including regulations, stocking schedules, fishing access points and fishing tips, can be found at http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/fishing_fresh.htm.