The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife is alerting anglers that the division's popular fall trout stocking is being postponed by one week and will commence on Tuesday, October 12. Unseasonably warm temperatures have resulted in stream temperatures too high to safely stock the large 2 year old trout that are raised for the fall stocking.
Stream temperatures taken on September 28-29 (under cool and rainy conditions) still measured in the high 60's to 70 degrees. These temperatures are 14 to 18 degrees warmer than the 52 degree hatchery water, making it too risky to proceed with the stocking of fish, some of which exceed four pounds in weight.
Biologists will continue to monitor water temperatures during the period leading up to the adjusted stocking date of October 12.
For more information on the fall stocking program, including the stocking schedule as well as any further changes that may be necessary, visit the division's website.