From the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife:

The Pequest Open House and Fishermen's Flea Market will be held this weekend, March 31 and April 1. This annual family event attracts thousands of visitors and has something of interest to anyone interested in New Jersey's wildlife resources as well as fishing.

Kids can try fishing for trout one week before the season opens. Kids under 8 can fish in the "kiddie fishing tank," and those over 8 can try their luck in the Fishing Education Pond under the expert instruction of Trout Unlimited and Wildlife Conservation Corps volunteers. They can learn about fisheries management as they wind their way through our "gill net maze." They can sort out aquatic insects, and do fish printing.

There will be beginner archery and shotgun ranges on both days. Experienced archers are encouraged to bring their own bows and try their hand at our free 3-D archery range. Hunter Education Field Sessions will also be offered to prospective students. Buy your lunch from the food vendors that will be here or bring your own.

A number of wildlife artists, carvers and taxidermists will display and sell their art and equipment. The "Bass Tub" returns again this year - the biggest mobile aquarium in New Jersey. This will be stocked with lunker warmwater fish from the Hackettstown Hatchery as well as trout from Pequest. Conservation groups' representatives will be present to talk with visitors, and several reenactors will be encamped at the hatchery to demonstrate primitive living skills from a bygone era. Be sure to check out the Fishing Flea Market and get great deals on everything you need to start fishing.

The Pequest hatchery is located on Rt. 46 nine miles west of Hackettstown in scenic Warren County. Come for a family outing during the Open House or anytime throughout the year. For more information, including directions, see http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/pequest.htm. For information on trout fishing in New Jersey, see http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/trtinfo.htm. Trout season opens on Saturday, April 7 at 8 a.m.

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