From the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife:

The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife's popular Fall Trout Stocking Program begins Tuesday, October 7. During this two-week stocking program 20,000 brook, brown, and rainbow trout from the Pequest Trout Hatchery, averaging 14 to 16 inches, and weighing 1½ - 2 pounds, will be distributed in 16 streams and 16 lakes and ponds statewide. Approximately 1,000 exceptionally large rainbow trout broodstock, measuring 17 - 20 inches, and weighing 3 - 5 pounds, will also be mixed in with each truckload of fish.

Biologists assessed stream and lake conditions this week and all waters are currently suitable for stocking. Ample water is flowing in streams in the northern and central portion of the state slated for stocking during the first week, with water temperatures in the mid-60s. Water temperatures in lakes to be stocked during the second week are currently in the upper 60s. No changes to the fall stocking schedule are anticipated and anglers may fish these waters immediately after they are stocked.

For more information on the fall stocking, as well as the stocking schedule and any other changes, visit the division's Web site.

* * *