Take the Trout Survey Part 2!
 

Link to the official page:

https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/news-2023-07...survey-part-2/

Link to the survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7YQ72...ce=govdelivery

New Jersey DEP Fish and Wildlife is conducting a series of short online surveys to obtain angler feedback concerning our Trout Stocking Program throughout the state. In particular, the opinions of anglers who fish on trout-stocked waterbodies during the stocking season is sought. The information collected will be used to inform future stocking, management, and regulation decisions.

Part 2 of the trout stocking survey is now available. We ask that you take the time to continue with your input.

see official page link in case you missed part 1

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This one focuses on the 3-week pre season closure and offers concerns and ideas on opening those 3 weeks to catch and release.

I sided on keeping the traditional closure but there's some good concerns for opening the 3 weeks to CnR.

Re: Take the Trout Survey Part 2!
 

Just took the survey, I'm in favor of having a C&R season ahead of opening day, simply to be able to fish for other species in trout-stocked waters.

Also, what do you think of my pie-in-the-sky suggestion to incorporate ATLANTIC SALMON into the stocking schedule?

Re: Take the Trout Survey Part 2!
 

I like the CR period ,
Spreads out the fish and the fisherman .

Should be artificial only though , then thoughts of gut hooked fish are eliminated.

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Re: Take the Trout Survey Part 2!
 

Yea some years back I was a bit frustrated with the closings when I just wanted to target spring SMB. Theres still other options around for river SMB (lower raritan where it isnt stocked) but still theres a lot of water blocked by that closure.

I think they should introduce the Covid-era CnR opening , with artificial only, again and see how it goes.

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I would love to see salmon stocked in the rivers. Supposedly some cool stocked salmon fisheries in new England states, like CT? Im unsure how much the state has to toss around though, it seems they want to supplement the lakes/reservoirs more as the fishery is growing there successfully. Still, throw in some unicorns like a few fish like into the South Branch and see what happens idk :D

Re: Take the Trout Survey Part 2!
 

Not a big fan of early C&R, too many people don't abide by the rules (keep everything) or are using Power Cheese on treble hooks.

Re: Take the Trout Survey Part 2!
 

Overall I think they do a pretty good job .
Would like to see a youth trout day before the regular season .
Would love to see Atlantic Salmon stocking increased but not sure if they have the numbers .

Re: Take the Trout Survey Part 2!
 

In Pa. the closed weeks prior to opening day children are allowed to fish accompanied by an adult, lots of fish and no pressure. NJ is so behind the times it's pathetic.

Re: Take the Trout Survey Part 2!
 

I'm 100% a fan of an additional 3 week C&R season but100% opposed to it because of what you state above. I voted NO. People are scumbags and won't follow it so it's easier to patrol if it's 100% no vs. giving folks the benefit of the doubt and trusting them to do the right thing. Hell people bragged on here and other social media outlets about how cool they were keeping trout early and how dumb the rule following others were.

If they really want to do something take out the closure period (and opening day) start stocking in mid-March every two weeks until mid-May. No worries about patrolling the Opening Day circus or a C&R season. No closures to interfere with fishing for other species. Plenty of states have no closed season.

Re: Take the Trout Survey Part 2!
 

I am opposed to the C&R period. People do not abide by the laws and there are not enough C.O. 's to patrol. I live close to the Pequest and 3 times this past season I told people to stop fishing om Fridays before 5:00. Of course they claimed not to know, I than explained hat they should read the regulation book
I always took a picture of their license plate.