On the major streams that have natural reproduction or have tribs with natural reproduction they are only stocking rainbows since these are the only fish that have never tested positive for the bacteria that causes furunculosis, nor has the water in the raceways they're in. Hence these fish are not considered potential low-level carriers. If you check the most updated list you'll see that these waters are only getting 3 in-season stockings. For example the Flatbrook, Paulinskill, Pohatcong, Musky, et al. The list...
http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/pdf...on14-sched.pdf
As well the plan was to only stock rainbows and browns for the pre-season elsewhere as posted here...
http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/trtinfo_spring14.htm
Referring back to the first part on my post, unfortunately an entire raceway line of rainbows tested positive for the bacteria shortly after they had to euthanize those 114,000 brookies. The 'bows never experienced an outbreak but the water in the raceway tested positive so the raceway line was treated and those fish were eliminated from the numbers available for the major north jersey streams since they were now considered potential low-level carriers, hence the drop from 4 in-season stockings to just 3. The up side, more rainbows available for the 'Trout Maintenance" waters along with some higher allocations.
As you'll see on the link I posted the 'final' stocking allocations list was officially published on April 7 although it was developed several days before. It had to go through a review and approval process that obviously was highly expedited under the circumstances.
All that aside it's still going to be a good season in my humble opinion, even if it is somewhat shortened. With the good water levels we have statewide there should be trout a-plenty available well into May, especially for those willing to walk a bit away from the bridges and roadside locations. If the water levels hold up it should help keep the stream temps at bay for awhile even in the traditionally warmer areas such as the mainstem Raritan and it's branches. Personally I like the thought of being able to whack some trout in between some stellar smallie action!
