There’s Definitely Fish in This Reservoir and Other Updates.

Posted on March 25, 2012 by Robert Ivan

Myself and some readers got skunked last week and the howling winds have not helped but I want to reassure everyone (myself included) that there are in fact fish in this reservoir!

Round Valley Trout Association (RVTA) Trophy Trout stocking took place on Saturday 3/24 at 10am from the dirt boat launch. 100 + trout from 5 to over 10 lbs were stocked. Visit Lebanon Bait and Sport‘s Facebook page for pics of the stocking and more info.

The first RVTA trout fishing tournament will held April 15th from 6am to 3pm. You can get more information on the RVTA website. I’ve personally competed (and I use the term competed lightly) in a handful of these in my lifetime. They’re a good reason as any to get out and fish! And while, I’ve never come close to winning anything, I have learned that you do need a boat to have a decent chance. Here’s a list of 2012 monthly tournament dates. You can register at the boat ramp, day of the tournament.

A special fishing tournament to commemorate the late Steve Welgoss, owner / operator of Lebanon Bait & Sport will be held on Saturday, May 26th from 5:30am to 3pm. Entry fee of $50 per adult angler. Juniors fish free with paid adult. You may pre-register at Lebanon Bait & Sport or at the April or May RVTA meeting. More info on the RVTA Website. You can also follow Lebanon Bait and Sport‘s Facebook page for up to date fishing and hunting reports in the region year-round.

Open Letter to Dave Chanda, Director, Division of Fish and Wildlife, NJ DEP

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Robert Ivan

March 20, 2012
　
Dave Chanda
Director
Division of Fish and Wildlife
NJ DEP
MC501-03
PO Box 420
Trenton, NJ 08625-0420
　
Mr. Chanda;
I am writing to you concerning the stocking of Lake Trout in Merrill Creek Reservoir and Monksville Reservoir. Myself and many NJ anglers feel the time has come to stop stocking Lake Trout in New Jersey waters.

Presently, I am the moderator for the freshwater section of www.njfishing.com. I talk, and fish, with many anglers who agree that the Lake Trout stocking program should come to an end.

I have fished Merrill Creek Reservoir for better than 10 years now and keep accurate log books. Recently, it seems I can not fish through the Lake Trout to catch other species. Years past, I did well with Rainbow and Brown Trout, now all I get are Lake Trout. One of the problems with Lake Trout in Merrill Creek Reservoir is that anglers really don’t target them there, many people focus on Bass. Some of the heavier tackle used to catch lake trout like downriggers and lead core line is not used at Merrill Creek because of the electric motors only regulation. As far as Monksville is concerned, the focus for most anglers there are walleye and muskellunge, not lake trout.

Many freshwater anglers fish for the fight and not so much for the table, the fight of a lake trout can be compared to reeling in a wet beach towel. So far my family has 2 trout mounted and hung on the wall, my wife has her former state record, an 18 lb. Brown Trout from Round Valley and my 11 lb. Brown Trout from Merrill Creek. I was holding out hope for the return of big Brown Trout but it seems the Lake Trout have all but taken over.

I do not understand why there is a closed season for Lake Trout at Merrill Creek if no natural reproduction is taking place. I understand testing has been done at Merrill Creek to see if natural Lake Trout reproduction is taking place, as anglers we would refute that claim. I have personally caught Lake Trout at Merrill Creek that were full of eggs.

In New Jersey, we only have a few lakes with the qualities to produce trophy trout and the power company is kind enough to let us fish one of them. Merrill Creek is my favorite lake.

A major concern is that lakes like Merrill Creek and Monksville will lose their forage base the same way Round Valley did. I still find it strange that the limits on Round Valley Lake Trout have been raised in an effort to reduce the Lake Trout population there, but less than an hour drive away Merrill Creek gets 3,250 lake trout annually.

Overall, I think Fish and Game has done a great job handling our resources, but I think it is time for a change; end the closed season on Lake Trout, and stop stocking Lake Trout.

I feel so strongly about doing away with the Lake Trout program, I am taking the time to sit down and write this letter to you. I am sure if you stop the Laker program now there would be praise for the decision from many of New Jerseys freshwater fishermen.

I will be taking my vacation in late May again this year in hopes of finding big Brown Trout in Merrill Creek but my hopes are fading as I reel in one Lake Trout after another. Maybe some day the big Brown Trout will make a come back and make fishing headlines once again.
　
　
Sincerely,
　
Andrew Still
Middlesex NJ 08846
Stillville4@yahoo.com

Pequest Trout Hatchery Open House March 31 – April 1

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Robert Ivan

The following message is also on the NJDFW website at http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/news/2012/peqoh12.htm .

The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife is pleased to announce it will hold its 25th annual Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center Open House on Saturday and Sunday March 31 and April 1. Hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Admission and parking are free.

The Open House is one of Fish and Wildlife’s premier events and is annually held just prior to the opening day of trout season, which falls on April 7 this year. Open House has become a rite of spring for anglers anxious for the opening of trout season as well as people of all ages interested in the outdoors and our fish and wildlife resource.

Pequest Trout Hatchery - Trout in a concrete run

The Open House is more than an opportunity to showcase the state of the art trout rearing facility at Pequest. There are many exciting things to see and do during the two day event. Making a return appearance this year as a feature attraction is the Hog Trough; a gigantic mobile fishing tank holding thousands of gallons of water and loaded with monster trout and warmwater game fish from the Pequest and Hackettstown hatcheries. Professional fishing demonstrations in the Trough are scheduled throughout the day, where visitors will see casting methods, learn effective fishing techniques and see how various lures work in the water. As an added bonus the youngster with the closest weight estimate of Bubba Trout will take home a donated trout rod and reel combo! This is a fascinating exhibit for everyone, anglers and non-anglers alike.

Kids between the ages of 8 and 16 can try their hand at trout fishing a week before the season opens in the Fishing Education Pond. They will be given expert instruction by staff, Wildlife Conservation Corps volunteers and volunteers from Trout Unlimited. Kids under 8 can try catching trout in the “Kiddie Fishing Tank”. All fishing equipment will be provided.

Beginner archery and shotgun ranges will be set up in the fields near the hatchery for those wanting to try their hand at one of the shooting sports. Certified Hunter Education Instructors will be on hand to provide instruction, and ensure a safe program. Equipment will be provided. For experienced archers, a 3-D course will be set up in the woods, but you will need to bring your own archery equipment for this course.

Inside the Natural Resource Education Center, Fish and Wildlife staff and representatives from various conservation organizations will be on hand with exhibits and information on how they are helping to protect our natural resources. There will also be fly tying demonstrations and wildlife artists, carvers and taxidermists exhibiting their artwork and offering many items for sale.

Outside the main building, a Fishermen’s Flea Market will be in full swing where great deals on new and used equipment, lures, gear and so much more can be found!! If you’re looking to upgrade your fishing equipment, or if you’re just starting out, you’ll definitely want to check out the vendors here.

Food vendors will be available at the Open House, or you can bring your own lunch and enjoy one of the 3 picnic areas located on the 4,800-acre Pequest Wildlife Management Area.

The Open House is a fabulous way for people of all ages to celebrate spring’s arrival, and families, friends, scout troops, church groups, fishing clubs and anyone else who enjoys the outdoors are encouraged to spend the day at this event in beautiful Warren County!

For more information call 908-637-4125 or view the on-line schedule of events at http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/pdf/2012/peq_opnhse12_sched.pdf (pdf, 20kb).

The Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center is located 9 miles west of Hackettstown on Route 46 in scenic Warren County.

April 1 Deadline for Coldwater Conservation School Applications

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Robert Ivan

The April 1 application deadline is rapidly approaching for the limited number of slots still available for the Cold-water Conservation School being offered by the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife and the NJ State Council of Trout Unlimited. The NJ School of Conservation in Sussex County will once again be the host site for the School, which will be held from June 28 – July 1.

The goal of the School is to foster a knowledge and appreciation of trout and the cold-water habitats on which they depend. Division of Fish and Wildlife biologists and instructors from Trout Unlimited will teach sessions about stream ecology, fish habitat, fish biology and identification, aquatic insect identification, fly tying, fly-casting, and stream restoration. There will be plenty of free time to test out new-found casting and fly tying skills, as well as special evening presentations.

The cost of the Cold-water Conservation School is only $200.00, which includes food, lodging and equipment for the entire 4 days and 3 nights. Applicants must be between the ages of 11 and 14 prior to July 1. Applications are due no later than April 1, 2012. Students accepted into the School will be notified by the end of April.

Information about the Cold-water Conservation School including the official application can be found at:
http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/conservation_school.htm

Information about Trout Unlimited can be found at: http://www.njtu.org/

Questions about the School should be directed to Jessica Griglak at (908) 637-4125 or jessica.griglak@dep.state.nj.us .

2012 RVTA Club Stocking Announced

Posted on February 19, 2012 by Robert Ivan

Thanks to reader Jim S. for providing the following information:

“Mike and George announced that the 2012 RVTA Trophy Trout Stocking is scheduled for March 24 at 10 am. Approximate 100 Tagged Rainbows and Browns, between 21″ to 28″+, will be float stocked by RVTA members throughout the Valley. The derby is open to both members and non-members, alike. This year’s change: 2012 entries must be turned in by December 31, 2012.”

You can read about RVTA club stockings and more on their website.