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Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout in New Jersey are not native to the state - they originate from the Pacific Ocean watershed but have been widely introduced. New Jersey stocks over 570,000 rainbow trout annually from the Pequest Trout Hatchery.

Physical Characteristics:
  • Most averaging 10½ inches and weighing about half a pound.
  • Some broodstock reach 14-26 inches and up to seven pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit cool, clean streams with gravel bottoms, rivers, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs throughout New Jersey.

Key Locations

  • Particularly abundant in northern waters like the Musconetcong, Pequest, Flat Brook rivers, South Branch Raritan, Delaware River, Lake Hopatcong, Merrill Creek Reservoir, and Round Valley Reservoir.
  • Productive locations include Ken Lockwood Gorge, Point Mountain section of Musconetcong, major northern rivers during stocking periods, and deeper waters of reservoirs like Round Valley.

Specific Spots

  • Target structure like rocks, fallen logs, undercut banks, pools behind boulders, riffles, runs, and river bends.

Rainbow Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Rainbow Trout in New Jersey?

Popular lures include 1/8 to 1/16 ounce Rooster Tail spinners (black, white, gold, red blades), Panther Martin spinners, and Trout Magnets in various colors. For bait fishing, salmon e.g.gs, mealworms, or nightcrawlers. Marshmallows and PowerBait for floating presentations.

What flies work for Rainbow Trout in New Jersey?

Fly patterns like Wooly Buggers (imitating crayfish), Hare's Ear nymphs, Pheasant Tail nymphs, Green Caddis, Black Zebra nymphs sizes 12-20, and Chubby Chernobyl dry flies.

When is the best time to fish for Rainbow Trout in New Jersey?

New Jersey's trout season runs April 5 through May 31 with the best action, though fishing is available year-round in many waters with special regulations. Spring and fall when trout are most active.

How do you catch Rainbow Trout in New Jersey?

Fish moving water by casting upstream and retrieving slowly, letting lures drift naturally. In still water, use floating presentations with marshmallows and PowerBait to lift bait off bottom, or slip bobber rigs. Use polarized sunglasses to read water and spot fish.

What do Rainbow Trout eat?

These opportunistic feeders consume aquatic insects (their primary diet), terrestrial insects, small fish, minnows, crustaceans, worms, and fish e.g.gs.

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New Jersey licenses and regulations

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