Just before 8 a.m. on Saturday, a quiet buzz swept across Rosedale Lake as anglers of all ages lined up along the dike, rods ready, eyes locked on the muddy water. Then, at the top of the hour, lines flew.
New Jersey’s trout season officially opened, marking one of the most anticipated rites of spring and drawing fishermen from across the region. Backed by the release of more than 180,000 rainbow trout statewide on opening day—and over 570,000 expected by the end of spring—the seasonal kickoff blends the promise of fresh catches with a healthy dose of nostalgia.
All trout stocked in public waters are raised at the state-run Pequest Trout Hatchery in Warren County. Most fish average about 10½ inches and weigh half a pound, but roughly 6,000 large, trophy-size broodstock—measuring up to 26 inches and weighing as much as 7 pounds—are also part of the spring release.
“Trout season in New Jersey provides an excellent opportunity to spend quality time outdoors and enjoy some of the best recreational fishing in the country,” said Dave Golden, assistant commissioner of the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. “There are opportunities for all anglers, whether beginners or experts.”
At Rosedale Lake in Pennington, the scene was less about competition and more about connection. For longtime attendees like Gary Bobko of Trenton, who’s been showing up on opening day since around 1980, the tradition has shifted over the years—but the spirit remains.
“You know, it’s more for the kids too,” Bobko said. “That’s the big deal. A lot of times, you’re not even going to fish. You’re just going to try to make sure they have fun.”
Despite gray skies and chilly winds, the lake was alive with hopeful casts. The 30-acre reservoir is known for its strong spring trout bite, especially along the dike near the spillway, where its deepest waters—about 17 feet—are within casting distance. Though muddy this time of year, the lake remains a popular spring spot, and offers bass, sunfish, crappie, and catfish.
Jake Holcomb of Ewing brought his kids for their first licensed outing.
“I think it’s perfect,” he said. “I think eight o’clock is a good time. Get the people that don’t wake up so early, give them a chance to have a good time.”
This year’s opener came with some added incentives. The Division of Fish and Wildlife launched its “Buddy Up and Save!” program, offering discounted licenses for first-time anglers and returning mentors—or even two first-time anglers signing up together. The program, funded by license sales and federal Sport Fish Restoration support, also includes weekly stocking of 14 major streams and a statewide interactive map of trout-stocked waters.
After opening day, those 14 streams close to fishing from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. on stocking days to give the fish time to disperse. Lakes like Rosedale remain open throughout.
For newcomers like Harrison Faas, 26, who recently moved to Ewing from Bucks County, it was a chance to try something new.
“As far as, like, seasonally, it seems like it’s a little cold still,” Faas said. “As far as the time of the day, 8 a.m. felt a little late. I feel like six or seven would have been a little better to get out.”
Still, he welcomed the experience.
“Sometimes my fiancée will tag along. Any friends are around, it’s just a good time to either relax or catch up.”
Miguel Guerra of Trenton came with his younger brother, who landed two fish early.
“My little brother, he’s so excited!” Guerra said. “He was expecting to fish and caught two already.”
After a long winter away from the water, Guerra was happy just to be back.
“In wintertime we don’t fish, like for three, four months. Now we come, and we actually caught fish.”
Tommy Eigenbauer of Pennington, attending his 30th opening day, was hoping for better luck this year.
“We’re trying it,” he said. “You know, we came here last year and weren’t so lucky. Hopefully we have better luck this year.”
He doesn’t worry much about the rules, so long as he’s licensed.
“I really don’t pay too much attention when the ranger checks me and I have my license,” he said. “I know I’m good to go. I tell them to have a great day and keep up the good work.”
Mark Davis of Yardley, Pennsylvania, who’s been fishing in New Jersey with his son for five years, praised the program’s statewide consistency.
“New Jersey does a really good job. I don’t know if I would change it,” Davis said. “They spread the stockings throughout the year, and it seems to give people an even chance.”
Among those fishing in Washington Crossing at the canal were three generations of the Topley family of Hopewell Township. Lead by Wayne Topley, the “Old Master”, the entire family was fishing. Wayne said,” opening day of trout season has become a tradition. Our sons and grand children can’t wait to get out here and try their luck.”. The grand children were having all of the luck today while Wayne looked on. “It’s all about the kids.Wayne said, “ carrying on our families love of the outdoors is so important to us.”.
Trout fishing regulations require a minimum size of 9 inches and a daily limit of six trout per angler through May 31, dropping to four on June 1. A valid fishing license and trout stamp are required for anglers age 16 and older.
And while the fish are the draw, it’s clear that what brings people back each spring are the memories made—and the ones still to come.
“It’s something I’ve been doing since I was very, very little,” said Jeff Rice of Pennington. “I did it with my son, who’s now away at college. He used to line up with his friends before eight o’clock, waiting for it to turn to eight, and then we’d all cast. So yeah, a lot of fun memories.”
