Report tagged trout, win $100

September 15, 2022| Community, Environment, People, Recreation

By: Holly Odgers

Fall provides some excellent fishing on Lake Hopatcong as the temperatures cool, the leaves start changing color, and the fish become more active. When you’re reeling in that prized catch, remember to report and safely release any tagged trout.

These tagged fish are part of a three-year study to track trout survival rates and how those rates correlate with the overall health of Lake Hopatcong. The study is being run by the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, Lake Hopatcong Commission, and the Knee Deep Club.

You can help by reporting tagged trout

When you catch a tagged trout, take note of the color and number of the tag, measure your catch, and, if possible, take a photo of the trout with the tag (to help maintain the health of the fish, please wet your hand before handling).  After you have safely released the trout, report your catch through the form at LHCtrout.com. You will need to know the date and location of the catch, the tag color and number, and the length of the fish. There will also be a place to upload your photo.

If you choose to keep the fish, please report your catch through the form at LHCtrout.com and turn the tag(s) in at Dow’s Boat Retail (145 Nolan’s Point Rd, Lake Hopatcong) or Lake’s End Marina (91 Mt Arlington Blvd, Landing). Or mail them to the Knee Deep Club (PO Box 404, Lake Hopatcong NJ 07849).

Five chances to win a $100 Visa gift card each year

At the end of each year of the three-year study, five participants will be randomly selected to receive a $100 Visa gift card, generously donated by Live the Lake NJ.  To be eligible for prizes, you must report your catch through the form and include a photo of the fish with the tag or turn the tag in at one of the locations mentioned above.

Please note that all participants must comply with all NJ Fish and Wildlife regulations and entrants must be licensed and possess a trout stamp if the trout is kept. We do ask that all efforts be made to release the trout with the tag back into the lake in order to improve the study’s success.

Thank you for your help and happy fishing!