Trout Season Opens April 11

April 06, 2026| Community, Recreation

By: Holly Odgers

Spring has arrived, and for anglers, that means one thing: trout season!

The 2026 season kicks off at 8 am on Saturday, April 11, when waters across the state, including Lake Hopatcong, are ready for fishing. Thanks to stockings by the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife and the Knee Deep Club, anglers can look forward to plenty of opportunities to reel in a catch.

Before heading out, be sure you’re properly licensed. Anyone ages 16 to 69 must have a valid New Jersey fishing license and trout stamp. These are available online through Fish & Wildlife or through a license agent like Dow’s Boat Rental, Lake’s End Marina, and Ramsey Outdoor Store.

For details on where and when trout are being stocked, as well as current size and catch limits, visit Fish & Wildlife’s spring trout webpage.

Protect Our Waters

In addition to following fishing regulations, there are many things anglers can do to help protect Lake Hopatcong and waterbodies around the state to ensure they remain healthy for years to come. These include:

• Properly dispose of trash and fishing line. Litter can harm fish and wildlife, and discarded line poses a serious threat to birds and other animals.
• Use non-toxic fishing gear to help prevent harmful chemicals from entering the water and impacting aquatic life.
• Always CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY watercraft, gear, and footwear when moving from one waterbody to another. This helps prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, which can disrupt ecosystems, limit recreation, reduce fishing opportunities, and degrade water quality.

By following these practices, anglers can help protect water quality, support healthy fish and wildlife populations, and ensure Lake Hopatcong remains a great place to fish and enjoy for generations to come.