May 17, 2002 (rt23 news) - May 17, 2002 (rt23news) - New Jersey Fish and Game Council has scheduled a public hearing for the proposed 2003 Fish Code at 7 p.m., June 11, at the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP’s) Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Assunpink Conservation Center on Eldridge Road in Robbinsville, Monmouth County. "All New Jersey anglers are encouraged to attend this meeting and discuss the proposed changes to freshwater fishing conservation measures for 2003," said Division Director Bob McDowell. "By doing so, you will be actively taking part in shaping the future of the sport."

The Fish Code describes the legal angling methods, season dates, size and catch limits, and trout stocking locations/dates for freshwater fishing in the Garden State. The regulations are reviewed annually and revised based on biological findings and changing situations, then proposed for the next year’s code. Anglers should note the following proposed changes: Opening day of the 2003 trout season has been proposed for April 12, 2003. All of the dates throughout the code that are dependent on this date have been adjusted accordingly. Pine Brook in Monmouth County would be removed from the list of trout stocked waters due to lack of fishing activity. Pohatcong Lake in Tuckerton, Ocean County would be added to the list of trout stocked waters. This lake has traditionally been used as a site for children’s fishing derbies and other natural resource-related events. There are no other opportunities to trout fish in the nearby area. Waywayanda Creek in Sussex County would be added to the list of trout stocked waters. This location was not stocked in the past because of fishing access limitations. Staff members from the DEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife and the Division of Parks and Forestry have been working cooperatively to create a handicapped-access area and to improve overall access to the site. It will be stocked pre-season only until fishing pressure increases.

To obtain a copy of the proposed 2003 Fish Code, send a self-addressed, stamped (use two stamps) 11"x 14"envelope to the Division of Fish and Wildlife, P.O. Box 400, Trenton, NJ 08625-0400, ATTN: Fish Code. Written comments regarding the code should be submitted by July 19 to Director Bob McDowell at the same address.