The following is a list of pre-approved release locations for TIC programs in the spring of each year. Please note that this list is being looked at carefully by the state division of Fish & Wildlife with suggestions from Trout Unlimited to possibly expand as interest in the program continues to grow around the state. We stress the importance of releasing our brook trout into waters that are suitable year round trout waters, meaning that we sometimes need to have our fish released a long distance from some of our participating schools. New Jersey Trout Unlimited has committed to the state Fish & Wildlife that we will arrange all release permits. Releases require a $2 permit and are arranged by our chapter TIC coordinators in the Spring of each school year for all TIC programs. Currently approved locations are:
Green Brook - Trout Maintanence ™ section only below Seely’s Pond off New Providence Rd. or Union Ave. in Watchung.
Hibernia Brook - Hibernia firehouse along Green Pond Rd. (rt. 513) in Hibernia.
Manasquan River - (TM section) Brice Park, off of Allenwood-Lakewood Rd. in Wall Twp. or anywhere in Allaire State Park.
Middle Brook (East Branch) -off Chimney Rock Road just downstream of Gilbride Rd. (below the reservoir dam) in Bridgewater Twp.
Mingamahone Brook - Allair State Park, Wall Twp.
Musconetcong River - municipal park below rt. 31 bridge in Hampton Boro. Useful for southern schools visiting the Pequest Hatchery for a field trip who wish to release their fish along the way.
Musconetcong River - Stephens State Park (off rt. 604/Waterloo Rd.) in Allamuchy Twp. This is a good release site for schools to the east that are visiting the Pequest Hatchery (see above).
Paulinskill River - (TM section) municipal park off rt. 15 in Lafayette.
Pequannock River - downstream of Paterson-Hamburg Turnpike along Post Lane in Riverdale
Rockaway River - Dover Waterworks Park off Princeton Ave. at Rutgers Street in Dover.
Saddle River - municipal recreation field off east Allendale Rd. in Saddle River.
Wallkill River - (TM section) West Mountain Rd. by high school in Sparta Twp.
Walnut Brook - Mine Hill Park off Old Croton Road in Raritan Twp. (west of Flemington). Marginal trout water at best and not highly recommended.
Wanaque River (Lower) - Herschfield Park off Paterson-Hamburg Turnpike and Corning Ave. in Pompton Lakes.
Wanaque River (Upper) - Wanaque Wildlife Management Area along East Shore Road in West Milford.
Waywayanda Creek - in Waywayanda State Park off Canal Road or Price’s Switch Road (rt. 515) in West Milford.
Black River - In Stephens State Park in Chester Twp. NOTE: there are 2 wild trout streams (WTS) that are off limits to releases in Stephens State Park.
Toms River - contact your local TU chapter coordinator to coordinate releases into this river system.