Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Each year, Fish and Wildlife’s Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries holds three public forums to improve communication with the angling public and to solicit public input in shaping freshwater fisheries programs in the future. The forums are a perfect opportunity for all freshwater anglers to learn about existing programs and to share their views and recommendations.
Forum topics cover all aspects of freshwater management, including both warmwater and coldwater fisheries. Each year updates on specific management activities are provided, as well as open discussions on future management recommendations. Over the years various regulatory, management and stocking changes have resulted from suggestions from anglers attending the forums.
Public Warm and Coolwater Fisheries Meeting
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Virtual Event
Join NJDEP Fish & Wildlife’s Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries to learn about current research, management and fish culture activities with warmwater and coolwater species. There will be an opportunity for you to share your views and recommendations for the future of freshwater fisheries in New Jersey.
2026 Presentations will Include:
- Production of Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass at the Hackettstown Hatchery – Superintendent Craig Lemon and Crew Supervisor Tyler Tresslar
- Black Bass Sampling conducted in 2024 at some of your favorite waters, including Assunpink Lake, Carnegie Lake, Elmer Lake, Sunset Lake, and Sheppard’s Mill Pond – Biologist Eric Boehm
- Results of sampling efforts in 2025 for Northern Pike, Walleye, and Muskellunge fisheries at Lake Hopatcong, Budd Lake, and Furnace Lake – Biologist Justin Rozema
Each presentation will conclude with a question and answer period.
This meeting will be held virtually on GoTo Webinar . You must register to be able to attend the meeting.
2026 Public Warm and Coolwater Fisheries Meeting Recording
Annual Trout Stocking Meeting
Wednesday, March 11, 2026 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Virtual Event
Join NJDEP Fish & Wildlife’s Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries to learn about current activities with the trout stocking program. This important meeting provides an excellent opportunity for anglers to ask questions, voice their opinions and give suggestions regarding New Jersey’s trout stocking program.
2026 Annual Trout Stocking Meeting Recording
Aquatic Invasive Species Meeting
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Virtual Event
Several unwelcome aquatic invasive species have made their way into New Jersey waters and many more are knocking at the door. Join the Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries to learn about the Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan, how you can report aquatic invasive species, and what you can do to help prevent the spread of them.
Register Now for the Aquatic Invasive Species Meeting
Previous Forum Recordings
- 2025 Fish Code Changes Meeting Recording
- 2025 Public Warm and Coolwater Meeting Recording
- 2025 Annual Trout Stocking Meeting Recording
To view previous meeting records, visit our YouTube Channel .
Freshwater Fisheries Forum
- 2024 First Freshwater Fisheries Forum
- 2024 Second Freshwater Fisheries Forum
- 2023 Freshwater Fisheries Forum
- 2022 First Freshwater Fisheries Forum
- 2022 Second Freshwater Fisheries Forum
Annual Trout Stocking Meeting
