Peace on earth, goodwill towards man, tis the season for trout fishing in New Jersey, and residents in Oakland, Franklin Lakes and Wyckoff are blessed with a variety of fishing spots to cast a line. For New Jersey residents ages 16 through 64, a license costs $22.50. Those ages 65 to 69 get a $10 discount. Resident seniors who are 70 and over, National Guard members and those with a service-connected disability are eligible for free licenses. Resident trout stamps cost $10.50.
There are too many pleasures associated with fishing to fully articulate them. It is an opportunity for peaceful solitude in the harmony of nature; or, an opportunity to share unhurried conversation with a kindred soul. One of the intrinsic qualities of fishing is that in part it is a pursuit after the unknown, the unseen, but the ardently expected. There is also the humanity of those who may cast back their prize, but in certainty always returning those unfit for the dinner table back to their homes till time fattens them up for another day.
Below is a video reliving last years opening day; and underneath a listing of local fishing locations that have been stocked for 2009.
In our local vicinity, residents can choose from some of the local fishing locales listed below. Please note that this is only a partial list of major fishing access sites. Other locations and waterbodies will be stocked as well.
Potash Lake Oakland Boro Potash Lake Rt. 287 (exit 57) or Rt. 202 to West Oakland Ave. Entrance on West Oakland Ave.
Ramapo River Oakland Roosevelt Blvd. from Rt. 202, take Navajo Way to Lake Shore Dr. to Lenape Lane to Roosevelt Blvd. – soccer field at end
Ramapo River Oakland River Rd. & Oak St. Rt. 287 (exit 58), Rt. 202 S. to Oak St., large dirt lot on River Rd. & Oak St.
Ramapo River Mahwah Bergen County Reservation Rt. 202, Mahwah in the Bergen County Reservation, – very large paved parking lot.
Scarlet Oak Pond Mahwah Bergen County Reservation Rt. 202 North, in Mahwah, make left into Bergen County Reservation.
Ringwood Brook Ringwood Ringwood State Park Greenwood Lake Turnpike (Rt. 511) to entrance off Sloastburg Rd – several parking lots and pull-offs along brook in Park.
Sheppard Lake Ringwood Boro Ringwood State Park Greenwood Lake Turnpike to Sloatsburg Rd. Right on Morris, then left on Shepherd Pond Road. Entrance at end of Shepherd Pond Road. Parking lot, and boat ramp in park.
Wanaque River West Milford East Shore Drive. Greenwood Lake Turnpike (Rt. 511) to East Shore Drive., in the Wanaque WMA, many small pull offs and small dirt lots along road.
Whites Pond Waldwick Boro Whites Pond Wykoff Ave.(Rt 502) in Waldwick. Turn on Hopper Ave. Parking lot on left at the dam.
Whites Pond Waldwick Boro Whites Pond Wykoff Ave (Rt. 502) in Waldwick. Turn on Hopper Ave., make left onto Sherman. Lake at end of Sherman Ave.