Annual Pequest Open House!

There are many activities for kids at the Pequest Trout Hatchery Open House. Bring your family, friends, scout troop, church group, fishing club, etc., for a great time in the outdoors. Kids can try fishing for trout one week before the season opens. Kids under 8 can fish in the "kiddie fishing tank", and those over 8 can try their luck in the Fishing Education Pond under the expert instruction of Trout Unlimited and Wildlife Conservation Corps volunteers. They can learn about fisheries management as they wind their way through our "gill net maze". They can sort out aquatic insects, and do fish printing.

There will beginner archery and shotgun ranges on both days. Experienced archers are encouraged to bring their own bows and try their hand at our free 3-D archery range. Hunter Education Field Sessions will also be offered to prospective students. Buy your lunch from the food vendors that will be here or bring your own.

A number of wildlife artists, carvers and taxidermists will display and sell their art and equipment. The "Bass Tub" returns again this year - the biggest mobile aquarium in New Jersey. This will be stocked with lunker warmwater fish from the Hackettstown Hatchery as well as trout from Pequest. Conservation groups' representatives will be present to talk with visitors, and several reenactors will be encamped at the hatchery to demonstrate primitive living skills from a bygone era. Be sure to check out the Fishing Flea Market and get great deals on everything you need to start fishing.

The Pequest hatchery is located on Rt. 46 nine miles west of Hackettstown in scenic Warren County. Come for a family outing during the Open House or anytime throughout the year. For more information about public or group visitation/programs call 908-637-4125 or see the on-line schedule of public programs at www.njfishandwildlife.com.