The
Hackettstown Hatchery's busy trapnetting season kicks off with
the melting of ice on lakes and reservoirs in mid-March and
runs through the end of April. The open water allows hatchery
technicians to set trap nets for the collection of northern
pike, muskellunge and walleye broodstock. The eggs from these
fish are hatched in incubators and the fry raised to fingerling
size (up to 10") for stocking in public waters.
Broodstock
collected during the trap netting season are brought back to
the hatchery where the spawning operations take place. Upon
arrival the fish are separated by gender (male and female) and
ripeness (degree of egg developement). Also during their short
stay at the hatchery information such as length, weight and
any fish markings, such as fin clips or tags, are recorded.
The
fish will be returned to the their respective body of water
after spawning operations are completed.
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