Every year the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center opens its doors to the public for the annual Open House, which usually takes place the weekend before Trout Season opens. In 2013, the Open House was two weeks before the Opening Day of Trout Season, on March 23 and 24, 2013.

The Open House allows the Division of Fish and Wildlife to show off the trout we raise at the state of the art Pequest Trout Hatchery and it serves as a reminder that spring is just around the corner. This year marks the 30th Anniversary of trout production at Pequest, so be sure to come help us celebrate! Our newly renovated Exhibit Hall will be reopened for the event, so be sure to visit the building and tour the new exhibits.

Each year, thousands of people come to the hatchery to experience this event for themselves. And each year, the Division of Fish and Wildlife strives to make this a bigger event than the year before. This year is no different, and instead of just focusing on fish, we will be inviting many different outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists to join us in our celebrations.

This event is great for people of all ages and there are so many things to see and do throughout the day. The 2014 Open House will be held March 29 & 30 from 10:00 - 4:00 daily to celebrate the beginning of trout season (April 5, 2014) and spring.

Displays and exhibits await indoors

Peruse the Sportsman's Flea Market deals

Kids between the ages of 8 and 16 can try their hand at trout fishing before the season opens in our Fishing Education Pond. They will be given expert instruction by our staff, Wildlife Conservation Corps volunteers and volunteers from Trout Unlimited. Kids under 8 can try catching one of our trout in the "Kiddie Fishing Tank". And the best part is - we supply all the equipment! Displays will be set up about fisheries management, aquatic insects and much more.

In the fields along our roadway, we'll have our beginner archery and shotgun ranges set up. We will also be running shotgun and archery field sessions during the event so make sure you complete your workbook and register at www.nj.wildlifelicense.com.

Inside the Natural Resource Education Center, visit with representatives from various conservation groups and learn how they are helping to protect our natural resources. There will also be ongoing fly tying demonstrations and many different wildlife artists, carvers and taxidermists will be here with their artwork and equipment for sale. Don't forget to look inside the newly renovated Exhibit Hall which will reopen on the Open House weekend and learn about the history of Pequest and what we do here. For even more information about the hatchery, don't forget to take the self-guided tour of the facility, where everything will be in full swing in anticipation of the upcoming trout season.

Just outside the main building, our Sportsmen's Flea Market is sure to offer some good deals on both new and used equipment, lures, gear and so much more! So if you're looking to upgrade your fishing equipment or if you're just starting out, you'll want to check out the vendors here. Be sure you stop by the giant mobile aquarium located just outside the main building for a look at some of New Jersey's fish.

There will be food vendors on hand at the event or you can bring your own lunch and enjoy one of our 3 picnic areas nestled in the heart of the Pequest Valley.

The Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center is located 9 miles west of Hackettstown on Route 46 in scenic Warren County. Come for a family or group outing during the Open House or anytime throughout the year.

Directions to Pequest
NOTE: Rear entrance is closed during Open House. There is no bus parking available.

Open House Flyer (pdf, 1.3mb)

Schedule of Activities (pdf, 40kb)