Beginning in 1984, the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center has been opening its doors to the public for the annual Open House, which takes place the weekend before Trout Season opens. This event 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.

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 event is great for people of all ages and there are so many things to see and do throughout the day. This year's Open House will be March 29 and 30 from 10:00 - 4:00 daily, so plan to join us as we celebrate the beginning of trout season and spring. Bring your families, friends, scout troops, church groups, fishing clubs and anyone else for a fu time in the outdoors.

Displays and exhibts await indoors

Peruse the flea market for fishing deals

Kids between the ages of 8 and 16 can try their hand at trout fishing a week 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!

Children of all ages can do fish printing, the ancient Japanese art known as Gyotaku. 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. For those experts out there, we'll also have our 15 target 3-D archery course set up in the woods, offering you many nice shots at some of New Jersey's huntable wildlife targets in realistic situations. You will need to bring your own archery equipment for this course.

Each day at 10:30, Hunter Education staff will lead a Hunter Education Field Session. This hour-long program will enable participants to bypass this portion of the course when you attend a regularly scheduled hunter education class. No pre-registration or homework is required to participate.

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 Exhibit Hall 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 Fishing 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.

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. For more information on public or group visitation/programs call 908-637-4125 or see the on-line schedule of public programs.