In the fall of 2013 the bacterial disease, Furunculosis, was found for the first time at Pequest. It was believed to have been introduced by a bird, most likely feeding on an infected fish in the wild and transferring the bacterium to the hatchery raceway. It caused disease in brook and brown trout, while rainbow trout were relatively resistant to the disease. The outbreak of Furunculosis led to modifications in the 2014 trout stocking program to ensure conservation of the state's trout fishery. 

It is now the fall of 2019. Rainbow trout are the only species stocked since 2013. The brown trout and brook trout have created a small wild population in certain parts of our state, but Rainbow trout dominate most of our waters. The lack of variety has caused resident fishermen to seek out waters in surrounding states, frustrating anglers and losing support from NJ residents. It is important that we keep our state diverse, sustain our waters with a variety of trout to keep our anglers happy and engaged, while also making NJ fishing a place others would like to visit. 

NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife as well as the Pequest Trout Hatchery needs to hear our voices, and to listen to what is important for our NJ anglers and our beautiful state. They have the ability to make this change, and to fully restore our stocking program with our once diverse trout species. Help make our waters diverse again! Bring back our Browns! Bring back our Brookies!