A Boy Name Trout Fishing in America, okay, but NJ Salmon?

Why do I care about fishing for salmon in Jersey? I come from a long line of fishermen, of both the fresh and salt water variety. Both Grandpas own boats, and we spent 20 years and and more at Long Beach Island. I also happen to think New Jersey has a lot more to offer than what the Sopranos see from their perches in Satriale's.

Even Mr. Kate, otherwise known as Dicky Duct Tape, will fish anywhere a pole can reach, even if no fish exist. For example, the Raritan River near Johnson Park, New Brunswick, NJ. Can we all say a collective "ewwww?" A noteworthy clean up effort going on for years has resulted with fish returning to the river, but I'm quite sure it doesn't belong on Garden State dinner plates yet or for some time to come.

But I do think this is newsworthy because I've insisted for years, New Jersey is more than landfills and the view of Cartert from the Turnpike.

TRENTON -- Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa P. Jackson today announced that landlocked salmon are being stocked in two New Jersey freshwater lakes for the first time in more than 50 years.

“For countless anglers, the opportunity to catch this hard-fighting sport fish close to home is a dream come true,” Commissioner Jackson said. “We’re excited about bringing this species back to New Jersey’s waters.”

The DEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife this afternoon released more than 1,000 salmon into Lake Wawayanda at Wawayanda State Park and another 400 fish into Lake Aeroflex at Kittatinny Valley State Park. The waters, both in Sussex County, are among only a few deep lakes in New Jersey with suitable year-round habitat for cold-water fish such as landlocked salmon and trout.