Annual trout contest for kids returns to Spring Lake, NJ for 2026

It's that time once again to break out the fishing rods. The 2026 New Jersey trout season is just around the corner, officially beginning on Apr. 11 at 8 a.m.

Once again, Spring Lake will be kicking off what has become a local tradition for kids all over The Garden State. Even before trout season is underway, the municipality gets the lake ready with help from New Jersey’s youngest residents.

But this year it's a little different. Instead of stocking the lake the weekend before the contest, kids from all over the state are invited to gather at Spring Lake on Thursday, Apr. 9 beginning at 4:30 p.m. Trucks will arrive loaded with around 500 trout ready to be stocked.

It's a great bonus event where kids get to be hands-on throughout the entire process of stocking the lake with the very fish they'll be trying to catch just a couple of days later. It all takes place at the intersection of East Lake and Mercer Avenues in Spring Lake, NJ.

ALSO READ: Final call for Monmouth County Film Festival is now underway

Check out the photos below from one of the past year's events to see just how they do it, followed by details on this year's Shark River Surf Anglers 2026 Trout Contest for Kids.

2026 Spring Lake Trout Contest Details

The annual Shark River Surf Anglers 2026 Trout Contest for Kids is taking place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, beginning at 8 a.m. sharp along Spring Lake, in Monmouth County, NJ.

Just for participating, all kids will walk away with something for their future fishing adventures. But for those who do hook a fish, there will be additional prizes to be won including trophies, rods, and a very special charter fishing trip.

The contest ends at 1:30 p.m., with prizes being awarded by the club tent near the intersection of East Lake and Mercer Avenues beginning at 2 p.m.

One word of advice though if you're thinking of taking part in the contest. Make sure you arrive early if you want to grab the best fishing spots.

The above post reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 weekend host & content contributor Mike Brant. Any opinions expressed are his own.