Fishing Regulations in New Jersey
Last updated: 2025-01-01
Regulations shown are approximate and may be outdated. Always check the official New Jersey fish and game agency for current regulations.
Visit Official AgencyFishing License
New Jersey requires a fishing license for anglers 16 to 69 (seniors 70+ are exempt). Resident and non-resident annual licenses are available, along with 7-day and 2-day options. A trout stamp is required for trout fishing. Saltwater fishing requires a free registration through the state or NOAA.
Get Your LicenseSpecies Regulations
| Species | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 5 per day | 12 inches minimum | Year-round (catch-and-release March 16 - June 15 on some waters) | Regulations vary by water body. Always check current NJ Fish and Wildlife regulations. |
| smallmouth-bass | 5 per day (combined with largemouth) | 12 inches minimum | Year-round (catch-and-release March 16 - June 15 on some waters) | |
| rainbow-trout | 6 per day | 9 inches minimum | Year-round (stocked waters seasonal) | Trout stamp required. |
| brown-trout | 6 per day | 9 inches minimum | Year-round (stocked waters seasonal) | |
| brook-trout | 6 per day | 7 inches minimum | Year-round (stocked waters seasonal) | |
| channel-catfish | No limit | No minimum | Year-round | |
| striped-bass | 1 per day | 28 inches minimum | Seasonal (check current year) | Saltwater regulations change frequently. Verify before fishing. |
| flounder | 2 per day | 19 inches minimum | Seasonal (check current year) | Regulations change annually. Check state regulations. |
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 12 inches minimum
Season: Year-round (catch-and-release March 16 - June 15 on some waters)
Notes: Regulations vary by water body. Always check current NJ Fish and Wildlife regulations.
Bag Limit: 5 per day (combined with largemouth)
Size Limit: 12 inches minimum
Season: Year-round (catch-and-release March 16 - June 15 on some waters)
Bag Limit: 6 per day
Size Limit: 9 inches minimum
Season: Year-round (stocked waters seasonal)
Notes: Trout stamp required.
Bag Limit: 6 per day
Size Limit: 9 inches minimum
Season: Year-round (stocked waters seasonal)
Bag Limit: 6 per day
Size Limit: 7 inches minimum
Season: Year-round (stocked waters seasonal)
Bag Limit: No limit
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 1 per day
Size Limit: 28 inches minimum
Season: Seasonal (check current year)
Notes: Saltwater regulations change frequently. Verify before fishing.
Bag Limit: 2 per day
Size Limit: 19 inches minimum
Season: Seasonal (check current year)
Notes: Regulations change annually. Check state regulations.
Top Fishing Waters
Round Valley Reservoir
reservoirSpecies: largemouth-bass, smallmouth-bass, brown-trout, rainbow-trout
Spruce Run Reservoir
reservoirSpecies: largemouth-bass, crappie, bluegill, channel-catfish, rainbow-trout
Lake Hopatcong
lakeSpecies: largemouth-bass, smallmouth-bass, crappie, bluegill, yellow-perch, channel-catfish
Delaware River
riverSpecies: smallmouth-bass, channel-catfish, rainbow-trout, brown-trout, striped-bass
Barnegat Bay
baySpecies: striped-bass, flounder
Manasquan Reservoir
reservoirSpecies: largemouth-bass, crappie, bluegill, channel-catfish
Wawayanda Lake
lakeSpecies: largemouth-bass, crappie, bluegill, yellow-perch
State Records
| Species | Weight | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 12 lbs 14 oz | 1980 | Menantico Sand Wash Pond |
| smallmouth-bass | 7 lbs 2 oz | 1990 | Round Valley Reservoir |
| rainbow-trout | 13 lbs 4 oz | 2003 | Lake Aeroflex |
| brown-trout | 21 lbs 6 oz | 1995 | Round Valley Reservoir |
| brook-trout | 7 lbs 3 oz | 1995 | Tilcon Lake |
| channel-catfish | 33 lbs 3 oz | 1978 | Lake Hopatcong |
| striped-bass | 78 lbs 8 oz | 1982 | Atlantic City Surf |
| yellow-perch | 2 lbs 6 oz | 1989 | Prospertown Lake |
| crappie | 3 lbs 12 oz | 1996 | Pompton Lake |