New Jersey offers a dynamic mix of freshwater and saltwater opportunities, from world-class trout streams in the northwest to legendary striped bass surf fishing along the Atlantic coast. Anglers can explore over 400 public lakes and 6,000 miles of rivers, alongside 130 miles of coastline providing access to fluke, bluefish, and offshore tuna.
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New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection - Division of Fish and Wildlife
Fishing Regulations
Current season guide
Species & Seasons
Trout
Freshwater season typically opens the second Saturday in April; most waters have a 9-inch minimum and a daily limit of 6 fish during the spring.
Striped Bass
Saltwater season is open March 1 to Dec 31; currently managed under a slot limit (typically 28 inches to less than 31 inches) with a 1-fish daily limit.
Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass
Open year-round with a 12-inch minimum; catch and release only during the spring spawning period from mid-April through mid-June.
Summer Flounder (Fluke)
A premier saltwater species with a season typically running May through September; size and bag limits are adjusted annually based on federal quotas.
Black Sea Bass
Highly regulated with split seasons in spring, fall, and winter; bag limits vary significantly between 1 and 15 fish depending on the month.
Muskellunge
Open year-round in most waters; 40-inch minimum size limit applies, though trophy regulations at Echo Lake and Mountain Lake require a 44-inch minimum.
Tautog (Blackfish)
Popular for wreck fishing with key seasons in April and late fall/winter; bag limits increase significantly in November and December.
Top Waters
Lake Hopatcong
The state's largest lake, renowned for hybrid striped bass, muskellunge, and excellent largemouth bass fishing.
Round Valley Reservoir
One of the few places in NJ for trophy-sized lake trout and smallmouth bass in exceptionally deep, clear water.
Delaware River
A prime corridor for the annual spring American shad run and year-round smallmouth bass action.
Island Beach State Park
One of the most popular surf fishing destinations on the East Coast for striped bass and bluefish.
Spruce Run Reservoir
Known for its diverse population of northern pike, hybrid striped bass, and channel catfish.
Manasquan Inlet
A major access point for saltwater anglers targeting fluke, striped bass, and black sea bass.
Merrill Creek Reservoir
Famed for its self-sustaining lake trout population and quiet, motor-restricted fishing environment.
Local Charters, Bait Shops & More
Support New Jersey's local fishing businesses — guides, tackle shops, marinas, fly shops, and more.
Shore Catch Guide Service
Charter/GuideManasquan, NJ
Specializing in fly and light tackle fishing for striped bass, bluefish, and false albacore along the Jersey Shore.
BarbGail IV
Charter/GuideBrielle, NJ
A premier charter boat offering bottom fishing for sea bass, tautog, and fluke as well as offshore excursions.
Andrea's Toy Charters
Charter/GuideBelmar, NJ
Professional sportfishing for striped bass, tuna, and sharks departing from the Belmar Marina.
Full Ahead Sportfishing
Charter/GuideAtlantic City, NJ
Back bay and ocean charters targeting fluke, striped bass, and wreck species out of Historic Gardner's Basin.
Grumpy's Bait & Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopSeaside Park, NJ
A legendary surf fishing hub providing expert advice and gear for Island Beach State Park anglers.
Fishermen's Supply Co
Bait & Tackle ShopPoint Pleasant Beach, NJ
Comprehensive outfitter for both freshwater and saltwater fishing with an extensive selection of lures and gear.
The Reel Seat
Bait & Tackle ShopBrielle, NJ
Expert tackle shop specializing in custom rigging and high-end gear for offshore and inshore big game fishing.
Tackle Direct
Bait & Tackle ShopEgg Harbor Township, NJ
One of the world's largest fishing tackle retailers with a massive flagship showroom in South Jersey.
Hoffman's Marina
MarinaBrielle, NJ
A full-service marina with two locations, serving as a hub for the Manasquan River fishing fleet.
Bridge Marina
MarinaLake Hopatcong, NJ
An award-winning marina on NJ's largest lake, offering rentals, slips, and boating club services.
Canyon Club Resort Marina
MarinaCape May, NJ
A premier destination for offshore tournament anglers located in the heart of Cape May.
Sunset Marina
MarinaOcean City, NJ
Providing slips, fuel, and supplies for bay and ocean fishing in South Jersey.
Shannon's Fly & Tackle
Fly ShopCalifon, NJ
Located on the banks of the South Branch of the Raritan River, providing expert fly fishing gear and guide services.
Tight Lines Fly Fishing
Fly ShopParsippany, NJ
A dedicated fly fishing center offering a wide range of rods, reels, tying materials, and educational classes.
Ramsey Outdoor
Fly ShopRamsey, NJ
A full-service outdoor retailer with a specialized fly fishing department serving Northern New Jersey.
The Fly Fishing Shop
Fly ShopClinton, NJ
Local fly fishing specialty shop providing gear and local knowledge for the Musconetcong and Raritan rivers.
Somers Point Marina
Boat DealerSomers Point, NJ
An authorized dealer for Grady-White boats, serving the South Jersey fishing community.
Schrader Yacht Sales
Boat DealerPoint Pleasant, NJ
Specializing in the sale of fishing vessels, including brands like World Cat and Sea Born.
Clarks Landing Yacht Sales
Boat DealerPoint Pleasant, NJ
Large dealer of premium fishing and cruising boats with locations on the Manasquan River.
South Jersey Yacht Sales
Boat DealerCape May, NJ
Premier dealer for major sportfishing brands like Viking, Valhalla, and Albemarle.
Bogan's Custom Rods
Rod BuilderPoint Pleasant Beach, NJ
Famed for high-quality custom-built fishing rods tailored to specific Northeast angling techniques.
Kevin Bogan's Custom Rods
Rod BuilderBrielle, NJ
Crafting premium custom rods for offshore, inshore, and surf fishing with a focus on performance and durability.
Terry's Custom Rods
Rod BuilderManville, NJ
Specializing in custom-built freshwater and saltwater rods and professional rod repair services.
Grizz's Bait & Tackle
Rod BuilderForked River, NJ
A local staple offering bait, tackle, and specialized custom rod building and repair services.
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Resource details are gathered from public sources and may change. Always confirm licenses, limits, and season dates with the official state agency before you fish.