Photo: Forest Service - Northern Region, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
New Jersey
State, United States. Authority: NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife.
2026 rules, checked on 23 September 2026.
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- Licence
- US$72.25All-Around Sportsman (resident fishing + firearm + bow hunting)
- Calendar lines open on
- 223 September 2026
- Minimum sizes
- 101.6 cmMuskellunge / tiger musky
Where to fish
© OpenStreetMap
2026 season calendar
Also open Jan. 1 - March 22 (9 in., 2 daily); trout-stocked rivers/streams closed to all fishing March 23 - April 11 8 a.m.; lakes and ponds now open year-round (no preseason closure)
April 15 - June 15 catch and release only (all waters)
Solid bars: fishing allowed. Yellow line: today.
Minimum sizes
| Species | Minimum size | 0–110 cm |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth & smallmouth bass1 statewide; Lunker Bass Lakes 15 in. (3 combined) | 30.5 cm | |
| Walleye1 statewide | 45.7 cm | |
| Northern pike1 statewide, open year-round | 61 cm | |
| Muskellunge / tiger musky1 statewide; Trophy Muskie Waters 44 in. | 101.6 cm | |
| Trout (brook, brown, rainbow) - rivers and streams1 general trout regulations | 22.9 cm |
Bag limits
| Species | Fish you may keep |
|---|---|
| Largemouth & smallmouth bass (combined)1 statewide (catch & release April 15 - June 15) | 5 per day |
| Walleye1 statewide | 3 per day |
| Northern pike1 statewide | 2 per day |
| Trout1 April 11 8 a.m. - May 31; 2 daily Jan. 1 - March 22 and June 1 - Dec. 31 | 6 per day |
Licence
| Licence | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Fishing License (ages 16-64)1 | annual (date of purchase to Dec. 31) | US$22.50 |
| Resident Fishing (ages 16-64)1 | annual (to Dec. 31) | US$22.50 |
| Senior Resident Fishing (ages 65-69); 70 and over free1 | annual (to Dec. 31) | US$12.50 |
| Resident Trout Stamp (ages 16-69)1 | annual (to Dec. 31) | US$10.50 |
| Non-resident Fishing (16+)1 | annual (to Dec. 31) | US$34 |
| Non-resident Trout Stamp1 | annual (to Dec. 31) | US$20 |
| Non-resident 2-Day Vacation Fishing1 | 2-day | US$9 |
| Non-resident 7-Day Vacation Fishing1 | 7-day | US$19.50 |
| All-Around Sportsman (resident fishing + firearm + bow hunting)1 | annual | US$72.25 |
- Ages and exemptions1
- License required for residents at least 16 and less than 70 years of age, and all non-residents 16 and older. Residents 70 and over need no license or trout stamp; non-residents 70+ must buy a license. Trout stamp required (with license) to fish for or possess trout and salmon. Buddy licenses available (resident $11.75, non-resident $17.50).
Good to know
2026: fixed trout Opening Day (April 11), trout-stocked lakes and ponds open year-round. Brook Trout Conservation Zone (west of I-287, north of Rt. 202): all brook trout released. Lunker Bass Lakes 15 in./3 fish. Delaware River and Greenwood Lake have separate boundary-water rules.
What the authority does not publish
Points we could not find in the official texts: check with the authority.
- no resident 1-day license (only non-resident 2-day and 7-day vacation licenses exist)
Rules change every year and can be amended during the season. Before fishing, check the text in force with the authority listed.
Where to fish
Fishing places listed in the official sources.
- Lake Hopatcong lake, Sussex County View on the map
- Round Valley Reservoir reservoir, Hunterdon County View on the map
- Merrill Creek Reservoir reservoir, Warren County View on the map
- Swartswood Lake lake, Sussex County View on the map
- Clinton Reservoir reservoir, Passaic County View on the map
- Lake Musconetcong lake, Morris County View on the map
- Wawayanda Lake lake, Sussex County View on the map
- Mountain Lake lake, Warren County View on the map
- Lake Aeroflex lake, Sussex County View on the map
- Little Swartswood Lake lake, Sussex County View on the map
- Hammonton Lake lake, Atlantic County View on the map
- Furnace Lake lake, Warren County View on the map
Frequently asked questions
How much is a fishing licence in New Jersey in 2026?
The “All-Around Sportsman (resident fishing + firearm + bow hunting)” licence costs US$72.25 (annual). Other options and prices are in the table above, with the official source.
What is the minimum size for muskellunge in New Jersey?
Muskellunge: 101.6 cm. Any smaller fish must be released immediately.
Official sources
- New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Digest - 2026 Freshwater Issue (accessed on 23 September 2026)
- NJ Fish & Wildlife - Freshwater: Buy A License (accessed on 23 September 2026)
Last checked: 23 September 2026.
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