This is a Preview of New Jersey Fishing Regulations.
For The complete New Jersey Fishing Regulations Summary Guidebook Click Here
This is a preview of New Jersey Fishing Information and Regulations. For the New Jersey state rules and regulations guidebook Click link above.
You can also access each individual state regulation guidebook by clicking the links below to the main state Regulations page. There you will find the official State regulation Guidebooks for New Jersey and the other 50 states and lower canadian providences.
These are just the overviews of the official state regulations.
The Actual state New Jersey Fishing regulation guidebooks are accessible by clicking on the state you would like to see from the home page map then clicking on the New Jersey state Fishing regulations books. There you will find the fishing rules and fishing laws overviews for New Jersey
They are also accessible by clicking on the New Jersey fishing reg. books below and accessing the New Jersey fishing regs link in the New Jersey Guidebooks listed below.
The complete New Jersey fishing Laws and New Jersey fishing rules are available at the pertinent government agencies and at most state libraries.
Enjoy be safe and have a great time exploring the site and remember to check back often to keep updated on all the new laws, rules, and New Jersey regulations pertaining to the Fishing, fishing, trapping, and wildlife sports. Also remember New Jersey Fishing Licenses, hunters education Information, Fishing maps and much more are available at the New Jersey Home Page.
New Jersey Fishing Laws, rules, and regulations preview.
General Regulation Changes
Potentially Dangerous Fish Identified
New Jersey statutes prohibit the possession or
release of live, potentially dangerous animals
including fish. Dangerous species are defined as
“a species that is non-native to an ecosystem and
whose introduction causes or is likely to cause
economic or environmental harm or harm to
human health.” The 2010 Fish Code identifies ten
such species: flathead catfish, snakeheads, Asian
swamp eel, brook stickleback, oriental weatherfish,
green sunfish, and warmouth, plus bighead,
silver and grass carp (diploid). These species have
characteristics that make them effective invasive
species, such as high reproductive fitness, high
tolerance for environmental stress, ability to
disperse effectively, consume and compete with
native species, plus they have no natural enemies.
All but one of these species, the silver carp, has
been found in New Jersey already.
Snakeheads and flathead catfish are top
level predators and may negatively impact
the structure of indigenous and established
fish populations. Bighead carp and silver carp
threaten human health as they leap out of the
water when startled and may intercept passing
boaters. When unregulated, grass carp are an
invasive species that can over-graze aquatic
vegetation, thus destroying fish habitat. Green
sunfish and warmouths have a larger mouth than
the state’s native sunfish, thus have the ability
to outcompete native fish. Asian swamp eel,
brook stickleback, and oriental weatherfish are
highly tolerant, generalist feeders that compete
with native fish.
Anglers must destroy these species if encountered
while fishing and are directed to submit
specimen(s) to the Bureau of Freshwater
Fisheries personnel for verification. Fish and
Wildlife’s fisheries biologists with can be reached
at (908) 236-2118 for northern New Jersey, and at
(856) 629-4950 for southern New Jersey.
Trout Regulation Changes
Trout Stocking Discontinued at Five Waterbodies
Scarlet Oak Pond (Bergen), Dennisville Lake
(Cape May), West Pond (Cape May), Spring Mills
Brook (Hunterdon) and Roaring Rock Brook
(Warren) will no longer be stocked with trout.
Scarlet Oak was stocked only once each spring
and although suitable for year-round trout
survival, the brushy shoreline was a deterrent to
anglers and anglers opted for the nearby Ramapo
River. In addition, boating is not permitted thus
preventing anglers from fishing the deep-water
area that the trout occupy. Stocking at both
Dennisville Lake and West Pond was discontinued
due to low angler interest. Stocking at
two small native brook trout streams, Spring
Mills Brook (Hunterdon) and Roaring Rock
Brook (Warren) was also discontinued due to
concerns of the impacts of cultured trout on
native trout populations.
Three New Waterbodies to be Stocked With Trout
Ponderlodge Pond (Cape May), Tuckahoe Lake
(Cape May) and Alexauken Creek (Hunterdon)
have been added to Fish and Wildlife’s trout
stocking program. Ponderlodge Pond and
Tuckahoe Lake have excellent access and will
enhance trout fishing opportunities in Cape
May compared to Dennisville Lake and West
Pond, which will no longer be stocked. In 1987,
Alexauken Creek was removed from Fish and
Wildlife’s trout stocking program due to poor
public access. Since that time, West Amwell
Township has acquired public property along
the stream corridor, resolving previous access
issues. The stream is able to support trout
throughout the year providing year-round fishing
opportunities.
Musconetcong River, Point Mountain Stretch
Becomes Year Round Trout Conservation Area
The 1.2 mile section of the Musconetcong
River, extending from the Penwell Road bridge
downstream to the Point Mountain Road bridge,
most commonly known as the Point Mountain
stretch, is now regulated as a Year Round Trout
Conservation Area (TCA) instead of a Seasonal
TCA. The more conservative regulations
applicable to Year-Round Trout Conservation
Areas—which limit take to one fish per day over
15 inches throughout the year and bans the use
of bait—will help further protect this year-round
trout fishery. As a result of this change, stocking
on this section of the Musconetcong after
opening day will be reduced from seven weekly
stockings to three.
Paulinskill River No Longer Regulated as a Trout
Conservation Area
The 2.25 mile stretch of the East Branch of the
Paulinskill River (Sussex), from the Limecrest
railroad bridge downstream to the confluence
with the West Branch, will no longer be regulated
as a Year-Round Trout Conservation Area.
An artificially maintained flow regime, due to
upstream quarry activities, ended within the
past decade. As a result, noticeable reductions
in flow have been reported by anglers during the
summer and fall when streams are already typically
at their lowest levels. Electrofishing surveys
in 2006 and 2007 yielded few or no stocked
trout. The East Branch of the Paulinskill is better
suited to be managed as a seasonal trout fishery
under general trout regulations. As a result of
this change, the daily size limit will be reduced
from 15 inches to 9 inches, while the daily creel
limit will be increased from one to six trout per
day from opening day to May 31, and then to
four per day from June 1 to December 31. The
use of bait is permitted. This stretch will also be
stocked every week after opening day, instead
of only three times and will receive additional
trout than previously allocated.
Trout Conservation Area on the Pequannock
River Relocated Downstream
The Seasonal Trout Conservation Area on the
Pequannock River has been relocated downstream
and now encompasses a 1.3-mile section
of the river from the railroad trestle below
Appelt Park to the Hamburg Turnpike bridge
(Pompton Lakes). Access and parking to the previous
Trout Conservation Area, originally located
between Rt. 23 bridge (Smoke Rise) upstream
to Rt. 23 bridge (Smith Mills) was provided by a
local industrial complex. Unfortunately, parking
and access from this industrial complex is
now prohibited. Few alternate access areas exist
along the busy Rt. 23 corridor. The new stretch
provides a similar year-round fishery for both
stocked and wild trout. After May 24, only one
trout measuring 15 inches or over may be kept,
and use of bait is prohibited.
An Additional Wild Trout Stream Section on
the Pequannock River
A new stretch of the Pequannock River, from
the Rt. 23 bridge at Smoke Rise downstream to
the Rt. 23 bridge at Smith Mills, has been added
to the river’s Wild Trout Stream section. This
newly designated section comprises a significant
portion of the previous Trout Conservation
Area (discussed above) that was relocated downstream
due to access issues. An upstream section
of the river located above the Charlottsburg
Reservoir is already regulated as a Wild Trout
Stream. For consistency, the 12-inch minimum
size limit for brown trout that applies to the
upstream section also will apply to the new
stretch. Wild Trout Stream regulations have a
lower minimum size than Trout Conservation
Areas. However, the reduced creel limit, shorter
season and year-round artificial lures only requirement
will protect the already-present naturally
reproducing brown trout population. Stream
segments designated as Wild trout streams are not stocked.
Bass Regulation Changes
Year-Round Catch and Release Season for Lake Audrey
Closed entirely to fishing since June 2008 (under an Emergency Closure Notice issued by the Fish
and Game Council due to concerns with the stability of the developing bass fishery), Lake Audrey
(Cumberland County) will be re-opened to fishing beginning January 1, 2010. The lake re-opens
with a year-round catch-and-release season for bass. All bass caught must be returned to the water
immediately, unharmed. Opening a year-round catch and release season is the first step to allow
access to this fishery while assuring adequate protection until it becomes fully established. See the
story behind this unique fishery, page 6, and what you can do to help with its protection.
Reduced Daily Limits on American Shad and Herring
American Shad Limit Reduced to Three
American shad and river herring (includes blueback and alewife herring) are anadromous, migrating
every spring into freshwater to spawn. Atlantic coast stocks of these species are depressed and
have been declining due to a multitude of factors. The Delaware River Basin Plan for American
shad sets a population goal estimate of 750,000 shad for a two-year period. The last year the shad
population was estimated to meet this goal was in 1989. In 2006 and 2007, the two most recent
years that population studies were conducted, population estimates were 114,000 and 181,600
shad, respectively. Due to concerns of the declining fishery, the daily limit for American shad has
been reduced from six to three.
Herring Limit Reduced to Ten Per Day
Recent stock assessments have identified that many populations of river herring, including both
blueback and alewife herring, are in decline or at depressed but stable levels along the Atlantic Coast.
From 1985 to 2004, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), has documented approximately
a 90 percent decline in commercial landings of river herring from 13.7 million pounds to 1.33 million
pounds. More recently, total coastwide river herring landings reported by member states and
jurisdictions of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission have ranged between 900,000
to 1.5 million pounds. Concern for declining stocks of river herring has resulted in several states
completely closing their herring fisheries. Due to identified coastwide concerns, the daily creel
limit of 35 for baitfish, has been amended to provide that no more than 10 of the total 35 baitfish
allowed may be alewife or blueback herring, in the aggregate. This reduction is statewide and also
applies to the Delaware River where herring are regulated as a food fish.
Possession of purchased herring in excess of the daily limit of 10 is permitted provided that the
person fishing is in possession of a receipt, dated within seven days, with the name, address and
telephone number of the supplier, and quantity purchased. The receipt must be without erasures
or alterations of any kind and must have a control number.
Licenses
 A valid fishing license is required for residents at least 16 years and
less than 70 years of age (plus all non-residents 16 years and older) to
fish the fresh waters of New Jersey, including privately owned waters.
 Resident anglers age 70 and over do not require a fishing license. A
driver’s license or other acceptable proof of age containing date of
birth and physical description will serve as the actual fishing license.
 License must be visibly displayed on outer clothing.
 License and trout stamp are both valid from date of purchase
through Dec. 31.
A person must reside in New Jersey for at least six months to obtain
a resident fishing license.
 Farmers and immediate family members who live on the farm do
not need a license to fish on their own farm, but must obey all fishing
regulations.
 Anyone convicted of a second fish or wildlife violation in this or
another state within a period of five years will have his or her New
Jersey sporting licenses revoked for a minimum of two years.
Trout Stamps
For all anglers (residents and non-residents) 16 and over, and residents
under the age of 70, a valid fishing license and trout stamp are both
required to fish for or possess trout. No trout stamp is required for
residents 70 years and over.
Purchasing a License
Licenses may be purchased by phone at (888) 773-8450, online
at www.wildlifelicense.com/nj/ or at license agents such as sporting
goods stores plus bait and tackle shops. Visit our Web site at
NJFishandWildlife.com for details, or call (609) 292-2965. The Trenton
Fish and Wildlife office is no longer open to the public for license or
permit sales.
L ICENSE & FEES
Licenses
Resident Fishing (Ages 16–64 yrs.) ..............................................$22.50
Senior Resident Fishing (Ages 65–69 yrs.; 70 & over—Free).......$12.50
Resident Trout Stamp (Ages 16–69 yrs.) ......................................$10.50
Non-resident Fishing (Age 16 yrs. and older) ......................................$34
Non-resident Trout Stamp ..................................................................$20
Non-resident 2-Day Vacation Fishing ...................................................$9
Non-resident 7-Day Vacation Fishing ............................................$19.50
All-Around Sportsman (includes resident fishing,
firearm hunting and bow/arrow hunting licenses) ....................$72.25
Permits
Available online or through license agents:
Boat Ramp Permit .........................................................................$15
Available through the Lebanon Field Office (908) 236-2118:
Water Lowering, Fish Stocking, Baitfish
Collecting, Fish Tagging ...................................................................$2
Turtle & Frog Collecting ...................................................................$2
Scientific Collecting ......................................................................$22
2010 License Information & Fees
Licenses and fishing-related permits are valid from
date of purchase to Dec. 31 of each year.
This is not the full law. Consult the Division of Fish and Wildlife for further details.
All persons are reminded that the statutes, code and regulations are the legal authorities.
Regulations in red are new this year. Purple text indicates an important note.
License Information

Replacement — Lost License or Stamp
A license, permit or stamp can be replaced at any license agent or online at
Fish and Wildlife’s Internet license sales site, www.wildlifelicense.com/nj/
also linked through our regular Web site at NJFishandWildlife.com or
by phone at (888) 773-8450.
Special Licenses
Servicemen and Servicewomen
A person who is on active duty in the armed services of the United
States is entitled to fish with a resident license.
National Guard Members
Eligible National Guard personnel are entitled to free licenses, permits,
and stamps. Further information can be obtained by writing to:
NJ Department of Military/Veteran Affairs, 101 Eggerts Crossing Rd.,
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648. Or call (609) 530-6866 for 1st Sgt. Turrian.
Disabled Veterans Licenses, Stamps and Permits
Free hunting and fishing licenses, stamps and permits are available for
resident disabled veterans.
For the purposes of this program, a disabled veteran is a New Jersey
resident who has been honorably discharged or released under honorable
circumstances from active service from any branch of the U.S. Armed
Forces who has a service-connected disability of any degree.
New applicant disabled veterans may obtain their hunting and fishing
licenses and stamps at the following Fish and Wildlife field offices:
 Pequest Trout Hatchery/Natural Resource Ed. Ctr, Oxford,
Warren Co., (908) 637-4125
 Central Region Office, Upper Freehold Twp., Monmouth Co.,
(609) 259-2132
 Southern Region Office, Sicklerville, Camden Co., (856) 629-0090
Once disabled veteran status is established with Fish and Wildlife,
veterans may obtain a license, stamp or permit at any license agent or
online at www.wildlifelicense.com/nj/.
All licenses, stamps and permits for which the veteran is eligible will
be free of charge. This does not give preferential treatment in any lottery.
Summary of General Fishing Regulations
freshwater species apply to all waters of
 Fish may be taken only in the manner known
as angling with handline or with rod and line,
or as otherwise allowed by law.
 When fishing from the shoreline, no more
than three fishing rods, handlines or combination
thereof may be used.
 Only one daily creel of any fish species may be
in possession. Additional fish may be caught
once the creel is reached if immediately
returned to the water unharmed.
 Separate stringers or buckets must be used
for each angler’s catch.
 Boats may contain only the combined daily
creel limit for each legal angler on board.
 A fishing license does not authorize trespass
on private property. Permission first must be
obtained from the landowner.
It Is Unlawful To:
 Fish within 100 feet (or as posted) of any
fish ladder entrance or exit from March 1
through June 30.
 Spear fish in fresh waters. See exception for
Delaware River, page 26.
 Possess a fishing device with more than nine
hooks in total, or more than three treble hooks,
except for the Delaware River; see page 26.
 Use set lines.
 Use cast nets in freshwater lakes or trout
stocked waters. See Bait fish Regulations,
page 28 for other exclusions.
 Foul hook any species other than yellow perch
and white perch. This does not apply to fish
taken through the ice.
 Snag any species of fish in Swartswood Lake
and its tributaries, including Neldon Brook,
plus Monksville Reservoir and its tributaries,
including the Wanaque River.
Bow and Arrow Fishing
Any species of fish, except brook, brown, lake
or rainbow trout, landlocked Atlantic salmon,
largemouth or smallmouth bass, striped bass
or any of its hybrids, pickerel, northern pike,
walleye, muskellunge or any of its hybrids, may
be taken at any time by use of a bow and arrow
with line attached by the holder of a valid fishing
license. See regulations for the Delaware River
and Greenwood Lake, pages 26–27. Crossbows
are NOT permitted for fishing.
Emergency Closures
It is illegal to fish or attempt to catch or kill fish
by any manner or means in any waters for which
the Director of the Division of Fish and Wildlife,
upon approval by the Fish and Game Council,
issues an emergency closure notice. Such notification
is effective and/or rescinded immediately
upon public notification. Emergency closures
shall be based upon imminent threat to the wellbeing
of the fishery resources, and/or its users,
and may include any exceptions to the total
ban of fishing that the Director deems practical.
Ice Fishing
No more than five devices may be used for taking
fish when ice is present. The devices that
may be used are:
1. Ice supported tip-ups or lines with one single
pointed hook attached, or one burr of three
hooks that measure not more than ½-inch
from point to shaft;
2. An artificial jigging lure with not more than
one burr of three hooks that measure not
more than ½-inch from point to point;
3. An artificial jigging lure with not more than
three single hooks measuring not more than
½-inch from point to shaft;
4. An artificial jigging lure with a combination
of the hook limitations described in 2 and
3 above.
Natural bait may be used on the hooks of the
artificial jigging lures. All devices that are not
hand-held must bear the name and address of
the user and cannot be left unattended.
Carp and suckers may be taken with net under
the ice. Suckers may be taken through the ice
by means of hooks, no more than three, directly
attached to a rigid handle between December 1
and March 1.
See separate regulations for trout-stocked
waters and Greenwood Lake.
Sale of Fish
It is illegal to sell any freshwater fish species
except under commercial permits as prescribed
in the Fish and Game Code. Artificiallypropagated
trout, if properly tagged, may be sold
for food purposes.
Stocking Fish
A permit is required to stock fish or fish eggs
into any waters of the state, public or private,
at any time. An application may be obtained
by contacting the Lebanon Field Office at
(908) 236-2118. It is ILLEGAL to stock carp or
koi into any such waters.
Tagging Fish
No person may tag or mark and then release
a fish without first obtaining a fish stocking
permit or by special permit issued by Fish and
Wildlife. Contact the Lebanon Field Office at
(908) 236-2118 for application information.
Waste of Fish
Fish of any species which are purposely killed
become part of the angler’s daily limit and
must be removed from the waters from which
they were taken, then either used or otherwise
disposed of properly
Click Here to go to the New Jersey Home Page which Includes the Hunting and Fishing Regulation Guidebooks, Maps, Videos, and Lots more Cool Stuff !!