NJ’s Top Fishing Spots: Ultimate 2024 Guide

New Jersey, known as the Garden State, is a hidden gem for fishing enthusiasts. With over 130 miles of Atlantic coastline and numerous freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams, the state offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, you’ll find plenty of prime fishing spots to explore.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through some of the best fishing locations in New Jersey and provide essential information on obtaining a fishing license. We’ll cover:

  1. Top saltwater fishing spots
  2. Top freshwater fishing spots
  3. How to obtain a New Jersey fishing license
  4. Fishing regulations and conservation efforts

So grab your tackle box, and let’s dive in!

Top Saltwater Fishing Spots in New Jersey

Island Beach State Park

Located on a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay, Island Beach State Park is a prime destination for saltwater fishing. This 10-mile stretch of pristine beach offers excellent surf fishing opportunities for:

  • Striped bass
  • Bluefish
  • Fluke
  • Weakfish

The park also features two designated fishing areas: the South Fishing Area and the North Fishing Area.

Island Beach State Park
Island Beach State Park

Tip: Early morning and late evening are the best times for surf fishing at Island Beach State Park.

Location and Address

Island Beach State Park, Route 35 South, Seaside Park, NJ 08752

Fish Species Available

  • Striped bass
  • Bluefish
  • Summer flounder (fluke)
  • Weakfish

Fishing License and Fees

License TypeResident FeeNon-Resident Fee
Mobile Sport Fishing Vehicle Permit (Annual)$195$225
Mobile Sport Fishing Vehicle Permit (3-Day)$75$90

Note: A $5 non-refundable service fee is charged for each permit.To purchase a permit, visit the New Jersey State Park Service website and select Island Beach State Park. After purchasing, register for the free NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program.

Fishing Facilities and Amenities

  • Two designated fishing areas: South Fishing Area and North Fishing Area
  • Restrooms available at the park

Best Fishing Times and Seasons

  • Striped bass: Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-November)
  • Bluefish: May through October
  • Summer flounder: May through September
  • Weakfish: May through September

Sandy Hook

Sandy Hook, a 6-mile long barrier spit at the northern end of the Jersey Shore, is known for its excellent surf fishing. With over 2,000 acres of beaches and numerous shipwrecks, reefs, and rocky structures, Sandy Hook attracts a variety of fish species, including:

  • Striped bass
  • Fluke
  • Bluefish
  • Tautog

The area’s fish-rich waters, combined with the nearby Raritan Bay and Sandy Hook Bay, make it a top spot for saltwater anglers.

Sandy Hook
Sandy Hook

Location and Address

Sandy Hook Unit, Gateway National Recreation Area, 128 South Hartshorne Drive, Highlands, NJ 07732

Fish Species Available

  • Striped bass
  • Bluefish
  • Summer flounder (fluke)
  • Tautog (blackfish)

Fishing License and Fees

A Fishing Access permit is required to access the park after hours for fishing. Permits are available online through recreation.gov from March 1, 2024, through April 30, 2024.

Fishing Facilities and Amenities

  • Over 2,000 acres of beaches
  • Restrooms available at the park

Best Fishing Times and Seasons

  • Striped bass: Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-November)
  • Bluefish: May through October
  • Summer flounder: May through September
  • Tautog: April through May and October through December

Cape May

Located at the southernmost tip of New Jersey, Cape May is a renowned fishing destination. The confluence of the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean creates a unique ecosystem that supports a wide variety of fish species. From the surf, anglers can target:

  • Striped bass
  • Weakfish
  • Bluefish
  • Fluke

Charter boats are also available for offshore fishing, offering opportunities to catch tuna, marlin, and sharks.

Cape May
Cape May

Location and Address

Cape May County, NJ (various locations)

Fish Species Available

SpeciesFishing Method
Striped bassSurf fishing, charter boats
WeakfishSurf fishing, charter boats
BluefishSurf fishing, charter boats
Summer flounder (fluke)Surf fishing, charter boats
TunaCharter boats (offshore)
MarlinCharter boats (offshore)
SharksCharter boats (offshore)

Fishing License and Fees

No general saltwater fishing license is required for recreational surf casting, deep-sea fishing, or bay fishing in New Jersey. However, anglers must register with the free New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry Program.

Fishing Facilities and Amenities

  • Numerous marinas and boat ramps
  • Bait and tackle shops
  • Charter boat services for inshore and offshore fishing

Best Fishing Times and Seasons

  • Striped bass: Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-November)
  • Weakfish: May through September
  • Bluefish: May through October
  • Summer flounder: May through September
  • Tuna, Marlin, Sharks: June through October (offshore)

Top Freshwater Fishing Spots in New Jersey

Lake Hopatcong

As the largest freshwater body in New Jersey, Lake Hopatcong spans 2,700 acres and boasts over 45 miles of shoreline. The lake is home to a diverse array of fish species, including:

  • Largemouth bass
  • Smallmouth bass
  • Trout
  • Muskie
  • Walleye
  • Catfish

Numerous public access points, boat ramps, and marinas make Lake Hopatcong a popular destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Lake Hopatcong
Lake Hopatcong

Tip: Try using soft plastic worms or jigs near submerged structures and weed beds for bass.

Location and Address

Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849

Fish Species Available

SpeciesSize Limit
Largemouth Bass12-inch minimum
Smallmouth Bass12-inch minimum
TroutNo size limit
Muskie36-inch minimum
Walleye18-inch minimum
CatfishNo size limit

Fishing License and Fees

All anglers age 16 and older must have a valid New Jersey fishing license to fish in Lake Hopatcong. Licenses can be purchased online from the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife or from authorized license agents.

License TypeResident FeeNon-resident Fee
Annual Fishing (ages 16-64)$22.50$34.00
Senior Annual Fishing (ages 65-69)$12.50N/A
2-Day Vacation FishingN/A$9.00
7-Day Vacation FishingN/A$19.50

Trout stamps are required to fish for trout:

  • Resident Trout Stamp (ages 16-69): $10.50
  • Non-resident Trout Stamp: $20.00

Fishing Facilities and Amenities

  • Numerous public boat ramps and marinas
  • Bait and tackle shops nearby
  • Restrooms available at some access points

Best Fishing Times and Seasons

  • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: May through October
  • Trout: April through June
  • Muskie: September through November
  • Walleye: May through June and September through October
  • Catfish: May through September

Delaware River

The Delaware River, which forms the western border of New Jersey, offers exceptional fishing opportunities for both coldwater and warmwater species. The river is known for its excellent trout fishing, particularly in the upper reaches, where anglers can target:

  • Wild rainbow trout
  • Brown trout
  • Brook trout

The lower Delaware River is home to:

  • Striped bass
  • Shad
  • Catfish
Delaware River
Delaware River

Tip: Use live bait, such as crayfish or nightcrawlers, to entice bass from their hiding spots among the rocks and fallen trees along the riverbanks.

Location and Address

The Delaware River forms the western border of New Jersey. Popular access points include:

  • Worthington State Forest, Columbia, NJ 07832
  • Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, 1978 River Rd, Bushkill, PA 18324

Fish Species Available

  • Trout (rainbow, brown, brook)
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • Walleye
  • Channel Catfish
  • Striped Bass (lower river)
  • American Shad

Fishing License and Fees

Delaware fishing license is required for anglers aged 16 and over fishing the Delaware River between the upstream tip of Artificial Island and the Delaware-Pennsylvania state line, as the state boundary extends to the New Jersey shoreline in this section.When fishing from shore in New Jersey along this stretch, a Delaware license is not required. Delaware license information can be found at DNREC’s website.New Jersey and Pennsylvania fishing licenses are both recognized when fishing the main stem Delaware River from a boat or either shoreline.

Fishing Facilities and Amenities

  • Public access points with boat ramps
  • Restrooms available at some locations
  • Bait and tackle shops in nearby towns

Best Fishing Times and Seasons

  • Trout: April through June
  • Smallmouth Bass: May through October
  • Walleye: March through April and October through December
  • Channel Catfish: May through September
  • Striped Bass: March through December (lower river)
  • American Shad: Late March through May

Merrill Creek Reservoir

Merrill Creek Reservoir, a 650-acre artificial lake in Warren County, is a hidden gem for freshwater fishing. Connected to the Delaware River, the reservoir boasts healthy populations of:

  • Largemouth bass
  • Smallmouth bass
  • Crappie
  • Perch
  • Trout

With seven miles of shoreline and public boat ramps, Merrill Creek Reservoir offers ample opportunities for shore and boat fishing.

Merrill Creek Reservoir
Merrill Creek Reservoir

Tip: Fishing from a kayak or canoe can give you an advantage in reaching those hard-to-reach spots along the shoreline.

Location and Address

34 Merrill Creek Road, Washington, NJ 07882

Fish Species Available

  • Lake Trout (24-inch minimum)
  • Brown Trout (15-inch minimum)
  • Rainbow Trout (15-inch minimum)
  • Largemouth Bass
  • Smallmouth Bass

Fishing License and Fees

All anglers 16 and older must possess a valid New Jersey fishing license. See Lake Hopatcong section above for license fees.

Fishing Facilities and Amenities

  • Boat ramp for electric-powered and non-powered boats
  • Restrooms and parking on site
  • Bait is not sold on premises

Best Fishing Times and Seasons

  • Trout: Spring and fall
  • Bass: Spring and fall, with some summer activity

Obtaining a New Jersey Fishing License

Before casting your line in any of New Jersey’s waters, it’s essential to obtain a valid fishing license. The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife manages fishing licenses and regulations in the state.

Types of Fishing Licenses

  • Resident Fishing License: Required for New Jersey residents aged 16-64. Annual and short-term options are available.
  • Non-Resident Fishing License: Required for non-residents aged 16 and older. Annual and short-term options are available.
  • Senior Fishing License: Discounted licenses are available for New Jersey residents aged 65-69. Residents aged 70 and older can obtain a free senior fishing license.
  • Trout Stamp: Required for anglers aged 16 and older who wish to fish for trout in New Jersey’s designated trout waters.

Purchasing a Fishing License

Fishing licenses can be purchased online through the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website, at authorized license agents throughout the state, or by phone at (888) 773-8450.

When purchasing a license, you’ll need to provide personal information, such as your name, address, date of birth, and driver’s license number or other form of identification.

License TypeFee
Resident Annual Fishing License$22.50
Non-Resident Annual Fishing License$34.00
Senior Resident Annual Fishing License (65-69)$12.50
Resident Trout Stamp$10.50
Non-Resident Trout Stamp$20.00

For a complete list of license fees and durations, visit the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website.

Fishing Regulations and Conservation Efforts

In addition to obtaining a fishing license, anglers must adhere to New Jersey’s fishing regulations. These regulations cover aspects such as:

  • Catch limits
  • Size restrictions
  • Seasons
  • Permitted fishing methods

Regulations can vary depending on the species, location, and time of year. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations for the waters you plan to fish.

The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife publishes an annual Freshwater Fishing Digest and a Marine Digest, which provide comprehensive information on fishing regulations, seasons, and limits. These digests are available online and at license agents throughout the state.

By purchasing a fishing license, anglers not only gain access to New Jersey’s diverse fishing opportunities but also contribute to the state’s conservation efforts. Fishing license fees support various initiatives, including:

  • Fish stocking programs
  • Habitat restoration and improvement projects
  • Public access enhancements
  • Aquatic education and outreach programs
  • Fisheries research and management

These programs help maintain healthy fish populations, protect aquatic habitats, and ensure sustainable fishing opportunities for future generations.

Conclusion

New Jersey offers a wealth of fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. From the Atlantic coast to the numerous freshwater lakes and rivers, the Garden State has something for everyone. By obtaining a valid fishing license and following the state’s fishing regulations, you can enjoy the thrill of the catch while supporting vital conservation efforts.

So, grab your gear, purchase your license, and head out to one of New Jersey’s top fishing spots. Whether you’re surf fishing at Island Beach State Park, casting for bass at Lake Hopatcong, or exploring the Delaware River’s trout waters, you’re sure to create unforgettable fishing memories in the Garden State.

Remember to always practice responsible fishing, respect the environment, and follow all applicable regulations to ensure a sustainable and enjoyable fishing experience for yourself and future generations.