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:
- Top saltwater fishing spots
- Top freshwater fishing spots
- How to obtain a New Jersey fishing license
- 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.
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 Type | Resident Fee | Non-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.
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.
Location and Address
Cape May County, NJ (various locations)
Fish Species Available
| Species | Fishing Method |
|---|---|
| Striped bass | Surf fishing, charter boats |
| Weakfish | Surf fishing, charter boats |
| Bluefish | Surf fishing, charter boats |
| Summer flounder (fluke) | Surf fishing, charter boats |
| Tuna | Charter boats (offshore) |
| Marlin | Charter boats (offshore) |
| Sharks | Charter 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.
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
| Species | Size Limit |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 12-inch minimum |
| Smallmouth Bass | 12-inch minimum |
| Trout | No size limit |
| Muskie | 36-inch minimum |
| Walleye | 18-inch minimum |
| Catfish | No 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 Type | Resident Fee | Non-resident Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fishing (ages 16-64) | $22.50 | $34.00 |
| Senior Annual Fishing (ages 65-69) | $12.50 | N/A |
| 2-Day Vacation Fishing | N/A | $9.00 |
| 7-Day Vacation Fishing | N/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
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
A 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.
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 Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| 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.
