The Delaware River forms a natural boundary between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, creating unique fishing opportunities—and potentially confusing licensing requirements. For anglers planning to fish these productive waters, understanding the reciprocal fishing license agreement is essential for staying legal while enjoying your time on the water.
What is License Reciprocity?
License reciprocity refers to an agreement between states that allows anglers to fish with a license from either participating state. In the Delaware River Basin, Pennsylvania and New Jersey have established a reciprocal agreement that significantly benefits anglers fishing these boundary waters.
Under this agreement, both New Jersey and Pennsylvania fishing licenses are recognized when fishing the Delaware River from a boat or either shoreline. This mutual recognition applies only to the main stem of the Delaware River and provides considerable flexibility for anglers who fish across state boundaries.
The reciprocity agreement means:
- You can fish from shoreline to shoreline using either state’s fishing license
- You can launch a boat from either shore and fish throughout the main river channel
- Upon returning to shore, you may possess any fish legally taken according to the regulations of the state where you land
This arrangement eliminates the need to purchase two separate state licenses, saving anglers time and money while encouraging recreational fishing throughout the river basin.
Understanding Boundary Waters and Regulations
While the license reciprocity makes fishing more accessible, anglers must still comply with specific fishing regulations based on their location in the river.
Regardless of your residency or boat launching point, you must follow the regulations of the state in which you are fishing. This is determined by your position relative to the centerline of the river:
- If fishing between the centerline and New Jersey shoreline → Follow New Jersey regulations
- If fishing between the centerline and Pennsylvania shoreline → Follow Pennsylvania regulations
In areas where the river splits around islands, boundaries are legally defined to one side of the island or another. It’s the angler’s responsibility to know which state’s waters they’re fishing in at any given time.
| Location on River | Which License is Valid | Which Regulations Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Main stem of Delaware River | Either PA or NJ license | Regulations of the state where you’re fishing |
| Between centerline and NJ shore | Either PA or NJ license | New Jersey regulations |
| Between centerline and PA shore | Either PA or NJ license | Pennsylvania regulations |
| Around islands | Either PA or NJ license | Depends on legal boundary definition |
| Delaware sections | Delaware license only | Delaware regulations |
Delaware River Sections: Different Requirements
Unlike the reciprocal agreement between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Delaware does not have reciprocity agreements with any states. This creates different licensing requirements for the southern portions of the river:
- A Delaware fishing license is required for anglers 16 and over fishing the Delaware Bay and Delaware River between the upstream tip of Artificial Island and the Delaware-Pennsylvania state line
- In that section, Delaware’s state boundary extends to the New Jersey shoreline
- However, when fishing from shore in New Jersey along that section, a Delaware fishing license is not required
Delaware’s annual resident fishing licenses cost $8.50, while non-resident licenses are $20.00, with options for 7-day licenses at $12.50 for non-residents.
Equipment and Fishing Regulations
When fishing the Delaware River, certain equipment regulations apply:
- No more than three rods, each with one line, or two hand lines—or one of each—may be used
- No more than three single hooks or three treble hooks per line
- To reduce striped bass release mortality, non-offset (inline) circle hooks must be used when fishing for striped bass with bait in all waters
- The use of crayfish, clams, mussels, reptiles or amphibians as bait is prohibited within the Delaware Water Gap Natural Recreation Area, unless commercially produced and packaged
Seasonal Considerations and Species Regulations
The Delaware River offers exceptional fishing for various species throughout the year, each with specific regulations. For striped bass, a prized game fish in the river:
- The season typically runs from March 1 through December 31
- Size restrictions apply: one fish between 28″ to a maximum of 31″
- Non-offset circle hooks must be used when fishing for striped bass with bait
For trout fishing in the Delaware tailwaters, catch-and-release practices are increasingly common, with 97% of anglers voluntarily releasing their catch. The Delaware tailwaters are known for their wild brown trout and rainbow trout populations, with fish in the 12-18 inch range comprising approximately 50% of the total population.
Finding Fishing Access Points
Numerous public access points exist along the Delaware River for shore fishing and boat launching. Resources for locating these include:
- New Jersey Fish and Wildlife’s website offers a listing of fishing access locations along the Delaware River
- Delaware River Basin Commission recreation maps are available for reference
- Information for the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area can be found through the National Park Service
Tips for Delaware River Basin Anglers
- Always carry your fishing license from either Pennsylvania or New Jersey when fishing the main stem of the Delaware River.
- Understand which state’s regulations apply based on your position relative to the river’s centerline.
- Check for seasonal regulations as they may change yearly, particularly for species like striped bass.
- Purchase a Delaware license if fishing the southern portions of the river system.
- Comply with each state’s marine registry requirements when angling for anadromous species like striped bass in tidal portions of the Delaware River.
Getting Your License
You can purchase fishing licenses for Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Delaware through several convenient methods:
- Online through each state’s fish and wildlife agency website
- In-person at registered license agents, sporting goods stores, or state agency offices
- Through the US Fishing Licenses website for Pennsylvania licenses
- Through the US Fishing Licenses website for New Jersey licenses
- Through the US Fishing Licenses website for Delaware licenses
FAQs About Delaware River Fishing Licenses
Do I need both a Pennsylvania and New Jersey fishing license to fish the Delaware River?
No, you only need one license from either state to fish the main stem of the Delaware River from shore to shore.
Which state’s fishing regulations do I follow?
You must follow the regulations of the state in which you are currently fishing, determined by your position relative to the river’s centerline.
Does Delaware have reciprocity with New Jersey or Pennsylvania?
No, Delaware does not have reciprocity agreements with any other states. You’ll need a Delaware fishing license to fish in Delaware waters.
Can I launch my boat from one state and fish near the opposite shore?
Yes, you can launch from either Pennsylvania or New Jersey and fish anywhere in the main stem of the Delaware River with either state’s license.
Understanding these license reciprocity rules ensures you can fully enjoy the exceptional fishing opportunities the Delaware River Basin offers while staying in compliance with all applicable regulations.
