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Do You Need a Fishing License in New Jersey?
Yes. Anyone 16 to 69 needs a freshwater fishing license from the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. Residents 70 and older fish free but must obtain a free Senior license.
Saltwater anglers 16 and older must register with the New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry Program. The registry is free but mandatory for ocean and bay fishing.
A separate Trout Stamp ($10.50 resident, $20 non-resident) is required to possess or fish for trout. Children under 16 fish free in both fresh and saltwater.
How Much Does a New Jersey Fishing License Cost in 2026?
A resident annual freshwater license costs $22.50. The Trout Stamp adds $10.50. Non-residents pay $34 for the annual license plus $20 for the Trout Stamp.
Short-term options include a non-resident 2-day vacation license ($9), 7-day non-resident ($19.50), and a resident 1-day ($1 plus convenience fee). The non-resident 1-day trout fishing license is $9 plus stamp.
Resident seniors 65 to 69 pay $12.50 for the annual license. Disabled veterans, active-duty military, and legally blind residents qualify for free licenses through NJ Fish and Wildlife.
Where to Buy a New Jersey Fishing License
Buy online at nj.wildlifelicense.com. Licenses print instantly and can be saved as a PDF on your smartphone for digital display to wardens.
License agents include Dick's Sporting Goods, Bass Pro Shops in Atlantic City, Cabela's, and over 250 bait shops, sporting goods stores, and county clerk offices statewide.
Saltwater anglers register free at saltwaterregistry.nj.gov. NJ Fish and Wildlife regional offices in Clinton, Pequest, and Tuckahoe also sell freshwater licenses in person.
New Jersey Free Fishing Days 2026
New Jersey offers two free freshwater fishing days each year. In 2026, no license or Trout Stamp is required on Saturday, June 13, and Saturday, October 17 (Open House Day).
All other regulations apply during free fishing days, including trout daily limits, bass size limits, and special area regulations. The Saltwater Recreational Registry remains free year-round.
Free fishing days draw crowds to Round Valley Reservoir, Spruce Run, and Manasquan Reservoir. Smaller WMA ponds offer less-crowded alternatives during free fishing weekends.
New Jersey Fishing Regulations You Need to Know
Largemouth and smallmouth bass have a 12-inch minimum (15-inch minimum on Round Valley and Merrill Creek) and 5-fish daily limit statewide from June 16 through April 14. April 15 to June 15 is catch-and-release season.
Trout daily limit is 6 in most stocked waters from opening day through May, then 4 daily for the rest of the year. Wild trout streams have additional restrictions and 9-inch minimum sizes.
Saltwater regulations include striped bass (28 to less than 31-inch slot, 1-fish daily), summer flounder (18-inch minimum, 3 fish daily), and black sea bass (12.5-inch minimum). Tautog has seasonal closures.
Best Fishing Spots in New Jersey
Round Valley Reservoir is the state's top lake trout and trophy brown trout water, with the state record brown over 21 pounds. Merrill Creek Reservoir also produces trophy lake trout.
Spruce Run Reservoir is a premier striped bass and hybrid striper fishery. The Delaware River runs walleye, smallmouth, and shad in spring. The Musconetcong and Big Flat Brook are wild brown trout streams.
Saltwater hotspots include Sandy Hook, Raritan Bay, and Barnegat Inlet for striped bass and bluefish. Cape May offers summer flounder, black sea bass, and weakfish. Offshore canyons produce tuna and mahi each summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
A resident annual license is $22.50 plus a $10.50 Trout Stamp. Non-residents pay $34 annually plus a $20 Trout Stamp. A 7-day non-resident is $19.50.
Saltwater anglers 16+ must register with the free NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry at saltwaterregistry.nj.gov. The registry is free but legally mandatory.
New Jersey's 2026 free fishing days are Saturday, June 13, and Saturday, October 17 (Open House Day). No license or Trout Stamp is required, but all regulations apply.
Buy online at nj.wildlifelicense.com or at Dick's, Bass Pro Shops in Atlantic City, Cabela's, and 250+ bait shops and county clerk offices statewide.
Yes. To possess or fish for trout you need a $10.50 Trout Stamp (resident) or $20 Trout Stamp (non-resident). It is purchased with the fishing license.
Bass catch-and-release season runs April 15 to June 15 statewide. Harvest season is June 16 through April 14 with a 12-inch minimum and 5-fish daily limit.