Unlock the Great Outdoors
Why limit yourself to public land when there are millions of acres of private land to explore.
Despite being a fairly small state, New Jersey has a wealth of fishing opportunities. From wild streams to stocked ponds, there are even some trophy size specimens in the depths awaiting the valiant fisherman.
Here are some things to bear in mind if you’re going freshwater fishing in New Jersey.
First of all, you’ll need to obtain a fishing license. You can do this by visiting the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website or by heading to your local sporting goods store. Once you have your license, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the state’s regulations.
The most popular freshwater fish to catch in New Jersey are largemouth and smallmouth bass, trout, pickerel, and catfish. Largemouth bass are typically found in larger bodies of water, such as lakes and rivers. Smallmouth bass are usually found in smaller streams and ponds. Trout can be found in both large and small bodies of water, but they are most commonly found in cold, clear streams. Pickerel are typically found in ponds and lakes, while catfish can be found in both fresh and saltwater.
Some of the best rivers to go freshwater fishing in New Jersey include the Delaware River, Raritan River, and Passaic River. The best lakes include Round Valley Reservoir, Spruce Run Reservoir, and Hope Lake. And the best ponds can be found at any of the state’s many parks or wildlife management areas.
New Jersey ranks #49 in the U.S. for fishing licenses per capita with just 1.71% of the population having fishing licenses.
| Population: | 9,288,994 |
|---|---|
| Fishing Enthusiasts | 158,830 |
| Fishing License % | 1.71% |
| Hunters Rank | 49 |
The state of New Jersey is mostly private land with just 17.71% of acres considered public land -ranking #16 amongst all states.
| Acres | % | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 4,748,200 | ||
| Public | 840,980 | 17.71% | 16 |
| Private | 3,907,220 | 82.29% | 33 |
| Tribal | 0 | 0.00% | no tribal land |
For the most accurate and updated information on fishing licenses and requirements, it’s always a good idea to check the New Jersey DNR. We’ve provided their contact information and other helpful information for your convenience here.
P.O. Box 420
Trenton, NJ 08625-0420
Why limit yourself to public land when there are millions of acres of private land to explore.
Some of the most popular types of fish to fish for in the state’s rivers and streams include trout, smallmouth bass, striped bass, channel catfish, brown trout, rainbow trout, walleye, muskellunge, northern pike, and lake trout. Each of these species offers its own unique challenge, and anglers can find plenty of opportunities to wet their lines all year round. .
The hassle free way to monetize your acreage.
Fishing on private land in New Jersey has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in New Jersey or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.
1. The Raritan River
2. The Delaware River
3. The Hackettstown Reservoir
4. The Manasquan Reservoir
5. The Round Valley Reservoir
Fishing on private land in New Jersey has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in New Jersey or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.