Fishing in New Jersey
Discover 45 state parks offering fishing in New Jersey
🐟 New Jersey Fishing License at a Glance
Saltwater anglers 16 and older need the no-cost New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry. Trout and salmon need the trout stamp ($10.50 residents, $20 non-residents). Licenses run until December 31.
Checked against the official agency, September 2026. Fees and dates change yearly — always confirm current rates and free-fishing dates via the official link above before purchasing.
New Jersey State Parks with Fishing
Allaire State Park
Allamuchy Mountain State Park
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
Bass River State Forest
Belleplain State Forest
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest
Bulls Island
Cape May Point State Park
Corson’s Inlet State Park
D&R Canal State Park Trail
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park
Double Trouble State Park
Farny State Park
Forked River State Marina
Fortescue State Marina
Hacklebarney State Park
Hopatcong State Park
Island Beach State Park
Jenny Jump State Forest
Keens Mill
Kittatinny Valley State Park
Leonardo State Marina
Liberty State Park
Long Pond Ironworks State Park
Monmouth Battlefield State Park
Parvin State Park
Penn State Forest
Pigeon Swamp State Park
Princeton Battlefield State Park
Rancocas State Park
Ringwood Manor
Ringwood State Park
Round Valley State Park
Six Mile Run Reservoir Site at Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park
Spruce Run State Park
Stephens State Park
Stokes State Forest
Swartswood State Park
Tall Pines State Preserve
Voorhees State Park
Washington Crossing State Park
Waterloo Village
Wawayanda State Park
Wharton State Forest
Worthington State Forest
Other Places with Fishing in New Jersey (Not State Parks)
These places are run by a county, city, federal agency, another state agency, a tribe or a private owner, not by New Jersey’s state park system. State park passes, rules and reservations may not apply, so check with the operator before you go.
❓ Fishing in New Jersey — FAQ
Do you need a fishing license in New Jersey state parks?
Yes. New Jersey's State Park Service Code says fishing in state parks "shall comply with the Game Code, N.J.A.C. 7:25-5, and the Fish Code, N.J.A.C. 7:25-6," so anglers 16 and older need a New Jersey fishing license ($22.50 for residents, $34 for non-residents; residents 70 and older need none). Driving onto the beach to surf fish at Island Beach State Park also needs a mobile sport fishing vehicle permit ($195 a year for residents, $225 for non-residents). (NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife and NJ State Park Service, as of September 2026)
Are there free fishing days in New Jersey?
Yes — June 6 and Sept 26, 2026 (NJ residents only). On free fishing days no license is required; confirm the dates with the official New Jersey agency before your trip.