FISH STOCKING PERMIT ($2.00 application fee)
   Additional Information Required (attach and send with application):
     - Map depicting waterbody location (with major roadways/intersections marked)
     - For the stocking of grass carp, close-up photos of pond's inlet/outlet structures

For the protection of the state's freshwater fisheries resources a fish stocking permit from the Division of Fish and Wildlife is required prior to introducing any fish, including their fry or eggs, into any waters, regardless of ownership. In order to reduce the risk of the introduction of disease and/or parasites fish must be purchased from a Fish and Wildlife "approved hatchery source."

The release of any fish from private aquariums, food markets, or the transfer of fish from one waterbody to another, is expressly forbidden and poses series threats (transfer of disease, parasites, or introduction of invasive species) to the state's fishery resources. The introduction of even commonly encountered fish species can pose a threat to established fish populations, resulting in increased competition, stunting, transfer of disease, or parasites resulting in a decline in the overall fishery. A fish stocking permit assures against the release of invasive fish species, minimizes the risk of disease or parasite introduction, assures fish are stocked at proper sizes and rates, and that the stocking is consistent with established management goals for specific waters.

Fish stocking permits are not issued prior to March 15 of each year to allow time for commercial hatcheries to submit necessary forms to the Division of Fish and Wildlife. Fish stocking applications require the approval and signature of the waterbody owner or managing organization. Required signatures must be obtained prior to application submittal.

The stocking of any type of carp is prohibited with the exception of the grass carp (white amur). Stocking permits for sterile grass carp are approved, as a biological form of weed control, under strict guidelines to ensure this exotic species does not escape from the impoundment. Close up photos of the waterbody inlet and outlet structures are required to be submitted along with the fish stocking application for grass carp. Only lakes less then 10 acres in size, and determined to provide adequate containment will be approved.

Attention Commercial Hatchery Owners:
Commercial hatcheries seeking to be an "approved hatchery source" must annually submit a completed Fish Health History form, along with pertinent bacterial, viral or parasitological test results. For hatcheries obtaining fish from another culture operation be sure to secure the most current health testing and submit along with your Fish Health History form to avoid unnecessary approval delays. To remain as an approved source this information must be submitted, annually, to the Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries no later than February 28 of each year to allow Fish and Wildlife time to process the numerous requests for early spring stockings.

Fish Stocking Information (pdf, 14kb)

Grass Carp Information (pdf, 23kb)

Fish Stocking Application (pdf, 34kb)

Commercial Fish Hatcheries (pdf, 67kb)

SCIENTIFIC COLLECTING ($22.00 application fee)
   Additional Information Required:
     - For research based sampling, a copy of the research proposal must be submitted with the application.
     - The proposal must clearly indicate the use of the specimens collected and that the research is solely for environmental purposes.

A Scientific Collecting Permit is required to sample or collect wildlife. Permits are issued to paid consultants, educational, or scientific organizations that provide environmental or natural resource education to its students or a governmental unit or private institution whose primary service is the evaluation of environmental or natural resource conditions. In most cases specimens are to be released immediately and unharmed.

A scientific collecting permit is required for the salvage or collection of fish related to a water lowering where the remaining water level is insufficient to support fish. Retaining specimens beyond the time of collection may require an additional holding permit. Specimens may not be sold or used for any other purposes, such as medical research, or any other activity that does not provide a natural resource educational experience or scientific investigation that is consistent with the goals of the Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Application requirements vary depending on wildlife/habitat type being sampled. If purposed sampling will encompass more than one type of habitat/resource, more than one Fish and Wildlife issued Scientific Collecting Permit may be required. For example, if proposing to collect migratory fish from both fresh and marine waters, both a freshwater scientific collecting application and a marine scientific collecting application must be submitted.

Scientific Collecting Permit Application for Freshwater (pdf, 26kb)

Scientific Collecting Application for Marine Waters (pdf, 25kb)

Scientific Collecting/Holding for Endangered and Nongame Species

SPECIAL LIMITED USE LICENSE - FISHING (no application/fee)
Organizations, governmental or licensed private care facilities that are responsible for the physical or mental developmental health of persons who have a lifelong need of supervised care may apply for a special limited-use fishing license for patients under their care. The license allows patients to fish, without a license or stamp in specified waterbodies provided they are escorted by the staff of the organization.

Applications, in the form of a letter of request, should be submitted at least 21 days prior to the event on the organization's official letterhead stationery. The letter must contain the date(s) of the proposed event or time frame, the specific waterbody name(s), and the number of disabled persons requesting to be covered. Send the letter to: NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife, Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries, PO Box 394, Lebanon, NJ 08833. The established season, size and creel limits apply. This license does not cover staff members.

WATER LOWERING PERMIT ($2.00 application fee)
In order to protect aquatic biota, a water lowering permit is required to partially or completely lower a body of water, regardless of ownership. Water withdrawal activities (water supply, irrigation, etc.) which are specifically permitted or exempted by the Department of Environmental Protection do not require a water lowering permit. If uncertain whether or not a permit is required contact the Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries at 908-236-2118 for clarification.

For lowerings associated with dam repair/dredging type projects it is imperative to contact the Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries early in the planning process to discuss proper timing of the project to avoid unnecessary delays. Every lowering has an impact to aquatic biota present both within the waterway and downstream. No waterway should be lowered on a routine or annual basis.

The timing, duration, and extent of lowerings are tailored to each situation and are designed to avoid or minimize the loss of fish and impacts to other biota, both within the waterway and downstream. Permittees are responsible for protecting aquatic biota while the waterway is lowered.

A water lowering permit does not relieve the permittee from any liabilities to any persons or property affected by the lowering. It is the responsibility of the applicant to coordinate lowering activities that may affect other water users such as state or local water supplies, area businesses, and/or surrounding homeowners prior to application submittal. Application requires the approval and signature of the waterbody/dam owner(s). In the event, there are multiple owners, not otherwise coordinated through an association, board or commission, all owners must sign the application.

When a waterbody is completely drained or lowered beyond the extent able to support fish the fish must be collected and relocated (salvaged). The salvage is the responsibility of the permittee and should be conducted during the early spring or fall (from September 15 to November 1 for northern waters, and from September 15 to November 15 for southern waters) when handling and transportation is less stressful on the fish and reptiles and amphibians have yet to begin hibernation. Allowing fish to be flushed downstream is an unacceptable practice as it overloads the receiving waters with fish and can result in fish mortality downstream. A Scientific Collecting Permit and Fish Stocking Permit are required to perform a fish salvage.

Please review carefully the Water Lowering Information linked below. Complete the application leaving no blank fields. Obtain all necessary signatures prior to submitting your application. Failure to follow these instructions will cause your application to be returned or greatly delay processing time.

Completed applications must be submitted at least two months prior to the requested lowering date. A separate application is required for each waterbody requested to be lowered. A map must be submitted with each application, clearly showing the location of the waterbody in relation to the closest public road or intersection.

Water Lowering Permit Information (pdf, 34kb)

Water Lowering Permit Application (pdf, 54kb)

Lake Consultant List (pdf, 22kb)

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (WMA) FISHING TOURNAMENT PERMIT (no application fee)
The NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife requires tournament permits only for waters on Wildlife Management Areas. A WMA Fishing Tournament Permit is required to conduct a fishing tournament on any water within a designated state Wildlife Management Area. For the purposes of this permit a "fishing tournament" is defined as any organized fishing event, from shoreline or boat, with more than 10 anglers or more than 5 boats participating, whichever is less.

A written report of the tournament results is required and must be submitted within two weeks after the date of the event. A report form is supplied with approved permits. Waterbodies managed by other entities, such as state parks, local municipalities, etc., may have separate permitting requirements. Tournament organizers are advised to check with the specific waterbody owner for additional permitting requirements or restrictions regarding tournaments.

Fishing Tournament Application (pdf, 15kb)

List of State Wildlife Management Areas

BOAT RAMP MAINTENANCE PERMIT ($15.00 fee - no application form)
A Boat Ramp Maintenance Permit is required for any vehicle used to transport or launch a boat or other water conveyance by persons who do not possess and display a copy of their current valid New Jersey hunting, fishing or trapping license at the following boat launch sites: Assunpink WMA, Dennis Creek WMA, Mad Horse Creek WMA, Menantico Ponds WMA, Prospertown WMA, Round Valley Recreation Area (angler access ramp), Tuckahoe WMA, and Union Lake WMA. Boat Ramp Maintenance Permits are sold through Fish and Wildlife's license web site (www.nj.WildlifeLicense.com) and at all license agents. The permit is valid for the calendar year.

Valid Boat Ramp permits, or copies of valid hunting and fishing licenses, must be displayed in the rear driver's side window while using areas designated above. Personal information, such as name, address and date of birth, may be blacked out. Residents 70 years and older are not required to obtain a boat ramp maintenance permit and need no license, but must affix to their driver's side rear window proof of age, such as a former license displaying your date of birth. The permit helps cover the costs of maintenance for these areas that are otherwise the sole burden of hunters and anglers.