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The Fishing's Never Been Better in New Jersey

 
Many anglers who have been fishing in New Jersey the past few years know that the fishing's never been better. Over the past decade many new species have been established in state waters, providing for angling action previously found only out-of-state.

Walleye, northen pike, muskies and hybrid striped bass top the list of additions of big, hard-fighting fish. Recently created reservoirs provide some of the best angling potential in the northeast. Incredible runs of anadromous fish like American shad and striped bass provide hot angling along the entire stretch of the Delaware River. At no time in the history of our state has there been more or better fishing opportunities for both coldwater and warmwater fish.

Girl with dad in boat

Echo Lake Musky
Echo Lake Musky

Renovation of the Hackettstown Hatchery has led to the production and stocking of more warmwater species like walleye, northen pike, muskies and hybrid striped bass. Continued successful production at the Pequest Trout Hatchery, has meant plenty of trout for New Jersey (and non-resident) anglers to pursue.

For those that have never fished, New Jersey's annual Free Fishing Days (when licensing requirements are suspended each year in early June) give you the chance to find out what you have been missing without having to buy a license. For anyone who used to fish but has given it up, Free Fishing Days provide an excellent opportunity to re-experience the joy, excitement and relaxation that fishing can provide. These two days also provide an opportunity for those from neighboring states to enjoy a free sample of great fishing in New Jersey.

For those looking to get started, the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center offers free beginner courses for both spin and fly anglers. Looking to improve your skills? There are also courses for intermediate anglers.

State record lake trout
State Record Lake Trout

Youngster fishing w/dad

There are many pages on our Web site to help you learn about fishing in New Jersey.

The links below are feature articles which have appeared on the site over the past five years, and they convey the excitement, opportunities and some tips for enjoying fishing in the state. Other links will also help you get started, or back into, fishing in the Garden State.

Fishing is one of the best ways to connect with the people you care about. Spend some quality time on our lakes, rivers and streams.

Nice largemouth bass

Join the growing number of people discovering the satisfaction of fishing in New Jersey - where the fishing's never been better!

Feature Articles:
Trout Fishing with My Daughters
Sea Run Brown Trout Program 2003 Update
Children's Fishing Derby Program
Round Valley Rainbows Get Anglers Off To An Early Start
The American Shad Spawning Run
New Jersey's Most Wanted Fish
Wall to Wall Walleyes in Swartswood Lake!!!
Summertime Largemouth Fishing is Heating Up!
20 Years of Trout Production at Pequest
Warmwater Fishing Has Never Been Better!
Success! The Winter Trout Stocked Lakes Program
Ice is Out and Fishing Heats Up!
After the Ice Is Gone - Perch Fishing in New Jersey
Ice Fishing - Fun For One and All

Getting Started:
What Do I Need to Go Fishing in New Jersey?
Fishing in New Jersey
Pequest Fishing Programs
Where to buy a fishing license and get local information - license agents!
Children's Fishing Derby Program
On-line Fishing Licenses
Places to Fish - Ponds, Lakes and Reservoirs
Places to Fish - Rivers and Streams
Accessible Sites for People with Disabilities
Commercial (Pay for) Fishing Preserves
New Jersey's Free Fishing Days
Freshwater Fishing DIGEST - Rules and management information

External Links:
Teen Anglers
Water Works Wonders - Information on how and where to boat and fish.

Youngster with big bass
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Last Updated: February 23, 2016