Fishing in New Jersey
New Jersey's Atlantic coast is one of the most productive striped-bass fisheries on the East Coast, Sandy Hook, Island Beach, Barnegat Inlet, and the Cape May rips run stripers spring and fall. Summer flounder, blackfish, sea bass, and bluefish round out the inshore menu. Inland, Round Valley and Spruce Run reservoirs hold trophy lake trout and brown trout. The Delaware River system gives up smallmouth, walleye, and stripers. North Jersey trout streams are stocked heavily each spring.
License Types & Fees
| License | Fee |
|---|---|
| Resident Annual (16–64) | $22.50 |
| Senior Resident (65–69) | $12.50 |
| Resident 70+ | Free |
| Non-Resident Annual | $34.00 |
| Non-Resident 7-Day Vacation | $19.50 |
| Non-Resident 2-Day | $9.00 |
| Resident Trout Stamp | $10.50 |
| Non-Resident Trout Stamp | $20.00 |
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current pricing on the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website before purchasing.
Saltwater anglers must register (free) with the NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry, no separate paid saltwater license is required for most species.
Log Your New Jersey Catches
CatchVault is available on iOS. Identify species with AI, measure with LiDAR, and keep a private journal of every fish you land in New Jersey.
Saltwater Fishing
Saltwater anglers in New Jersey are licensed separately by NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program.
Visit NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program →New Jersey Fishing License FAQ
How much does a New Jersey fishing license cost?
A resident annual (16–64) fishing license in New Jersey costs $22.50. Fees vary by residency, age, and license type, see the full breakdown above for short-term, non-resident, and senior options.
Where can I buy a New Jersey fishing license?
New Jersey fishing licenses are sold online by New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, and are also available from authorized retailers, bait shops, and sporting goods stores across the state.
Who issues fishing licenses in New Jersey?
Freshwater fishing licenses in New Jersey are issued by New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. Saltwater fishing is licensed separately by NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program.
Do I need a separate saltwater fishing license in New Jersey?
Yes. Saltwater fishing in New Jersey is regulated separately by NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program, so saltwater anglers need the appropriate saltwater license or registration in addition to (or instead of) a freshwater license.