Coud you guide best freshwater fishing in New Jersey?

Union Lake is one of the biggest reservoirs in southern New Jersey. Located in Millville, it is an ideal destination for anglers looking for black crappie, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. This 898-acre lake is known for boat fishing in mainly canoes and kayaks. If you like fishing from the coast, Union Lake has got you covered. There is plenty of vegetation in the reservoir, which can be a challenge, particularly for less experienced fishers.

If you’re wondering where to fish in New Jersey, Lake Mercer is a great choice. It’s the largest impoundment on the Assunpink Creek sewer system located within Mercer County Central Park, a few miles east of Trenton. Assunpink Creek, the lake’s source, is renowned for bass. Lake Mercer teems with panfish, channel catfish, and muskies. You can fish from the shore, and only electric motors are allowed.

Go fishing for salmon in Lake Wawayanda in Vernon. The lake lies within the Wawayanda State Park, surrounded by forested hills. The 19-mile-long stretch of the Appalachian Trail meanders through the park while the peak of Wawayanda Mountain provides panoramic views. Besides salmon, you can catch other species, including brown trout, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, pickerel, sunfish, catfish, largemouth bass, and sunfish. In some cases, this location gets overcrowded with people who are eager to do some fishing and camping in New Jersey, so plan ahead.

The fishing in New Jersey is exhilarating at Greenwood Lake in Warwick. Located half in New York and half in New Jersey, this location is comprised of three small islands and a diverse shoreline ideal for fishing. This scenic body of water supports all types of water sports, including diving, swimming, fishing, water skiing, boating, jet skiing, canoeing, and kayaking. Smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye, largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, catfish, and chain pickerel are common here.

Manasquan Reservoir is one of New Jersey’s newest waters. This 770-acre reservoir has become a gem for bass anglers in the central part of the state. Situated in Howell, Manasquan Reservoir features various structures for fishers to fish ranging from weed beds, coves, and rocky shorelines. It teems with smallmouth bass, hybrid stripers, and largemouth bass. Only electric motors are permitted.

Situated 30 miles from the Delaware River and 40 miles from Manhattan, Lake Hopatcong is the most extensive freshwater reservoir in New Jersey. Its 45 miles of shoreline features numerous restaurants, public beaches, and marinas, making it an ideal spot to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. The location offers top-notch fishing for bass, trout, muskie, walleye, pike, striped bass, sunfish, crappie, bluegill, chain pickerel, and catfish in north-central New Jersey.

Lake Nummy is located near Woodbine in Belleplain State Forest, and it’s home to chain pickerel, catfish, and largemouth bass. Though relatively small, this lake is an ideal destination for families and beginners. Besides the incredible fishing opportunities, this location provides small boats, picnic areas, and a campground. There is a playground available for children.

Located in Port Monmouth near Monmouth Cove Marina, Bayshore Waterfront Park offers a unique fishing New Jersey experience. This destination allows you to enjoy tidal creeks, miles of beach, dunes, and stunning views across the water. The park also provides access to Raritan Bay and a fishing pier. You can reel in flounder, bluefish, weakfish, and striped bass when you fish here.

Brigantine is among the quaint towns on the East Coast that most visitors overlook. Anglers flock to Atlantic City, which means fewer people are in this town and there are more fishing opportunities. Striped bass flourishes in this location throughout the year, so if you are after trophy striper, Brigantine is the perfect destination for you. Bluefish, flounder, kingfish, black seabass, tautog, tuna, and sharks are in abundance as well.

Before you head out in your RV to do some fishing and camping in New Jersey, you need to pack certain supplies, including your fishing gear, first aid kit, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, seasickness medication, bug spray, a waterproof bag, and a camera. Ensure that your fridge or freezer has ample space to accommodate your catch. Don’t forget your fishing license and a printed copy of New Jersey fishing regulations to make sure that you understand the legal bag limits, slot limits, and regulations that may apply.

Fishing in New Jersey is a unique experience as the state is packed with crowds of fish that you may not be able to find anywhere else in the United States. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about fishing.

Lake Hopatcong, Manasquan Reservoir, Merrill Creek Reservoir, Monksville Reservoir and Round Valley Reservoir are the most popular places for fishing in New Jersey, offering anglers the chance to pursue a variety of fish species, year round including ice fishing at some of these waters.

Clinton Reservoir, Farrington Lake, Greenwood Lake, Lake Musconetcong, Manasquan Reservoir, Merrill Creek Reservoir, Monksville Reservoir and Union Lake are considered the best options for largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass. More...

Assunpink Lake, Clinton Reservoir, Lake Hopatcong, Lake Musconetcong, Merrill Creek Reservoir, Monksville Reservoir and Round Valley Reservoir are favorite options for channel, blue, white and flathead catfish. More...

Assunpink Lake, Farrington Lake, Lake Carnegie, Mercer Lake, Merrill Creek Reservoir, Monksville Reservoir and Union Lake are some of the most popular for black and white crappie. More...

Greenwood Lake, Lake Hopatcong, Manasquan Reservoir, Merrill Creek Reservoir, Monksville Reservoir and Round Valley Reservoir are popular spots to fish for bluegill, bream, perch and other sunfish. More...

The Delaware River, Greenwood Lake, Lake Hopatcong, Merrill Creek Reservoir, Monksville Reservoir are considered the top locations for walleye fishing. More...

Farrington Lake, Lake Hopatcong, Lake Musconetcong, Merrill Creek Reservoir, Rockaway River and Round Valley Reservoir are the favorite options for rainbow, brook, brown and lake trout. More...

The Delaware River, Lake Hopatcong, Manasquan Reservoir and Spruce Run Reservoir are the best options for striped bass and/or hybrid striped bass. More...

Lake Aeroflex, Tilcon Lake and Wawayanda Lake are the primary lakes for landlocked sockeye salmon fishing. More...

Visit the New Jersey fishing page for links to information covering a wide variety of fish species and destinations in the state. Visit the New Jersey map to identify your best route to these top fishing locations. Look to our sister site for additional information about boating in NJ at many of the most popular destinations in the state.

• Catfish. Catfish is one of the most popular freshwater fish, and for good reason.
• Largemouth Bass. If you live in North America, then you know bass as one of the most prominent freshwater fish.
• Trout.
• Salmon.
• Walleye.
• Pike.

With the Delaware River on one side and the vast Atlantic Ocean on the other, fishing in New Jersey is one of the most exhilarating experiences you can find yourself having. From freshwater to ice fishing, to deep sea fishing, there’s something here for everyone.

It’s the most densely populated state in the US. And not only when it comes to people! The waters of the “Garden State” are packed full of fish, with such a diverse composition. With many lakes, ponds, and rivers dotted all across the state, a day spent in New Jersey’s nature is a day to remember.

Let’s take a look at everything there is to know about New Jersey’s fishing scene. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll be ready to grab your rod and go on a new adventure.

With so many possibilities, it can be hard to decide what to go after in New Jersey. Different species inhabit the freshwater rivers and lakes, the clear waters of the Delaware Bay, and the deep waters of the Atlantic. Let’s see what some of the most popular fish species in NJ are.

Trout is probably the most popular fish in New Jersey, so it’s no surprise that Brook Trout is the official state fish. These stunning creatures hold a special place in the hearts of New Jersey anglers. To what do they owe this pleasure? Well, they’re delicious for one, and they also put up a great fight at the end of a line.

While Brook Trout may be the most revered, you’ll find the waters of the Garden State filled with Rainbow, Brown, and Lake Trout as well. Fishing for all of these species is excellent year-round, thanks to stocking programs in spring, fall, and winter. Mixed in with wild Trout, this makes for an amazing Trout fishing adventure any time of year! Round Valley and Merrill Creek Reservoirs are the most famous places for getting your hands on some monster specimens.

When it comes to freshwater fishing, there’s hardly a fish species more coveted for their fighting abilities than Bass. And with an abundance of both Largemouth and Smallmouth varieties throughout the state, the New Jersey Bass fishery is exploding. You’ll find both species in many of the state’s lakes and rivers.

If you’re looking to hook into Largemouth Bass, the best time is in spring and early summer, as well as in fall. This is when they tend to feed in shallower waters. As for Smallies, head out in fall when they school up and feed before winter. Farrington Lake, Manasquan Reservoir, and Round Valley Reservoir are some of the most popular Bass fishing spots in the state.

Coming up to the stars of the show, Striped Bass are truly a force to be reckoned with! They’re one of the most popular game fish in the Garden State, owing to their incredible fighting abilities, as well as delicious taste. They can be found in freshwater when spawning, moving to saltwater afterwards.

Striped Bass migrate north in spring, which means you can find them all along New Jersey’s Atlantic shore. The Delaware River and Lake Hopatcong are some of the most famous freshwater fishing spots. This is where you’ll find some trophy ones in the spring months.

Heading out even further into the ocean, you’ll start to run into some real monsters. The Atlantic waters off the coast of the state are just made for Tuna fishing. Sailing out into the blue waters of the Gulf Stream will bring you to the playgrounds of these revered fish.

You’ll find multiple varieties of Tuna in these waters, including Yellowfin, Albacore, and the most popular one – the mighty Bluefin. People flock to these waters for their taste of Tuna action, so if you’re looking for a new experience in the Garden State, this is one you shouldn’t miss. You’ll get the workout of your life and a delicious meal to take back home.

One of the most iconic deep sea fish, the elusive Swordfish is the stuff of legends. If you’ve ever wanted to battle the real king of the ocean, there’s no better place to try it than the waters of New Jersey during summer and early fall. The adrenaline rush is out of this world, and the adventure will stay with you for a long time.

Heading out to the deep waters of the Gulf Stream will put you in a prime position to reel in one of these stunning creatures. The waters off the coast of Cape May produce good-sized Swordfish, and the further you go the better your chances of breaking a record. Deep dropping is a technique specially designed for pulling these monsters out of the water. If you’re up for some excitement, this is the adventure for you!

That’s not nearly all. We’ve barely just scratched the surface of everything that makes New Jersey such a fishing haven. Pike, Perch, Walleye, and Pickerel are just some of the other freshwater species on offer. You’ll find even greater variety in saltwater, with Tautog, Black Seabass, Fluke, Marlin, Mahi Mahi, and many more fish waiting to take your bait.

It might not be the biggest state, but New Jersey boasts incredible fishing opportunities. Rivers, lakes, the ocean…there’s a variety of ways to explore the Garden State. Let’s check out some of the most popular ways of casting a line here.

If your type of adventure is exploring the open ocean, there’s no other way to do it than by charter fishing. The waters of the deep Atlantic are brimming with game fish ready to gorge on your bait. Hopping aboard a fishing charter is hands-down the best way to reel some of these monsters in.

What makes charter fishing so productive? Well, you can cover a lot of ground this way. If the fish aren’t biting, you can just keep going! Another reason is the fact that you can get to some of the abundant spots offshore, and the deep waters where trophy fish love to roam are within your reach. And not to mention you get the help of a professional captain who will set you up for success!

If you’re not looking to hop on a boat, shore fishing in New Jersey can be just as rewarding. With numerous beaches, jetties, and piers, your options are practically endless. Delaware Bay is one of the best places in the state to sit back, relax, and enjoy some fine angling.

For those of you who enjoy a bit of surf fishing, Striped Bass is the ultimate prize. Sandy Hook, Shrewsbury River, and Great Bay are all amazing places to cast a line from a sandy beach. Black Drum, Fluke, and Tautog are some of the other iconic species you can expect to catch.

While boats might be sturdy and reliable for fishing the Atlantic, a kayak is the perfect vessel for exploring the shallow lakes and ponds of New Jersey. It’s one of the most engaging ways of casting a line, and it’s been getting more and more popular in recent years. You’ll get a proper workout out of it, and you’ll get to spend time up close and personal with the stunning wildlife.

Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass are the most popular species to target from a kayak here, as they put up a great fight and you can really feel all the pulls and leaps they make. Raritan Bay is one of the most popular kayak fishing spots for Stripers, while Great Bay is a great place to go after Fluke. Whatever you decide to target, you’ll have a blast!

It might not be the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about New Jersey, but ice fishing is a unique experience here. Although the winters here aren’t that harsh, it gets cold enough for many lakes and ponds to freeze over. In fact, the hardest part of your adventure is choosing what to catch.

Walleye, Pike, Trout, Bass, and Perch are the most popular targets among ice fishermen in New Jersey. Whether you want to cast your bait or do some jigging, there’s something for everyone. Smartswood and Green Turtle Pond are some of the best spots to visit if you’re after some really big fish.

New Jersey might be one of the smallest US states, but judging by its fishing spots, you wouldn’t know it. Whether you’re looking for inland freshwater fishing, coastal saltwater fishing, or going on a deep sea adventure, there’s a place for you here!

Now that you know what you want to target and how to do so, the only thing left is to figure out when you should go fishing in New Jersey. The answer depends on what you’re up for, as there’s something to do here all year round. Fishing tends to be the best in spring and fall, while winter is a great time for ice fishing.

As for regulations, you won’t need a license if you’re exploring the saltwater fishery, but you still need to apply for the Saltwater Registry. If you plan on fishing in the many freshwater lakes and rivers, you’ll need to get a freshwater fishing license. Take a look at our simple guide to getting your license in New Jersey, and get ready to pack your bags!

While you might not think crowds are fun, New Jersey is so densely populated that it’s the norm. However, there’s a different kind of crowd you’ll find here – crowds of fish! You won’t easily find another place in the US that has so much variety and abundance of fish packed into such a small area. This is why your New Jersey fishing trip is long overdue!