New Jersey

A nonresident annual fishing license in New Jersey costs $34.00. For comparison, New Jersey residents pay $22.50. Short-term options: Short-term options available; check site. The license year runs January 1 - December 31.

Purchase your New Jersey fishing license online at https://nj.aspirafocus.com/internetsales. Valid ID; 6 months residency required; phone purchase at (888) 773-8450. Licenses are administered by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife (NJDEP).

Under 16 exempt; Residents 70+ free year-round; farmers exempt on own property. Always check the official New Jersey website for the most current exemption details and any additional categories that may qualify.

Trout Stamp required for designated trout waters; Fishing Buddy License program (50% discount for pairs). Be sure to purchase any required stamps or endorsements before heading out, as they are often checked during enforcement.

Fishing seasons in New Jersey: Trout-stocked lakes and ponds open year-round (preseason closure eliminated February 17, 2026); rivers and streams closed to all fishing March 23–April 11; other species year-round or with specific dates. Bag limits: Trout: 6/day during regular season (through May 31); 2/day June 1–December 31 (reduced from 4/day in 2026); Bass: varies by season; check regulations. Always consult the current New Jersey fishing regulations for the most up-to-date season dates and limits, as they can change annually.

Trout Management Areas have specific rules; catch-and-release trout sections; Fishing Buddy License program available. Effective February 17, 2026: preseason closure on trout-stocked lakes and ponds eliminated (year-round access to ~100 waters); rivers and streams still closed March 23–April 11. 23 new small ponds added to spring stocking program. Trout creel limit reduced from 4/day to 2/day for June 1–December 31 period.. For the complete set of rules including gear restrictions, size limits, and special waters, visit the official New Jersey fish and wildlife website.

New Jersey has the following border water or reciprocal agreements: Delaware River with Pennsylvania and Delaware; Hudson River with New York; specific boundary water rules. West Virginia is not directly included in these agreements, so a standard nonresident license is required.

For the most current regulations, license prices, and season dates, visit the official New Jersey fishing page at https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/fishing/freshwater/buy-a-license/. To purchase a license online, visit https://nj.aspirafocus.com/internetsales.