FishKillFlea New Jersey offers incredible diversity — world-class saltwater surfcasting for striped bass along 130 miles of the Jersey Shore (completely FREE!), trophy lake trout plunging 160 feet deep in Round Valley Reservoir, and excellent trout streams winding through the state's rugged northwest. The NJ fishing license opens up surprising natural beauty in the nation's most densely populated state.
Saltwater (FREE — Registry Only)
| Spot | Region | Species | Why Famous |
|---|---|---|---|
| Island Beach State Park | Ocean County | Striped bass, bluefish, fluke | #1 surfcasting destination in NJ! |
| Cape May / Delaware Bay | South NJ | Drum, weakfish, stripers | Spring striper and drum runs |
| Sandy Hook | North Coast | Stripers, fluke, bluefish | Excellent access facing NY Harbor |
| Barnegat Bay | Ocean County | Fluke, blue crabs, weakfish | Back-bay light tackle and crabbing |
Freshwater ($22.50 License)
| Water | Region | Species | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round Valley Reservoir | Hunterdon County | Lake trout, brown trout | Deepest lake in NJ — crystal clear! |
| Lake Hopatcong | Morris/Sussex | Walleye, muskie, bass | NJ's largest freshwater lake |
| Musconetcong River | NW NJ | Brown, rainbow, brook trout | Premier trout stream — heavily stocked |
| Delaware River | W Border | Smallmouth, shad, stripers | Spring shad run is legendary |
Seasonal Guide
| Season | Best Targets | Prime Spots | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | Trout opener, spring stripers | Musconetcong, Raritan Bay | April trout opener = massive state event! |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Fluke (flounder), offshore tuna | Jersey Shore beaches, canyons | Summer flounder fishing is an NJ religion |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Fall striper run, fall trout | Island Beach SP, trout streams | The Fall Run of striped bass is world-class! |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Ice fishing (lakes), deep holdovers | Hopatcong (ice), back bays | Ice fishing depends on cold winters |
Neighboring: New York for Montauk stripers, Pennsylvania for PA trout streams, Delaware for DE Bay fishing.
A NJ freshwater license is $22.50. Saltwater is FREE (registry only). See full costs or buy yours.