How to Freshwater Fish in NJ
You can learn how to freshwater fish in New Jersey for species like rainbow trout, brown trout, largemouth bass, and sunfish. The perfect New Jersey fishing experience is waiting for you.
How to Catch Freshwater Fish in New Jersey
Are you a beginner who is just learning how to fish? Or, are you a longtime angler who is looking for a few New Jersey freshwater fishing tips because you are new to fishing in this particular Mid-Atlantic state? Either way, you can find helpful information in this section on species and places to fish.
New Jersey Freshwater Fish Identification
If you are new to freshwater fishing in New Jersey, the first thing you should do is learn about the different fish species you might catch. Fish identification is a key part of conservation. After all, you need to know which species you have on the end of your line in order to follow the state regulations.
Learning how to identify New Jersey's freshwater fish species isn't hard, especially when you have a freshwater fish identification guide to help you.
The next step is to buy your New Jersey fishing license. When you buy a fishing license, a portion of the funds are allocated to state conservation programs. These programs, in turn, help protect the state's fish populations and waterways.
Where to Freshwater Fish in New Jersey
New Jersey has hundreds of freshwater lakes and ponds where you can pursue species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, landlocked Atlantic salmon, chain pickerel, yellow perch, white perch, bluegill, and sunfish. Alternatively, if you want to try fishing in a river or stream, you can target rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout.
These specific suggestions can help you get started, or you can check the places to fish and boat map.
- South Branch of the Raritan River for rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout.
- Lake Waywayanda in Waywayanda State Park for landlocked Atlantic salmon.
- Mercer Lake in Mercer County Central Park for largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, and yellow perch.
- Swartswood Lake, Lake Hopatcong, Cranberry Lake, and Lake Lenape for chain pickerel.
If you are wondering which specific freshwater techniques to try New Jersey, head over to the freshwater fishing section.