Official Site of The State of New Jersey
FRESHWATER
BUY A LICENSE
LICENSE AND PERMIT INFORMATION
Anyone age 16 and older must have a license to fish the fresh waters of New Jersey (including privately owned waters) with handline, rod and reel or with a bow. To fish for trout or salmon requires a trout stamp.
LICENSE AND STAMP FEES
Fishing licenses and Trout Stamps are valid from date of purchase to December 31 of each year.
A valid New Jersey fishing license is required for residents at least 16 years and less than 70 years of age (plus all non-residents 16 years and older) to fish the fresh waters of New Jersey, including privately owned waters. Resident anglers age 70 and over do not require a fishing license or Trout Stamp. A driver license or other acceptable proof of age containing date of birth and physical description will serve as the actual fishing license. License must be visibly displayed on outer clothing.
A person must have an established residence in New Jersey for at least the previous six months to obtain a resident fishing license.
Farmers and immediate family members who live on the farm do not need a license to fish on their own farm but must obey all fishing regulations.
A license is not required to fish marine waters, but anglers must register, each year, with the NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry. For more information, please visit https://www.nj.gov/dep/saltwaterregistry/
A discounted fishing license is available to all residents, age 65 and under 70 years of age. Resident anglers age 70 and over do not require a fishing license or Trout Stamp.
A valid fishing license AND trout stamp are required to fish for or possess trout and salmon for all anglers 16 and over, and residents under the age of 70. No trout stamp is required for residents age 70 years and over. Trout Stamp is required whether or not you keep the trout you catch.
A valid New Jersey fishing license is required for non-residents at least 16 years and older to fish the fresh waters of New Jersey, including privately owned waters. License must be visibly displayed on outer clothing.
A valid fishing license AND trout stamp are required to fish for or possess trout and salmon for non-residents 16 and over.
Not ready to purchase a full-year license? A 7-day vacation license is available to non-residents wishing to test the great fishing opportunities in New Jersey without committing to an annual license. A trout stamp is still required to fish for or possess trout and salmon.
Looking to fish for a weekend or a day? A 2-day license is available to non-residents looking to explore New Jersey’s fishing opportunities for a short time without purchasing an annual license. A Trout Stamp is still required to fish for or possess trout and salmon.
Greater Eligibility starting in 2025!
Want to introduce someone new to fishing or want to learn to fish with a friend? Purchasing a Buddy Fishing License will help to save both of you nearly 50% off your fishing license!
Buddy Pairs may consist of the following:
• A NEW Angler purchasing a fishing license together with a returning angler.
• Two NEW anglers purchasing fishing licenses together.
For more information, please visit https://njdepwptest.net/njfw/fishing/freshwater/fishing-buddy-licenses/
A Boat Ramp Permit is required for people wishing to utilize select Wildlife Management Area’s (WMA) boat ramps that do not have a current fishing or hunting license. Residents 70 years and older are not required to obtain a permit.
WMAs requiring a Boat Ramp Permit include: Round Valley Angler Access, Assunpink, Dennis Creek, Tuckahoe, Mad Horse Creek, Union Lake, Menantico Ponds, and Prospertown Lake.
The “All Around Sportsman License” includes license to hunt with a shotgun, bow and arrow, and to fish the fresh waters of New Jersey. A trout stamp is still required to fish for or possess trout and salmon.
A person on active duty in the United States armed services, regardless of their current residency, are entitled to purchase a resident New Jersey fishing license. Active duty military ID must be shown to the license agent as proof of entitlement.
Only New Jersey National Guard personnel in good standing are entitled to free hunting and fishing licenses, permits and stamps. These privileges are not available using Fish & Wildlife’s website. However, the NJ Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs can issue fishing licenses through their DMAVA website.
For all other free hunting and fishing licenses, call 609-530-6866, email robert.greco@dmava.nj.gov, or write to: NJ Dept of Military and Veterans Affairs, Attn: MSG (Ret.) Robert Greco (RSB-RALV), PO Box 340, Trenton, NJ 08625-0340.
Free hunting and fishing licenses, stamps and permits are available for resident veterans with a service-connected disability.
Newly applying disabled veterans can obtain their hunting and fishing licenses and stamps by mailing the application and all required documentation to: New Jersey Fish & Wildlife, Attn: Disabled Veteran Licensing, MC 501-03, PO Box 420 Trenton, NJ 08625-0420. Fish & Wildlife offices no longer accept Disabled Veteran Certifications in person. For information and updates, click here.
All licenses, stamps and permits for which the veteran is eligible will be free of charge. For questions call 609-292-2965.
Residents afflicted with total blindness may obtain a free fishing license. Call (609) 292-2965 for an application.
FRESHWATER PERMITS
WHICH PERMIT DO I NEED?
PERMITS
More information and application
A scientific collecting permit is required for the salvage or collection of fish related to a water lowering where the remaining water level is insufficient to support fish. Specimens may not be sold or used for any other purposes, such as medical research, or any other activity that does not provide a natural resource educational experience or scientific investigation that is consistent with the goals of New Jersey DEP Fish & Wildlife.
More information and application
More information and application
A written report of the tournament results is required and must be submitted within two weeks after the date of the event. A report form is supplied with approved permits. Waterbodies managed by other entities, such as state parks, local municipalities, etc., may have separate permitting requirements. Tournament organizers are advised to check with the specific waterbody owner for additional permitting requirements or restrictions regarding tournaments.
More information and application
More information and application
Applications, in the form of a letter of request, should be submitted at least 21 days prior to the event on the organization’s official letterhead stationery. The letter must contain the date(s) of the proposed event or time frame, the specific waterbody name(s), and the number of disabled persons requesting to be covered. Send the letter to: New Jersey Fish & Wildlife, Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries, PO Box 394, Lebanon, NJ 08833. The established season, size and creel limits apply. This license does not cover staff members.
BUDDY UP AND SAVE
Save almost 50% OFF your license
frequently asked questions
For any issues with purchasing a license call Aspira at (888) 773-8450 or email at NJDFWLicenses@njdepwptest.net.
A child, under the age of 16 may fish without a license until December 31 of the year they turned 16. So if your child turned 16 in July they may continue to fish until December 31 of that year. They will however, need a license beginning January 1 of the following year.
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NOTE: Anyone needing assistance with the License Web Site should e-mail NJDFWLicenses@njdepwptest.net or call 908-637-4125 ext 0. Detailed information on the Integrated Electronic Licensing System (IELS) is available on the main License Information page.
READY TO FISH?
