New Jersey Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife
How much is a fishing license in New Jersey?
A resident annual New Jersey fishing license costs $22.50, and a non-resident annual license is $34.00. Saltwater fishing also needs a separate stamp. New Jersey also offers short-term day passes and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.
🎫 Buy a New Jersey Fishing License →Fishing in New Jersey
New Jersey is a shore state through and through. Striped bass, bluefish, summer flounder (fluke), black sea bass and tautog work the beaches and back bays, surfcasting is a way of life, and the offshore canyons give up tuna and mahi. Freshwater anglers get stocked trout, largemouth in the lakes, and smallmouth in the Delaware River. Saltwater anglers use the state registry, and the fishing runs across all four seasons.
New Jersey Fishing License Types & 2026 Prices
Resident Annual
Freshwater
$22.50
Non-Resident Annual
Freshwater
$34.00
Non-Resident 7-Day
Freshwater
$19.50
Senior (70+)
FreeNJ resident 70+ free; 65–69 pay $12.50
Youth (under 16)
Free🌊 Saltwater stamp: New Jersey requires a separate saltwater stamp for saltwater fishing. NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry required but free
✅ Prices verified January 2026 from the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. License fees can change year to year — confirm current rates with the agency before you buy.
Who needs a New Jersey fishing license?
Most adult anglers need a license to fish in New Jersey. Several groups are exempt or pay a reduced fee:
- Youth
- Children under 16 do not need a license. A license is required for residents 16 to under 70, and for all non-residents 16 and older; anglers under 16 fish free.
- Seniors (70+)
- New Jersey residents 70 and older fish FREE — a full exemption; proof of age (DOB + physical description) is carried in lieu of a license. Residents 65–69 buy a reduced $12.50 annual license.
- Anglers with disabilities
- New Jersey publishes no general disabled fishing-license exemption; disabled residents use the veteran/military provisions or the standard license. Free licenses run through the disabled-veteran certification below.
- Veterans & military
- FREE hunting and fishing licenses, permits and stamps for honorably discharged NJ resident veterans with a service-connected disability (one-time certification by the Division of Fish & Wildlife — cannot be done online or at an agent). Active-duty members may buy resident licenses regardless of residency; eligible National Guard members get free licenses through DMAVA.
- Free fishing days (2026)
- June 6 and September 26, 2026 — New Jersey's two Free Fishing Days; no license or trout stamp required to fish the state's fresh waters. All other regulations still apply.
Short-term day licenses are available for visitors and occasional anglers. Always confirm the current rules with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife before heading out. ✅ Exemptions verified August 2026.
New Jersey Fishing Limits by Species (2026)
General statewide bag, size, and season limits for popular New Jersey species.
| Species | Daily Bag | Min Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Striped BassSaltwater slot 28–31 inches; confirm current rule | 1 | 28" | Varies |
| Summer Flounder (Fluke)Size/season set annually — confirm | 3 | 18" | Varies |
| Largemouth BassStatewide general limit | 5 | 12" | Year-round |
| Trout6/day in the spring stocked season (Apr 11–May 31), then 2/day the rest of the year | 6 | No limit | In-season (stocked) |
⚠️ Limits are general statewide references and change year to year — many lakes and rivers carry their own bag, size, and slot rules. Always confirm the current regulation for your specific water with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife before you keep a fish. Reviewed July 2026.
New Jersey Fishing License FAQ
How much is a fishing license in New Jersey?
A resident annual fishing license in New Jersey costs $22.50, and a non-resident annual license costs $34.00. New Jersey also offers short-term (day) licenses for visitors, discounted youth and senior options. Licenses are sold by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.
Do you need a fishing license in New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 16 are exempt. New Jersey residents 70 and older fish FREE — a full exemption; proof of age (DOB + physical description) is carried in lieu of a license. Residents 65–69 buy a reduced $12.50 annual license. Always confirm current rules with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife before you fish.
Do you need a saltwater stamp to fish in New Jersey?
Yes — New Jersey requires a separate saltwater stamp or endorsement for saltwater fishing. NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry required but free
Where do you buy a New Jersey fishing license?
Buy directly from the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife online — that's the cheapest option (no third-party markup). You can also buy at most sporting-goods retailers and many tackle shops in New Jersey.
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