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 (NJ)?
A resident annual New Jersey fishing license costs $22.50, and a non-resident (out-of-state) annual license is $34.00. Saltwater fishing also needs a separate stamp. New Jersey also offers short-term day passes for out-of-state visitors and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.
How does New Jersey compare? See the 2026 fishing license cost by state price index.
🎫 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✅ Prices verified October 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. Anglers under 16 fish free. A freshwater license is required for residents 16 to under 70 and for all non-residents 16 and older. A child who turns 16 may keep fishing without a license until December 31 of that year.
- Seniors (70+)
- New Jersey residents 70 and older need no fishing license or trout stamp; a driver license or other proof of age showing date of birth and physical description serves as the license. Residents 65–69 buy a discounted Sr. Resident license for $12.50.
- Anglers with disabilities
- Residents with total blindness may get a free fishing license (call NJ Fish & Wildlife at 609-940-4350 for an application). There is no other general disability exemption; disabled veterans are covered below.
- Veterans & military
- FREE hunting and fishing licenses, permits and stamps for honorably discharged NJ resident veterans with a VA-rated service-connected disability of any degree. They must first be certified by NJ Fish & Wildlife by mail; this cannot be done online or at an agent. Once certified, they get licenses free at agents or online (the online vendor charges a small shipping/handling fee). Active-duty U.S. military may buy a resident license regardless of residency. NJ National Guard members in good standing get free licenses, permits and stamps through DMAVA.
- Free fishing days (2026)
- New Jersey holds two Free Fishing Days a year, one in spring (June, during National Fishing and Boating Week) and one in fall (September, on National Hunting and Fishing Day). In 2026 they were Saturday, June 6 and Saturday, September 26. On these days residents may fish public waters without a license or trout stamp; all other regulations, including size and daily catch limits, still apply. 2027 dates have not been announced yet.
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 October 2026.
Saltwater & beach fishing in New Jersey
New Jersey requires a separate saltwater stamp for saltwater fishing. NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry required but free Saltwater anglers 16+ must register (free) with the NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry; under-16s are exempt.
Where to buy a New Jersey fishing license
Online (cheapest): buy directly from the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife — that’s the cheapest option, with no third-party markup.
In person: most sporting goods retailers (Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Walmart) and many tackle shops in New Jersey also sell licenses.
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 (out-of-state) 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.
How much is an out-of-state fishing license in New Jersey?
An out-of-state (non-resident) annual fishing license in New Jersey costs $34.00. For a shorter trip, New Jersey also sells 7-Day licenses. Buy online from the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife before you fish.
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 need no fishing license or trout stamp; a driver license or other proof of age showing date of birth and physical description serves as the license. Residents 65–69 buy a discounted Sr. Resident license for $12.50. 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.
Fishing licenses in nearby states
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