New Jersey saltwater anglers who register for free to fish in marine waters but rarely take advantage of the state’s incredible freshwater options may want to head inland this Saturday, June 6th to enjoy some free freshwater fishing.
Every year, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and its Division of Fish & Wildlife open up two days of freshwater fishing where no license or trout stamp is required. The first of New Jersey’s Free Fishing Days for 2026 is this Saturday, June 6, followed by one on September 26, 2026. On these dates, New Jersey residents and non-residents can fish the state’s public fresh waters without a fishing license or trout stamp.
The June date aligns with National Fishing and Boating Week, while the September date aligns with National Hunting and Fishing Day. While no license is required, anglers should remember that all other fishing regulations remain strictly enforced, including daily catch limits, fishing hours, and size restrictions.
Check out JB Kasper’s weekly freshwater report from The Fisherman for the latest in sweetwater action in the New Jersey, Delaware Bay region, and for more details on Saturday’s Free Fishing Day, including license and trout stamp requirements that start back up again on Sunday go to njfishandwildlife.com.
