SlotGaugeCheck a catchAmerican Eel (fresh waters) regulations in New Jersey
Sunfish, Perch, Catfish, American Eel, and Non-Native Species · Freshwater · 2026 season
American Eel (fresh waters) size limit, season and daily limit
| Where | Season | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| NJ fresh waters statewide | Open year-round | 9 inch minimum | 25 combined with the sunfish/perch/catfish group; as bait, no more than 25 eels within the 35 baitfish limit |
| Delaware River | Open year-round | 9 inch minimum | 25 |
Notes
- 9-inch minimum applies even though the rest of the group has no size limit.
- Marine waters: see the saltwater American Eel row (9 inch, 25).
Exact NJDEP Fish & Wildlife wording
- Season
- Open year-round
- Size
- 9 inch minimum
- Limit
- 25 combined (group); Delaware River 25
- NJ fresh waters statewide — as printed
- “Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Redbreast, Rock Bass, White Perch, Yellow Perch, Bullheads, White Catfish, White Sucker, Common Carp, Bowfin, American Eel and all other non-native species with no specified creel limit. | Open year-round | Statewide | No minimum size Exception American Eel: 9 inch minimum size | 25 combined”
Source: NJDEP Fish & Wildlife, captured 2026-10-04 (2026 season).
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About the american eel
Species of fish
The American eel is a facultative catadromous eel found on the eastern coast of North America. Freshwater eels are fish belonging to the elopomorph superorder, a group of phylogenetically ancient teleosts. The American eel has a slender, supple, snake-like body that is covered with a mucus layer, which makes the eel appear to be naked and slimy despite the presence of minute scales. A long dorsal fin runs from the middle of the back and is continuous with a similar ventral fin. Pelvic fins are absent, and relatively small pectoral fins can be found near the midline, followed by the head and gill covers. Variations exist in coloration, from olive green, brown shading to greenish-yellow and light gray or white on the belly. Eels from clear water are often lighter than those from dark, tannic acid streams.
Read more about American eel on Wikipedia →
Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from NJDEP Fish & Wildlife, not Wikipedia.
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Frequently asked
What is the size limit for American Eel (fresh waters) in New Jersey?
9 inch minimum in New Jersey state waters.
How many American Eel (fresh waters) can you keep per day in New Jersey?
25 combined with the sunfish/perch/catfish group; as bait, no more than 25 eels within the 35 baitfish limit.
When is American Eel (fresh waters) season in New Jersey?
Open year-round.
Is my American Eel (fresh waters) a keeper today?
A american eel (fresh waters) is a keeper today if it measures at least 9 inches, with a daily limit of 25.