SlotGaugeCheck a catchSmallmouth Bass regulations in New Jersey
· Freshwater · 2026 season
Smallmouth Bass size limit, season and daily limit
| Where | Season | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey fresh waters (statewide; special waters differ) | June 16 – April 14 | 12 inch minimum | 5 largemouth + smallmouth combined |
Notes
- A 2026-10-31 check against the official source found a discrepancy in this species' size and season. Read the official wording before keeping the fish: https://www.eregulations.com/newjersey/fishing/freshwater/size-season-creel-limits
Exact NJDEP Fish & Wildlife wording
- Season
- Catch & release only April 15–June 15
- Size
- 12 inches
- Limit
- 5 combined
- Inland waters — as printed
- “LARGEMOUTH & SMALLMOUTH BASS … 12 inches 5 combined”
Source: NJDEP Fish & Wildlife, captured 2026-10-04 (2026 season).
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About the smallmouth bass
Species of freshwater fish
The smallmouth bass is a species of freshwater fish in the sunfish family (Centrarchidae) of the order Centrarchiformes. It is the type species of its genus Micropterus, and is a popular game fish sought by anglers throughout the temperate zones of North America, and has been spread by stocking —as well as illegal introductions—to many cool-water tributaries and lakes in Canada and more so introduced in the United States. The maximum recorded size is approximately 27 inches (69 cm) and 12 pounds (5.4 kg).
Read more about Smallmouth bass on Wikipedia →
Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from NJDEP Fish & Wildlife, not Wikipedia.
All 62 New Jersey species A–Z →
Frequently asked
What is the size limit for Smallmouth Bass in New Jersey?
12 inch minimum in New Jersey state waters.
How many Smallmouth Bass can you keep per day in New Jersey?
5 largemouth + smallmouth combined.
When is Smallmouth Bass season in New Jersey?
June 16 – April 14.
Is my Smallmouth Bass a keeper today?
A smallmouth bass is a keeper today if it measures at least 12 inches, with a daily limit of 5.