Trout regulations in New Jersey

· Freshwater · 2026 season

Is it a keeper? A trout is a keeper today if it measures at least 9 inches, with a daily limit of 2.

Trout size limit, season and daily limit

Where	Season	Size limit	Daily limit
New Jersey fresh waters (statewide; special waters differ)	Open year-round	9 inch minimum	2 per day; 6 per day Apr 11 (8 a.m.) – May 31

Notes

A 2026-10-31 check against the official source found a discrepancy in this species' aliases and zones. Read the official wording before keeping the fish: https://www.eregulations.com/newjersey/fishing/freshwater/trout-fishing-regulations
Stocked rivers and streams are closed Mar 23 – Apr 11 (8 a.m.). Brook trout in the Conservation Zone must be released.

Exact NJDEP Fish & Wildlife wording

Season: Rivers & streams: Jan 1–Mar 22 (2 fish), closed Mar 23–Apr 11 8 a.m. on stocked waters, Apr 11–May 31 (6 fish), Jun 1–Dec 31 (2 fish); lakes open year-round
Size: 9 inches
Limit: 2 (Jan 1–Mar 22); 6 (Apr 11 at 8 a.m.–May 31); 2 (Jun 1–Dec 31)
Inland waters — as printed: “General Trout Fishing Regulations: RIVERS & STREAMS January 1–March 22 9 inches 2; March 23–April 11 at 8 a.m. fishing prohibited on trout stocked rivers and streams; April 11 at 8 a.m.–May 31 9 inches 6; June 1–Dec. 31 9 inches 2. LAKES & PONDS January 1–April 11 at 8 a.m. 9 inches 2; April 11–May 31 6; June 1–December 31 2.”

Source: NJDEP Fish & Wildlife, captured 2026-10-04 (2026 season).

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About the trout

Freshwater fish from subfamily Salmoninae

Trout is a generic common name for numerous species of carnivorous freshwater fishes belonging to the genera Oncorhynchus, Salmo, and Salvelinus, all of which are members of the subfamily Salmoninae in the family Salmonidae. The word trout is also used for some similar-shaped but non-salmonid fish, such as the spotted seatrout/speckled trout.

Frequently asked

What is the size limit for Trout in New Jersey?

9 inch minimum in New Jersey state waters.

How many Trout can you keep per day in New Jersey?

2 per day; 6 per day Apr 11 (8 a.m.) – May 31.

When is Trout season in New Jersey?

Open year-round.

Is my Trout a keeper today?

A trout is a keeper today if it measures at least 9 inches, with a daily limit of 2.