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Walleye regulations in New Jersey

· Freshwater · 2026 season

Walleye
Is it a keeper? A walleye is a keeper today if it measures at least 18 inches, with a daily limit of 3.

Walleye size limit, season and daily limit

WhereSeasonSize limitDaily limit
New Jersey fresh waters (statewide; special waters differ)May 1 – February 2818 inch minimum3 per person per day

Exact NJDEP Fish & Wildlife wording

Season
Catch & release only March 1–April 30
Size
18 inches
Limit
3
Inland waters — as printed
“Walleye: Jan. 1–Feb. 28 and May 1–Dec. 31 Statewide 18 inches 3; March 1–April 30 Catch & Release only”

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

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About the walleye

Walleye

Species of fish

The walleye, also called the walleyed pike, yellow pike, yellow pikeperch or yellow pickerel, is a freshwater perciform fish native to most of Canada and to the Northern United States. It is a North American close relative of the European zander, also known as the pikeperch. The walleye is sometimes called the yellow walleye to distinguish it from the blue walleye, which is a color morph that was once found in the southern Ontario and Quebec regions, but is now presumed extinct. However, recent genetic analysis of a preserved (frozen) 'blue walleye' sample suggests that the blue and yellow walleye were simply phenotypes within the same species and do not merit separate taxonomic classification.

Read more about Walleye 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 Walleye in New Jersey?

18 inch minimum in New Jersey state waters.

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

3 per person per day.

When is Walleye season in New Jersey?

May 1 – February 28.

Is my Walleye a keeper today?

A walleye is a keeper today if it measures at least 18 inches, with a daily limit of 3.