Sparta Mountain Wildlife Management Area

The Sparta Mountain Wildlife Management Area is a 3,461-acre landscape in Morris and Sussex counties. The site is part of a large tract of the Sparta Mountain Greenway that extends along the westernmost ridge of the New Jersey Highlands. 

The WMA is adjacent to the Newark Watershed Property, the Pequannock Watershed, and the Hamburg WMA, and is located within the Highlands Preservation Area. 

In 2009, NJDEP Fish & Wildlife partnered with New Jersey Audubon to create and implement a Forest Stewardship Plan at Sparta Mountain WMA with two primary goals: to manage aging portions of the forest providing essential habitat for species like the red-shouldered hawk and barred owl, and to create openings in the canopy allowing light to reach the ground, triggering new growth of oaks, blackberries and native grasses. This successful management has provided more diverse habitats and a greater variety of wildlife species.

Sparta Mountain WMA is one of the rare places in New Jersey where you might spot the state's endangered golden-winged warbler, a tiny, vibrant bird that serves as an "umbrella species". By creating the young forest it needs to survive, we are also helping at least 30 other declining species, including the Baltimore oriole, Canada warbler, scarlet tanager, and indigo bunting. Also commonly seen here are the mysterious whip-poor-will, as well as red-shouldered hawks and barred owls, which have benefited from the hunting areas created by the new growth following the forest management work. A variety of other species inhabit the WMA, including turtles, black bears and bobcats.

Ryker Lake can be found within the WMA. The lake was previously managed under special Conservation Regulations for bass, sunfish and yellow perch. These regulations were recently changed for 2026, and the lake is now managed under General Regulations for all species.  Pickerel, crappie and catfish can also be caught. It features a car-top boat launch, and propulsion at the lake is by paddle or electric motor only.

The Sparta Mountain WMA is open for deer, small game, turkey, and waterfowl hunting. Deer hunting in DMZ 6 is excellent, especially in forested areas where turkeys also flock in great numbers in THA 7 due to mast production from the trees. The WMA is also open for trapping. 

NJDEP| Fish & Wildlife | WMA Highlight - Sparta Mountain

Owned by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Fish & Wildlife, the Wildlife Management Area System is comprised of more than 360,000 acres in 122 areas throughout the state, which is more than 44% of New Jersey’s state-owned public open space. WMAs are maintained and supported with funding from hunting and fishing license sales, the Federal Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program and the Wildlife Habitat Supporter Program.

Hooked on Fishing Team Leader Training

Are you involved with an organization interested in getting youth fishing? Then register to attend the two-day Hooked on Fishing Team Leader Training!

This training is intended for adults interested in leading a youth fishing team as part of NJDEP Fish & Wildlife's Hooked on Fishing program. 

The Hooked on Fishing program partners with schools, the community, and faith-based organizations to establish youth fishing teams. Once your team is established, the Hooked on Fishing program will provide resources and support to ensure your students keep fishing.

Teams are led by an adult(s) who dedicate their time, skills, and energy to implement the program. This training prepares YOU to LEAD a group of youth in the program from beginning to end. 

March 28 AND April 18, 2025
Neptune High School, Neptune, NJ
Deadline to register is March 16, 2026

Information and registration

Stocking Landlocked Atlantic Salmon in New Jersey

 

NJDEP Fish & Wildlife’s Hackettstown State Fish Hatchery staff have been stocking landlocked Atlantic Salmon this fall. With the cooler weather, water temperatures dropped into the low 50s, allowing staff to safely stock the fish. 

Landlocked Atlantic Salmon are a freshwater form of Atlantic Salmon that do not migrate to the ocean. In New Jersey, they are actively stocked in select lakes each fall and are thriving as a recreational fishery.

The salmon averaged 14 inches and ranged from 11.7–16 inches, with some reaching 24 inches and 6 pounds.

Stocking occurs when surface temperatures drop below 60°F, typically in October–November. Each year’s salmon is marked with a distinctive fin clip to track age and health over time.

Following the stocking, staff were able to split next year’s fish into two tanks to allow room for growth.

The following waterbodies were stocked with Landlocked Salmon. These lakes are deep, cold, and well-oxygenated, with Alewife forage fish to support salmon year-round.

Tilcon Lake – 440

Lake Aeroflex – 505

Wawayanda Lake – 1,275

Merrill Creek Reservoir – 720

Holdover Trout Lakes (Tilcon, Aeroflex, Wawayanda)

Salmo salar sebago, is a freshwater variant of Atlantic Salmon. Native to eastern Canada and Maine; they were introduced successfully to New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, and other northeastern states. Unlike their ocean-migrating cousins, landlocked salmon live entirely in freshwater lakes and reservoirs.

For anglers, the minimum size: 12 inches.
Daily limit: 2 salmon per day
Spring pre-season closure: All salmon must be released unharmed.
Trophy Trout Lake (Merrill Creek Reservoir): Minimum size: 15 inches. Combined daily limit: 2 fish (includes salmon, rainbow, and brown trout

All salmon stocked from 2022-2025 have a distinct fin clip marking the year they were stocked. This will help Fisheries Biologists assess the growth rates and condition factors of these fish during sampling. 

Fish for Trout Year-Round

As the weather gets colder and the days grow shorter, don’t put your rod and reel away just yet! Winter trout fishing can be incredibly rewarding. So, if you haven't tried targeting trout during the winter, this seminar is perfect for you!

Join NJDEP Fish & Wildlife's Fishing R3 program for a FREE Winter Trout Fishing Seminar. You'll learn how to effectively target trout during the winter months and get recommendations on gear.

Saturday, December 6, 2025 - 9:30 a.m.
Ocean County Library - Jackson Branch, Jackson Township

Registration is required. Limited space is available.
Registration deadline is December 4, 2025, or when full.

Ice Fishing Seminar Register by November 2

Personally, I hope it's too early for ice to be forming on lakes, ponds, or even on puddles near my home, but it's not too early to join NJDEP Fish & Wildlife's R3 Fishing Program for an introductory Ice Fishing Seminar. 

This free seminar, scheduled early in November, is designed to provide an informative and welcoming environment to prepare you for ice fishing. This program is open to experienced anglers, 18 years and older, who will be introduced to the sport of ice fishing by outdoor and ice fishing enthusiast David Alexander. David is a lifelong educator, naturalist, and conservation biologist. This seminar will cover ice safety, staying warm and dry, targeting specific fish species, depth maps, ice fishing equipment, knots, bait selection, and techniques. Through lecture, demonstrations, and hands-on components, you'll leave the workshop prepared to hit safe ice - if and when New Jersey gets any this winter.

Sunday, November 16, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
at the Hackettstown State Fish Hatchery
Deadline to apply November 2, 2025.

Information & Register

Access to the Musconetcong River Wildlife Management Area

The Musconetcong River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is located acroos three counties - Hunterdon, Warren, and Morris Counties. It  has seven distinct sites along the river in Lebanon, Bethlehem, Holland, Bloomsbury, Mount Olive, Mansfield, Pohatcong, Washington, and Franklin Townships. The 1,685-acre WMA provides river access and many hunting opportunities.

The Musconetcong River is a 45.7-mile-long tributary of the Delaware River that flows through rural mountainous country and is designated as a National Wild and Scenic River. It is stocked at several access points with rainbow trout each spring and fall, and it also produces catches of native brook trout and wild brown trout. Less common species caught include sunfish and smallmouth bass. Shad have most recently been caught in the lower parts of the river as dam removals and habitat restoration have made anadromous fish migration possible.

Rich in farmland and deciduous forest, the WMA is a haven for a variety of wildlife. Deer, cottontail rabbits, bald eagles, osprey, and a variety of songbirds can be found at this WMA. Black bears roam the region, while the area also sees a heavy migration of snow geese.

For hunters, this WMA has large deer herds in DMZs 7, 8, and 10. Some adjacent properties, such as the Musconetcong Gorge and Point Mountain Preserve, are County Parks that require special permitting. Consult the Hunting & Trapping Digest or view the Hunting and Trapping Explorer to be certain of legal hunting land on this WMA. Turkey hunters should do the same while hunting THAs 8 and 9.

Owned by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Fish & Wildlife, the Wildlife Management Area System is comprised of more than 360,000 acres in 122 areas throughout the state, which is more than 44% of New Jersey’s state-owned public open space. WMAs are maintained and supported with funding from hunting and fishing license sales, the Federal Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program, and the Wildlife Habitat Supporter Program.

WMAs are patrolled by NJ Fish & Wildlife Conservation Police Officers to ensure public safety. If you see violations while visiting a WMA, please call the 24-hour DEP hotline at 877-WARN-DEP (877-927-6337).

Proposed Amendments to the NJ Fish Code

 

Amendments to the Fish Code have been proposed for 2026-2030. The proposed changes include:

• Removal of the three-week preseason closure to fishing on all trout-stocked lakes and ponds.

• Addition of 23 new trout-stocked waters to the spring trout stocking program, and removal of two waters.

• Addition of one fish species to the potentially dangerous fish species list.

• Modify existing season, size, or creel limits for several fish species.

• Change waters managed as Lunker Bass Lakes and the warmwater Conservation Regulations.

• Modify Trophy Trout Lake regulations.

A complete summary of the proposed changes can be accessed from the DEP Notice of Rule Proposal: https://dep.nj.gov/rules/notice-of-rule-proposals/

More information, including how to submit comments and attend the public hearing on September 10, can be found here: https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/news-2025-08-18-fish-code-amendments-proposed/

Women's Fishing Workshops

 

Ready to learn a new skill? Register for one of the women's fishing workshops offered by NJDEP Fish & Wildlife's education staff. These workshops offer a welcoming environment for women 18 years and older who are interested in learning how to fish. 

Registration is required. 

Women's Introduction to Fly Fishing Boot Camp
Wednesday, September 18   10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
at the Pequest Trout Hatchery & Natural Resource Education Center
Have you wanted to get into fly fishing but didn’t know where to start? Join the staff at the Pequest Natural Resource Education Center for a full-day Fly Fishing Bootcamp. We will cover everything from regulations, gear, casting, where to go, and much more. The class will finish on our education pond where you get to put what you learn into action. All equipment will be provided, or you can bring your own. 

Women's First Catch Center Workshop
Sunday, October 6   10:00 a.m. - 3::00 p.m.
at the Hackettstown State Fish Hatchery
NJ Fish & Wildlife's First Catch Center Workshops are introductory and will cover fish biology; how to set up equipment; safety practices; bait and tackle choices; how to cast; and fishing regulations. Participants will put their new skills to practice with a fishing experience and leave the workshop with the knowledge and confidence to head out fishing on their own. All bait, tackle and equipment will be provided, however you will need to purchase your 2024 NJ Fishing License prior to participating in the workshop.

NJ Freshwater Fishing Licenses

 

New Jersey has two free fishing days each year, in the spring and fall, when residents can fish in public waters without a license or trout stamp:
June 1, 2024: This day coincides with National Fishing and Boating Week
October 19, 2024: This day takes advantage of fall trout stocking

Did you enjoy fishing on Free Fishing Day? To continue making those memories, purchase your 2024 NJ Freshwater Fishing License today and experience the many freshwater fishing opportunities that New Jersey has to offer, from small ponds to major rivers, from panfish to trophy muskellunge.

Find out where there are places to fish in NJ.

NOTE: Youngsters under the age of 16 and oldsters 70 or older don’t need a license.
New Jersey doesn't require a license to fish in saltwater, but you must register with the New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry Program (NJSRRP) annually if you're 16 or older or are a for-hire vessel. Registration is free and can be done online.

You can purchase a license online at https://nj.aspirafocus.com/internetsales/

Free Freshwater Fishing Day Saturday October 21

NJDEP Fish & Wildlife has two Free Fishing Days each year. The first was held on June 3 and the second Free Fishing Day will occur after fall trout stocking on October 21, 2023.

On these two days, only residents may fish New Jersey’s public fresh waters without a license or trout stamp. All other regulations, including size and daily catch limits, remain in effect.

It is a great day to get parents and grandparents out with kids to try fishing without needing licenses.

A valid New Jersey fishing license is required for residents at least 16 years and less than 70 years of age (plus all non-residents 16 years and older) to fish the fresh waters of New Jersey, including privately owned waters. Resident anglers age 70 and over do not require a fishing license or Trout Stamp. (license information)

Experience freshwater fishing at its finest, with destinations ranging from the Delaware River and native trout streams to urban ponds and hidden lakes off the beaten path.

For more information, please visit Free Fishing Days at New Jersey Fish & Wildlife

Overfishing

By way of anglers.com comes some information about overfishing. A third of our fisheries are overfished and exploited, and that is a number that has more than doubled since the 1980s.

A caveat to this sad statistic is that recreational anglers are not the problem. This is an issue for commercial fishermen in the fishing industry who are trawling the ocean depths with massive nets.

Overfishing is when too many fish are taken from an area, and the remaining fish are unable to reproduce and replenish their populations to a healthy level. Overfishing is a global problem that's causing fish populations to decline and harming ocean ecosystems.

Overfishing is, in some sense, a rational reaction to increasing market needs for fish. Most people consume approximately twice as much fish as they did 50 years ago and there are four times as many people on the planet than there were at the close of the 1960s. 

Unfortunately, we waste approx. 8.6 million tons of fish each year and 3 billion people rely on fish as their primary source of protein. 

A decline in the number of fish of any species - from the smallest bait fish to the largest sold commercially is that is causes issues within ecosystems. A shortage of fish can create a food crisis. It can also create loss of employment for some of around 60 million people who work directly and indirectly in the fishing industry or who benefit from the availability of fish. Overfishing can even lead to further damage to coral reefs.

Although most stories about overfishing seem to focus on salt water fisheries, overfishing is a major cause of declining fish populations in freshwater systems. It has caused severe reductions in many fish stocks, especially large species, including top predators and migratory fishes. 

Freshwater fish are threatened by a number of human activities, which can gravely impact the species and its associated food sources. Poor management in a specific body of water can cause localized overfishing. Other human activities that threaten freshwater fish include invasive species, climate change and dams.

Although commercial fishing causes the greatest damage, it's not that localized overfishing despite regulations isn't a problem. 

Management and conservation is necessary to maintain species viability. For example, striped bass is one of New Jersey’s most sought-after recreational fish species. NJ’s recreational striped bass harvest (by numbers of fish) is typically one of the highest harvests by state coastwide in the ocean fishery. 

Checking a striped bass catch

A combination of size/bag limits, seasons, and gear restrictions are in place to manage NJ’s recreational striped bass fishery. Since this species is of great importance, NJ banned the netting and sale of striped bass and reallocated the commercial quota to the recreational sector to form the Striped Bass Bonus Program (SBBP) in 1990.  The SBBP is a popular program and provides valuable data for assessing stock status and fishing trends, making it an integral part of New Jersey’s striped bass management.

Early registration deadline for the Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament is April 22

The early registration deadline for the Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament is April 22. Registering early allows you to save on adult registration fees, be eligible for early entry prizes, and head directly to the beach!

The Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament is a family-friendly event held on Sunday, May 21, at Island Beach State Park. Prizes are awarded to winners in a variety of age groups and fish species categories.

REGISTRATION LINK

About Island Beach State Park

Early Registration for the Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament Closes April 22

The Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament brings awareness of the importance of saltwater recreational fishing and marine resources in New Jersey to the Governor, State Legislators, and New Jersey residents.

Early registration closes April 22, 2023 

The individual who catches the overall largest fish wins the “Governor’s Award” and will have their name engraved on the Governor’s Cup, which is permanently displayed at Island Beach State Park. Prizes are awarded to winners in a variety of age groups and fish species categories.

All funds raised by the tournament go toward improving beach access, surf fishing instruction programs, and equipment plus marine education and restoration projects.

Date and time - Sun, May 21, 2023, 6:30 AM – 1:30 PM EDT

Location - Island Beach State Park 2401 Central Avenue Seaside Park, NJ 08752

The tournament is sponsored by NJDEP’s Fish & Wildlife and Division of Parks, Forestry and Historic Places, New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, Jersey Coast Anglers Association and New Jersey Beach Buggy Association.

There is also a High School Team Category for high-school-aged students, who are part of a formal fishing club, members of a Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs group, or a non-formal group. The tournament entry fee is waived for student teams, and admission to the park is free for registrants.

Register for the Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament

Enjoy a great day of surf fishing with family and friends at the Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament. Its purpose is to bring awareness of the importance of saltwater recreational fishing and marine resources in New Jersey to the Governor, State Legislators, and New Jersey residents.

The individual who catches the overall largest fish wins the “Governor’s Award” and will have their name engraved on the Governor’s Cup, which is permanently displayed at Island Beach State Park. Prizes are awarded to winners in a variety of age groups and fish species categories.

All funds raised by the tournament go toward improving beach access, surf fishing instruction programs and equipment plus marine education and restoration projects.

Date and time - Sun, May 21, 2023, 6:30 AM – 1:30 PM EDT

Location - Island Beach State Park 2401 Central Avenue Seaside Park, NJ 08752

The tournament is sponsored by NJDEP’s Fish & Wildlife and Division of Parks, Forestry and Historic Places, New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, Jersey Coast Anglers Association and New Jersey Beach Buggy Association.

There is also a High School Team Category for high-school-aged students, who are part of a formal fishing club, members of a Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs group, or a non-formal group. The tournament entry fee is waived for student teams, and admission to the park is free for registrants.

Early registration closes April 22, 2023 

Free Fishing Day This Saturday

Photo by Brett Sayles

Fishing has never been better in New Jersey! Find out for yourself on this year's second Free Fishing Day Saturday, October 22.  On this day, resident anglers can enjoy some of the finest freshwater fishing in the Northeast without needing to purchase a license or a trout stamp.

Free Fishing Days provide the perfect opportunity for families and friends to discover the simple pleasures of fishing and enjoying time together in the outdoors. New Jersey offers every type of fishing for every level of angler so this is a great opportunity to introduce, or reintroduce, a friend or family member to the many joys of fishing!

While no license or trout stamp is required, other regulations, including size and daily catch limits remain in effect.

Free Fishing Day information

Places to fish in NJ app

Free Fishing Day Is Saturday June 4

 

Haven't fished in a while, or maybe never fished? Have a friend or family member who hasn't either? Saturday is Free Fishing Day, the perfect time for New Jersey residents to try fishing the state's public waters without a license or trout stamp. All other regulations including size and daily catch limits remain in effect. 

After discovering or rediscovering the joys of fishing you and the others will need a license - so why not get Buddy Licenses together? These heavily discounted licenses go easy on your budget and let you enjoy all the fishing New Jersey offers, from small ponds to major rivers, from panfish to trophy muskellunge.

The June Free Fishing Day is held in conjunction with National Fishing and Boating Week. (The October 22 date allows the public to take advantage of the fall trout stocking.) 

New Jersey’s two Free Fishing Days are a no-risk investment for an introduction to freshwater fishing in the Garden State and the perfect time for families to enjoy two days of outdoor fun for free. Though youngsters under the age of 16 don’t need a license, these days provide a special benefit to adults who can join in the fun without having to purchase a license. That is until they get hooked on a sport that just might become a lifetime of fun for the whole family.

Find places to fish in NJ near you at nj.gov/dep/fgw/fishplc.htm

Finanacial Assistance for Fishing Businesses in New Jersey

The Murphy Administration is making $11.2 million in financial assistance available to commercial and recreational fishing businesses impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency. Governor Phil Murphy and Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe announced the assistance which is part of the $300 Million Federal CARES Act. The funding is available as grants to eligible businesses that document a 35-percent loss in revenues as a result of the pandemic.

“Fishing is an integral part of New Jersey’s identity and a critical component of our economy”, said Gov. Murphy “This grant program will help these businesses recover losses they have incurred during very difficult times. And we can all play a role in supporting New Jersey’s fishing industry by buying from local seafood suppliers and enjoying fishing through charter boat operations and bait and tackle shops.”

Estimates place the economic value of commercial and recreational fishing in New Jersey at some $2.5 billion annually. As part of its efforts to assist the commercial industry, the DEP and New Jersey Department of Agriculture have launched a Support New Jersey Seafood website. It provides the public and consumers with information and an interactive map of businesses that sell seafood products that have been landed, grown or harvested in New Jersey. A similar online tool is being developed for recreational fishing businesses.

“The DEP is pleased to assist in bringing this much-needed financial support to New Jersey’s valuable fishing industry and communities, which have been hard hit by the COVID pandemic,” said DEP Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe. “We are especially grateful to New Jersey’s legislative delegation and our federal partners at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for their support of this program.”

The funding comes from a $300 million allocation for fishing industries in coastal states provided by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This assistance is made possible through the collaboration of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and the members of the New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council. The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Marine Fisheries Administration will review applications and administer financial assistance to eligible businesses.

SOURCE: www.nj.gov/dep/newsrel/2020/20_0041.htm

New Artifical Reef Deployments Off the NJ Coast

A vessel being sunk for an artificial reef - NJDEP photo

New Jersey's Artificial Reef Program provides a network of 15 artificial reefs in the ocean waters along the New Jersey coast. These reefs provide a hard substrate for fish, shellfish and crustaceans, fishing grounds for anglers, and underwater structures for scuba divers. The reefs are strategically located along the coast so that one site is within easy boat range of 12 New Jersey ocean inlets.

Artificial reefs are constructed by intentionally placing dense materials, such as old ships and barges, concrete and steel demolition debris and dredge rock on the sea floor within designated reef sites. Every deployment of additional materials increases the complexity and productivity of a reef.

The New Jersey Marine Fisheries Administration is planning two deployments off the coast this week as part of the Artificial Reef Program. The first deployment, a 150-foot long caisson gate, is scheduled for the morning of Monday, June 8, on the Deepwater Reef site. A caisson gate is a barrier used to dam off the open end of a dry dock, and is constructed of heavy gauge steel with several tons of ballast in the keel. Due to the nature of construction and heavy gauge of steel, this deployment will serve as marine habitat for the next 75 years or more. The deployment is sponsored by The Sportfishing Fund, an organization dedicated to artificial reef building. Deployments of caisson gates in 2019 were on the Atlantic City and Cape May reefs. 

The links below are to information about upcoming and past deployments. 

njfishandwildlife.com/artreefdeployment.htm

njfishandwildlife.com/news/2020/reefdeploys06-20.htm 

Safe Fishing

Tips to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 while fishing on New Jersey's wildlife management areas.

Trout Season Is Open - But Different

Though all of us are sheltering at home, trout season in NJ is open. Due to an accelerated stocking schedule, most waters have already been generously stocked with their full allotment of trout. All regulations remain in effect except there will be NO IN-SEASON CLOSURES this spring on the 14 major streams where they normally would be in effect. Wildlife Management Areas remain open except for the Round Valley boat ramp. 

Help keep WMAs and other areas open by observing proper social distancing. Although state and county parks have closed, there are nearly 125 other trout-stocked waters open to the public for fishing. The Division has reserved trout at the Pequest hatchery in anticipation of being able to resume stocking towards the end of May, depending on the status of COVID-19, stream temps and public access.

Please keep your e-mail address and other information in the license database up-to-date (select Edit Customer Profile) so we can keep you informed of specific conditions affecting your hunting and fishing activities.

Trout Season Updates