Free Fishing Days

New Jersey’s Free Freshwater Fishing Days

June 3 and Oct. 21, 2023

NJDEP Fish & Wildlife has split the Free Fishing Days. The first will be held on June 3, 2023 during the summer as is traditional. This day is part of the National Fishing and Boating Week which highlights the importance of recreational boating and fishing to enhance peoples' quality of life and to preserve our country's natural beauty. The second Free Fishing Day will occur after fall trout stocking on October 21, 2023 to bring attention to this great fishing opportunity. 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.

Trout in the Classroom (TIC)

Trout in the Classroom (TIC) is a science-based program that teaches children the importance of coldwater conservation through a hands-on learning approach. More than 40,000 New Jersey students participate in the TIC program annually.

Schools receive trout eggs in October from our Pequest Trout Hatchery. Students hatch and raise the trout, monitor water quality, learn fish biology, anatomy and much more as part of this cross-curricular, hands-on format. At the end of the school year students release their fish into approved streams.

Trout in the Classroom is an exciting, inexpensive program enlivening year-round curricula nationwide. For more information about the TIC program, visit dep.nj.gov/njfw/education/trout-in-the-classroom.