New Jersey fishing reports
174 reports for New Jersey — what's biting, water temps, and where to focus.
Delaware Stripers Gaining Steam as Full Moon Amplifies the Spring Push
On The Water's May 1 Striper Migration Map signals the spring run is 'snowballing' as large post-spawn females move out of the Chesapeake — a wave that historically reaches Delaware River tidal reaches in early May. The USGS gauge at site 01408000 recorded 52.9 cfs this afternoon, reflecting moderate spring flows in the Pine Barrens coastal plain drainage; no water temperature reading was available from the gauge. Tonight's full moon will push stronger tidal exchanges on the Delaware, concentrating stripers along current breaks and transitional seams near the estuary's freshwater boundary. In the Pine Barrens, chain pickerel and largemouth bass are the primary freshwater targets; early May typically marks the tail end of the pre-spawn window for bass on the tannic, dark-water cedar streams. No local tackle-shop or charter intel was available in this cycle's data feeds — the species outlooks below are grounded in seasonal patterns and available regional reporting.
Stripers Entering the Back Bays
Schoolie stripers pushing into Barnegat Bay through the inlet. Bait pods visible on the sounder around bridge pilings and channel edges.
Trout Season Opens Strong on the Delaware
Opening week of trout season seeing heavy pressure but good catches. Stocked rainbows and browns eager to eat in the upper Delaware tributaries.
First Stripers of the Season at Sandy Hook
Surfcasters reporting scattered catches of schoolie stripers along the Sandy Hook beaches. Fish mostly in the 18-24 inch range.
Spruce Run Trout Derby Action
Spruce Run producing excellent trout fishing following recent stockings. Bank anglers and boaters both finding fish.
Tautog Season Winding Down at the Cape
Blackfish bite consistent around the rock piles and jetties before the season closes. Quality fish in the 4-7 lb range.