New Jersey regulations
Bluegill (Sunfish) Regulations in New Jersey 2026
New Jersey bluegill season runs Jan 1 – Dec 31 in 2026. Statewide rules: 25 combined. Sourced from DEP Fish & Wildlife.
Rules (13)
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 25 combined
- Daily bag
- 25 fish
- Status
- Permitted
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 50 combined
- Status
- Permitted
Other New Jersey fish regulations
Other regulated species in New Jersey with current rule pages — same DEP Fish & Wildlife source, same verification cadence.
- Fluke (Summer Flounder)40 rules
- Largemouth Bass32 rules
- Stripers (Striped Bass)17 rules
- Channel Catfish15 rules
- Weakfish12 rules
- Bluefish11 rules
- Crappie (Black & White)11 rules
- Black Sea Bass9 rules
- Black Drum9 rules
- Tog (Tautog / Blackfish)8 rules
- Redfish (Red Drum)7 rules
- Yellow Perch7 rules
- White Perch7 rules
- Spanish Mackerel6 rules
Also known as
Bluegill is also called Bluegill (Sunfish), Pumpkinseed, Sunfish, Redear Sunfish, sunfish. Anglers in different regions use different names for the same fish, and the rules on this page apply to all of them in New Jersey.
Frequently asked questions
When is Bluegill season in New Jersey?
Bluegill season in New Jersey runs from Jan 1 to Dec 31 per DEP Fish & Wildlife.
What is the size limit for Bluegill in New Jersey?
New Jersey does not publish a state-wide minimum size for Bluegill. Check zone-specific rules above.
What is the daily bag limit for Bluegill in New Jersey?
Daily bag limit for Bluegill in New Jersey is 25 fish in Fresh Waters, per DEP Fish & Wildlife.
Official sources cited
- https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/guides/26NJFW_LR.pdf
- https://www.eregulations.com/newjersey/fishing