New Jersey regulations
Channel Catfish Regulations in New Jersey 2026
New Jersey Channel Catfish regulations as of 2026-05-08: Status Permitted; Status Permitted; Daily bag 5 fish. Sourced from DEP Fish & Wildlife.
Rules (15)
New Jersey statewideOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 5
may be taken at any time by use of a bow and arrow (with a line attached to the arrow) when in possession of a valid fishing license
10 WatersOpen
- Status
- Permitted
stocked
56 WatersOpen
- Status
- Permitted
stocked
Channel Catfish Channel
- Daily bag
- 5 fish
- Min size
- 12"
5 12 inches
Delaware River
- Min size
- 12"
- Gear
- Bow And Arrows
Spears (not mechanically propelled) and bow and arrows may be used to take carp, catfish, shad and suckers, except within 825 feet of an eel weir. A valid fishing license is required.
Fresh WatersOpen
- Status
- Open
- Daily bag
- 5 fish
- Min size
- 12"
Open year-round Statewide 5 12 inches
Greenwood Lake
- Min size
- 12"
Lake HopatcongOpen
- Status
- Permitted
State Record: 33 lbs. 3 oz.
Also known as
Channel Catfish is also called Catfish. 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 Channel Catfish season in New Jersey?
Channel Catfish season in New Jersey runs from Jan 1 to Dec 31 per DEP Fish & Wildlife.
What is the size limit for Channel Catfish in New Jersey?
Minimum size for Channel Catfish in New Jersey is 12 inches in Channel Catfish Channel, per DEP Fish & Wildlife. Slot limits or maximum sizes may apply in some zones.
What is the daily bag limit for Channel Catfish in New Jersey?
Daily bag limit for Channel Catfish in New Jersey is 5 fish in Channel Catfish Channel, per DEP Fish & Wildlife.
Official sources cited
- https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/guides/26NJFW_LR.pdf
- https://www.eregulations.com/newjersey/fishing
- https://www.eregulations.com/newjersey/fishing/freshwater/delaware-river
Reference only. Regulations change frequently, often mid-season. Always verify with DEP Fish & Wildlife before keeping a catch. Last verified .