New Jersey regulations
Channel Catfish Regulations in New Jersey 2026
New Jersey channel catfish season runs Jan 1 – Dec 31 in 2026. Statewide rules: 5. Sourced from DEP Fish & Wildlife.
Rules (15)
- Status
- Permitted
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 5
- Min size
- 12"
- Gear
- Bow And Arrows
- Status
- Open
- Daily bag
- 5 fish
- Min size
- 12"
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
- Bluegill (Sunfish)13 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
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