Waterbody · New Jersey · Pennsylvania · New York
Delaware River Fishing Regulations 2026
Delaware River fishing regulations in 2026: top targets are shad, smallmouth bass, striped bass. 666 current rules across 55 species from 3 state agencies (New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York).
Species pages for Delaware River
Dedicated rule pages for the most-targeted species at this water.
New Jersey waters
139 rules from DEP Fish & Wildlife, 31 species.
Smallmouth Bass
Merrill Creek Reservoir
- Daily bag
- 3 combined
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 15"
Round Valley ReservoirOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Daily bag
- 3 combined
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 15"
State Record: 7 lbs. 2 oz.
New Jersey statewideCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Jun 16
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 5 combined
- Min size
- 12"
April 15–June 15
Striped Bass Or Hybrid Striped Bass
Delaware River & Tributaries (Calhoun St. Bridge To Salem River & Tributaries)Open
- Status
- Permitted
- Season opens
- Jun 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/person
- Possession
- 1
- Slot min
- 28"
- Slot max
- 31"
Anglers participating in the Striped Bass Bonus Program may harvest one striped bass per permit at 24" to less than 28" in length from May 15 to December 31.
Delaware River & TributariesIn season
- Season opens
- May 15
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/permit
- Min size
- 24"
- Max size
- 28"
Anglers participating in the Striped Bass Bonus Program may harvest one striped bass per permit at 24" to less than 28" in length from May 15 to December 31.
Delaware River & Tributaries (Upstream Of Calhoun St. Bridge)In season
- Season opens
- Mar 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/person
- Possession
- 1
- Slot min
- 28"
- Slot max
- 31"
- Gear
- Angling Only
by angling with a hook and line or by spear fishing
Striped Bass
Atlantic Ocean
- Daily bag
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 28"
- Max size
- 31"
- Gear
- Gaff Prohibited
1 fish bag limit for Atlantic Ocean (0–3 nautical miles from shore) 28"-31" size requirement for Atlantic Ocean (0–3 nautical miles from shore) 28"-31" size range specified for 0–3 nautical miles zone It is illegal to gaff or attempt to gaff, any striped bass at any time
Great Egg Harbor RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
State Record: 51 lbs. 0 oz.
New Jersey's Marine Waters
- Season opens
- May 15
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/permit
- Min size
- 24"
- Max size
- 28"
- Gear
- Artificial Only
Bonus permit program Only one fish can be harvested per permit Bonus permit required; less than 28 inches Bonus permit required; 24 inches to less than 28 inches Does not apply to artificial lures with bait attached
New Jersey statewideIn season
- Season opens
- Mar 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 1
- Slot min
- 28"
- Slot max
- 31"
- Gear
- Circle Hook
Non-offset (inline) circle hooks must be used when fishing for striped bass with bait.
Striped Bass Hybrids
Delaware River (Downstream Of Calhoun St. Bridge)In season
- Season opens
- Jun 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 1
- Slot min
- 28"
- Slot max
- 31"
Delaware River (Upstream Of Calhoun St. Bridge)In season
- Season opens
- Mar 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 1
- Slot min
- 28"
- Slot max
- 31"
American Shad
Delaware River & Tributaries
- Daily bag
- 6 fish
6 (maximum of 2 American shad)
Delaware RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 2
State Record: 11 lbs. 1 oz.
Delaware River MainstemOpen year-round
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 2
All Fresh Waters (Except Delaware River)Closed
- Status
- Prohibited
Due to serious declines in American Shad numbers, the taking of American Shad, except for the Delaware River, is prohibited.
All Species
Delaware RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Season opens
- Apr 18
- Season closes
- Oct 15
- Daily bag
- 50
- Possession
- 2 hand lines
- Min size
- 12"
- Slot min
- 28"
- Slot max
- 31"
- Gear
- Treble Hooks
No limit — Unlimited at 8 a.m. No more than three rods, each with one line, or two hand lines—or one of each—may be used. No more than three single hooks or three treble hooks per line. No more than three single hooks or three treble hooks per line.
Shad
Delaware River & TributariesOpen year-round
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/person
- Possession
- 6
maximum of 2 American shad
Delaware River
- 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.
Muskellunge Hybrids
Delaware RiverOpen year-round
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 1
- Min size
- 40"
Summer Flounder (Fluke)
Delaware River & Tributaries Calhoun St Bridge, Trenton To Salem River & Tributaries:In season
- Season opens
- Mar 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 17"
Muskellunge
Delaware RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Daily bag
- 1
- Min size
- 40"
Surplus stocked
Baitfish
Delaware RiverOpen year-round
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 50
Trout
Delaware RiverIn season
- Season opens
- Apr 18
- Season closes
- Oct 15
- Daily bag
- 5
at 8 a.m.
Plus 19 more species. See the New Jersey pillar page for the full list.
Pennsylvania waters
469 rules from Fish & Boat Commission, 31 species.
Smallmouth Bass
Delaware RiverCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Min size
- 12"
NO HARVEST - immediate release only combined species
Delaware River, West Branch Delaware River And Delaware River Tributaries, From The Mouths Of The Tributaries Upstream To The Limit Of The Tidal Influence And The Lehigh River From Its Mouth Upstream To The First Dam In Easton, PennsylvaniaCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Min size
- 12"
NO HARVEST - immediate release only combined species
Delaware River And EstuaryCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Min size
- 12"
NO HARVEST combined species
Beaverdam Run ReservoirCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Blue Marsh LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Bradys Run LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Bridgeport ReservoirCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Canoe Creek Lake (State Park) To Include Two Small Ponds And Raceway Adjacent To Canoe LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Carsonia LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Chambers LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Colyer LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Commonwealth Inland Waters
- Daily bag
- 4 fish/day
Jan 1 – Apr 11 / Oct 1 – Dec 31
Commonwealth Inland Waters -
- Daily bag
- 4 fish/day
- Min size
- 15"
Oct 1-Dec 31, Combined Species Oct 1-Dec 31
Conowingo Reservoir Up To Holtwood DamIn season
- Season opens
- Jun 16
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Min size
- 12"
combined species
Cross Creek LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Donegal Lake - Big Bass Program
- Daily bag
- 4 fish/day
Jan 1-Apr 10 And Jun 13-Dec 31
Duman LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Frances Slocum Lake (State Park)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Glade Run LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Gouldsboro LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Harris PondCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Hinckston Run ReservoirCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Hopewell LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Hunters Lake — Commonwealth Inland Waters
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/day combined
Jun 13–Sept 30
Indian Creek Reservoir (Mill Run Reservoir)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Indian LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Juniata RiverClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
From April 12 to June 13: No tournaments permitted.
Juniata River (31.7 Miles) From Sr0075 Bridge At Port Royal Downstream To The Mouth Including All Tributaries To A Point ½ Mile Upstream From The Confluence.Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
January 1 to December 31: NO HARVEST CATCH AND IMMEDIATE RELEASE ONLY. It is unlawful for an angler to cast repeatedly into a clearly visible bass spawning nest or redd in an effort to catch or take bass as with Commonwealth Inland Waters fishing regulations. From January 1 to April 11 and June 14 to December 31: Catch-measure-immediate release tournaments permitted. From April 12 to June 13: No tournaments permitted.
Kaercher Creek DamCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Keystone LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Keystone Lake (State Park)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Lackawanna Lake (State Park)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Lake Arthur (Moraine State Park)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Lake ChillisquaqueCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Lake ErieOut of season
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 20"
Applies to Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay and peninsular waters, all Lake Erie tributaries in their entirety, which include Cascade Creek, Conneaut Creek, Crooked Creek, East Branch Conneaut Creek, Eightmile Creek, Elk Creek, Fourmile Creek, Middle Branch Conneaut Creek, Marsh Run, Mill Creek, Mud Run, Raccoon Creek, Sevenmile Creek, Sixmile Creek, Sixteenmile Creek, Stone Run, Temple Run, Turkey Creek, Twelvemile Creek, Twentymile Creek, Walnut Creek, West Branch Conneaut Creek and all waters that flow into these tributaries.
Lake Marburg (Codorus State Park)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Lake NessmukCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Lake RedmanCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Lake TowheeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Lake WilliamsCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Lakes (Big Bass Program)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 fish/day
- Min size
- 15"
NO HARVEST - Catch and immediate release only (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. combined species
Lakes, Rivers And StreamsCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Jun 14
- Season closes
- Sep 30
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/day
- Min size
- 12"
NO HARVEST - Catch and immediate release only (no tournaments permitted); begins at 12:01 a.m. combined species
Leaser LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Lily LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Little Bufalo Lake(Holman Lake)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Mammoth DamCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Marsh Creek Lake (State Park)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Marshall LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Mauch Chunk LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Nockamixon Lake (State Park)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
North Park LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Northmoreland LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Opossum LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Peters Twp. Lake(Res. #2)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Pinchot Lake(State Park)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Pymatuning ReservoirOpen year-round
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 5
- Min size
- 12"
Quemahoning ReservoirCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Rose Valley LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Shawnee Lake (State Park)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Shenango River LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Speedwell Forge LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Stevens LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Sugar LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Susquehanna RiverClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
From April 12 to June 13: No tournaments permitted.
Susquehanna River (98.0 Miles) From The Inflatable Dam Near Sunbury Downstream To Holtwood Dam Including All Tributaries To A Point ½ Mile Upstream From The Confluence.Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
January 1 to December 31: NO HARVEST CATCH AND IMMEDIATE RELEASE ONLY. It is unlawful for an angler to cast repeatedly into a clearly visible bass spawning nest or redd in an effort to catch or take bass as with Commonwealth Inland Waters fishing regulations. From January 1 to April 11 and June 14 to December 31: Catch-measure-immediate release tournaments permitted. From April 12 to June 13: No tournaments permitted.
Tamarack LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Twin Lake Number Two Reservoir(Upper)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Twin Lakes Number One Reservoir (Lower)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Two Mile Run Reservoir (Justus Lake)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Upper, Middle And Lower Deer LakesCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Virgin Run Lake – Commonwealth Inland Waters
- Daily bag
- 4 fish/day
(combined species); June 13–Sept 30
Wilmore DamCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Yellow Creek Lake (State Park)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 combined species
- Min size
- 15"
April 12 through June 13 (no tournaments permitted). NO HARVEST begins at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 through April 11 and June 14 through Dec. 31
Striped Bass
Delaware River Pa State Line To Calhoun Street Bridge
- Min size
- 22"
Apr 1-May 31 (Slot: 22 To Less Than 26 Inches)
Delaware River Pa State Line To Calhoun Street Bridge (Slot: 28 To Less Than 31 Inches)
- Min size
- 28"
Delaware River Calhoun Street Bridge Upstream (Slot: 28 To Less Than 31 Inches)
- Min size
- 28"
Delaware River Pa State Line To Calhoun Street Bridge,
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
Apr 1-May 31
Delaware River - Pa State Line To Calhoun Street Bridge
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
April 1 - May 31
Delaware River From The Pennsylvania State Line Upstream To Calhoun Street BridgeOut of season
- Season opens
- Apr 1
- Season closes
- May 31
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Slot min
- 22"
- Slot max
- 26"
less than 26 inches
Delaware River From Calhoun Street Bridge UpstreamOpen
- Status
- Open
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Slot min
- 28"
- Slot max
- 31"
open year-round less than 31 inches
Delaware River Estuary
- Gear
- No Gaff
It is unlawful for any person to gaff or attempt to gaff any Striped Bass at any time when fishing.
Conowingo Reservoir Up To Holtwood DamOpen year-round
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Min size
- 18"
From Calhoun Street Bridge UpstreamOpen
- Status
- Open
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Slot min
- 28"
- Slot max
- 31"
open year-round less than 31 inches
From The Pennsylvania State Line Upstream To Calhoun Street BridgeOut of season
- Season opens
- Apr 1
- Season closes
- May 31
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Slot min
- 22"
- Slot max
- 26"
less than 26 inches
Hunters Lake — Commonwealth Inland Waters
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day combined
Pennsylvania statewide
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
Conowingo Reservoir (Combined With Hybrids)
Trout
West Branch Delaware RiverClosed
- Status
- Closed
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
- Min size
- 12"
during the artificial-lures-only season combined species ***
Delaware River And Estuary - West Branch Delaware River
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
Apr 4–Oct 15
Delaware RiverIn season
- Season opens
- Apr 5
- Season closes
- Oct 15
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Min size
- 14"
at 8 a.m. South of I-84 (combined species) North of I-84
Delaware River North Of I-84
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 14"
combined species
West Branch Delaware River – From The Pennsylvania/New York Border Downstream To The Confluence With The East Branch Of The Delaware RiverClosed
- Status
- Closed
The daily creel limit of trout is zero (0) during the artificial-lures-only season.
Delaware River, West Branch Delaware River And Delaware River Tributaries, From The Mouths Of The Tributaries Upstream To The Limit Of The Tidal Influence And The Lehigh River From Its Mouth Upstream To The First Dam In Easton, PennsylvaniaIn season
- Season opens
- Apr 5
- Season closes
- Oct 15
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Min size
- 14"
8 a.m. combined species, South of I-84 North of I-84
Largemouth Bass
Delaware RiverCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Min size
- 12"
NO HARVEST - immediate release only combined species
Delaware River And EstuaryCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Min size
- 12"
NO HARVEST combined species
Delaware River, West Branch Delaware River And Delaware River Tributaries, From The Mouths Of The Tributaries Upstream To The Limit Of The Tidal Influence And The Lehigh River From Its Mouth Upstream To The First Dam In Easton, PennsylvaniaCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 12
- Season closes
- Jun 13
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Min size
- 12"
NO HARVEST - immediate release only combined species
Walleye
The Portion Of The Delaware River Between New Jersey And PennsylvaniaOpen
- Status
- Open
- Daily bag
- 3 fish/day
- Min size
- 18"
open year-round
The Portion Of The Delaware River Between New York And PennsylvaniaIn season
- Season opens
- May 3
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 3 fish/day
- Min size
- 18"
until midnight
Northern Pike
Delaware RiverOpen
- Status
- Open
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
- Min size
- 24"
Open year-round
Delaware River And EstuaryOpen
- Status
- Open
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
- Min size
- 24"
Open year-round
Delaware River, West Branch Delaware River And Delaware River Tributaries, From The Mouths Of The Tributaries Upstream To The Limit Of The Tidal Influence And The Lehigh River From Its Mouth Upstream To The First Dam In Easton, PennsylvaniaOpen
- Status
- Open
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
- Min size
- 24"
Open year-round
West Branch Delaware River
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Daily bag
- 2 fish
- Min size
- 24"
Open year-round 2 24 inches
American Shad
All Delaware River Tributaries Including Those Above TideCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
Delaware River TributariesCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
catch and release in all Delaware River tributaries including those above tide.
Delaware River And EstuaryOpen
- Status
- Open
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
Open year-round
All Delaware River TributariesCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
catch and release in all Delaware River tributaries including those above tide.
The Portion Of The Delaware River Between New York And PennsylvaniaIn season
- Season opens
- May 3
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 18"
May 3 until midnight, Dec. 31 3 18 inches
Muskellunge
Delaware RiverOpen
- Status
- Open
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 40"
Open year-round
Delaware River And EstuaryOpen
- Status
- Open
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 40"
Open year-round
Delaware River, West Branch Delaware River And Delaware River Tributaries, From The Mouths Of The Tributaries Upstream To The Limit Of The Tidal Influence And The Lehigh River From Its Mouth Upstream To The First Dam In Easton, PennsylvaniaOpen
- Status
- Open
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 40"
Open year-round
Striped Bass And Hybrid Striped Bass
Delaware River - Pa State Line To Calhoun Street Bridge
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
Apr 1–May 31
The Portion Of The Delaware River Between New York And PennsylvaniaIn season
- Season opens
- Jun 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Min size
- 28"
- Max size
- 31"
Jan. 1 through March 31 and June 1 through Dec. 31 28 to less than 31
Delaware RiverIn season
- Season opens
- Jun 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Min size
- 28"
- Max size
- 31"
Jan. 1 through March 31 and June 1 through Dec. 31 28 to less than 31
All Species
West Branch Delaware River – From The Pennsylvania/New York Border Downstream To The Confluence With The East Branch Of The Delaware River
- Gear
- Artificial Only
Artificial Lures Only season runs from October 16 until 8 a.m. on the opening day of the trout season. Fishing may be done with artificial lures only, constructed of metal, plastic, rubber or wood, or with flies and streamers constructed of natural or synthetic materials. All lures may be used with spinning or fly fishing gear.
Delaware RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
A Pennsylvania or New Jersey license is valid between New Jersey and Pennsylvania when FISHING FROM A BOAT OR FROM EITHER SHORE.
West Branch Delaware River
- Gear
- Artificial Only
Fishing may be done with artificial lures only, constructed of metal, plastic, rubber or wood, or with flies and streamers constructed of natural or synthetic materials. All lures may be used with spinning or fly fishing gear.
Delaware River And EstuaryOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Regulations by Location
Delaware River Between New Jersey And PennsylvaniaOpen
- Status
- Permitted
A Pennsylvania or New Jersey license is valid when fishing from a boat or from either shore.
Delaware River (Including West Branch) Between New York And PennsylvaniaOpen
- Status
- Permitted
A Pennsylvania or New York License is valid when fishing from a boat or from either shore.
Delaware River (Including West Branch)Open
- Status
- Permitted
A Pennsylvania or New York license is valid between New York and Pennsylvania when FISHING FROM A BOAT OR FROM EITHER SHORE.
Delaware River And Estuary AnglersClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
- Gear
- Crab Pots
Disturbing Unattended Crab Pots is unlawful except by the owner, user or members of the immediate family and ofcers or representatives of the PFBC. limited to no more than two pots per person when taking crabs. In addition, two handlines may be used.
Delaware River And Its Estuary WatersOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Harvesting blue crabs from the Delaware River and its estuary waters is permitted pursuant to the regulations below.
Pickerel
Delaware RiverOpen
- Status
- Open
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Min size
- 12"
Open year-round
Delaware River And EstuaryOpen
- Status
- Open
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Min size
- 12"
Open year-round
Delaware River, West Branch Delaware River And Delaware River Tributaries, From The Mouths Of The Tributaries Upstream To The Limit Of The Tidal Influence And The Lehigh River From Its Mouth Upstream To The First Dam In Easton, PennsylvaniaOpen
- Status
- Open
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Min size
- 12"
Open year-round
American Eel
Delaware RiverOpen
- Status
- Open
- Daily bag
- 25 fish/day
- Min size
- 9"
Open year-round
Delaware River And EstuaryOpen
- Status
- Open
- Daily bag
- 25 fish/day
- Min size
- 9"
Open year-round
The Portion Of The Delaware River Between New York And Pennsylvania
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Daily bag
- 25 fish
- Min size
- 9"
Open year-round 25 9 inches
Plus 19 more species. See the Pennsylvania pillar page for the full list.
New York waters
58 rules from DEC, 9 species.
Striped Bass
Marine Waters (South Of George Washington Bridge & Delaware River)
- Slot min
- 28"
- Slot max
- 31"
Delaware River & Wes (Ny/Pa Border Water)
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Slot min
- 28"
- Slot max
- 35"
From The Battery To The Troy Dam, And All Tributaries Upstream To The 1st Barrier Impassable By Fish
- Gear
- Non Offset Circle Hooks
Non-offset (in-line) circle hooks must be used when recreationally fishing for striped bass using bait
Hudson RiverIn season
- Season opens
- Apr 15
- Season closes
- Dec 15
- Slot min
- 28"
- Slot max
- 31"
April 15 - Dec 15 Slot size: 28" - 31"
Hudson River (North Of George Washington Bridge)
- Slot min
- 23"
- Slot max
- 28"
North Of George Washington BridgeIn season
- Season opens
- Apr 1
- Season closes
- Nov 30
- Daily bag
- 1
not less than 18” nor greater than 28”
Tidal Hudson River North Of The George Washington Bridge And All Tributaries Upstream To The 1st Impassable Barrier To FishClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
- Season opens
- Apr 1
- Season closes
- Nov 30
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 18"
- Max size
- 28"
Fishing for Striped Bass (including catch and release) is prohibited from December 1 through March 31 in the Hudson River above the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge.
TributariesClosed
- Status
- Closed
- Season opens
- Apr 1
- Season closes
- Nov 30
- Daily bag
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 18"
- Max size
- 28"
Fishing for Striped Bass (including catch and release) is prohibited from December 1 through April 1–Nov 30 Daily Limit-1 not less than 18" greater than 28"
Trout
Batavia Kill – Confluence With East Branch Delaware River To Source (Region 4, Wq)
- Daily bag
- 3 fish/day
East Brook – Confluence With West Branch Delaware River To Source (Region 4, Wq)
- Daily bag
- 3 fish/day
West Branch Delaware River – East Brook In Walton Upstream 35.5 Mi To Town Brook In Hobart (Region 4, Se)
- Daily bag
- 3 fish/day
Delaware River – Bridge In Lordville To Confluence With West And East Branches (Region 4, Wp)
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
East Branch Delaware River – Confluence With West Branch To Route 206/30 Bridge In Downsville (Region 4, Wp)
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
West Branch Delaware River – Forming Ny/Pa Border (Region 4, Wp)
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
West Branch Delaware River – Ny/Pa Border To 2 Mi Downstream Of Route 17 Bridge At Deposit (Region 4, Wp)
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
West Branch Delaware River – Route 17 Bridge At Deposit To Stilesville Weir (Region 4, Wp)
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
West Branch Delaware River – Ny/Pa Border To 2 Mi Downstream Of Route 17 Bridge At Deposit (Region 7, Wp)
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
West Branch Delaware River – Route 17 Bridge At Deposit To Stilesville Weir (Region 7, Wp)
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
Delaware River & Wes (Ny/Pa Border Water)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Oct 16
- Season closes
- Mar 31
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Gear
- Artificial Only
Catch and release only Artificial Lures only
Walleye
Delaware River & Wes (Ny/Pa Border Water)
- Season closes
- Mar 14
- Daily bag
- 3 fish/day
- Min size
- 18"
Muskellunge And Tiger Muskellunge
Delaware River & Wes (Ny/Pa Border Water)
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 40"
Pickerel
Delaware River & Wes (Ny/Pa Border Water)
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Min size
- 12"
Smallmouth Bass
Muskellunge/Tiger Muskellunge
Black Bass
Delaware River & Wes (Ny/Pa Border Water)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
Catch and release only
Anadromous River Herring (Alewife And Blueback Herring)
Delaware River & Wes (Ny/Pa Border Water)Closed
- Status
- Prohibited
Possession prohibited
FAQ
Which states regulate fishing on Delaware River?
Delaware River spans 3 states (New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York). Each state's wildlife agency sets rules for its own waters; DEP Fish & Wildlife / Fish & Boat Commission / DEC.
What species can I target on Delaware River?
Delaware River is best known for shad, smallmouth bass, striped bass. Other species are present and tracked in the rule tables below.
Where should I verify these rules?
These rules summarize DEP Fish & Wildlife / Fish & Boat Commission / DEC's published content. Always confirm with the official source before keeping a catch.
Reference only. Regulations change mid-season. Always verify with the official source before keeping a catch.