Waterbody · New Jersey
Lake Hopatcong Fishing Regulations 2026
Lake Hopatcong fishing regulations in 2026: top targets are largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, walleye. 66 current rules across 10 species from DEP Fish & Wildlife.
Rules (66)
DEP Fish & Wildlife regulates 66 rules across 10 species at this water.
Largemouth Bass
Menantico Sand Wash PondOpen
- Status
- Permitted
State Record: 10 lbs. 14 oz.
Merrill Creek Reservoir
- Daily bag
- 3 fish
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 15"
daily combined creel and possession limit of three Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass 15-inch minimum size limit
Round Valley Reservoir
- Daily bag
- 3 combined
- Possession
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 15"
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
Hybrid Striped Bass
Monksville ReservoirOpen
- Status
- Permitted
State Record: 17 lbs. 12 oz.
Raritan River (Downstream Of Duke Island Park Dam)
- Season opens
- Mar 1
- Daily bag
- 1
- Slot min
- 28"
- Slot max
- 31"
New Jersey statewideOpen year-round
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 2
- Min size
- 16"
Walleye
Delaware RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Season opens
- Jan 1
State Record: 13 lbs. 9 oz.
New Jersey statewideCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- May 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 3
- Min size
- 18"
March 1–April 30
Muskellunge
Tiger Musky
Tiger Musky & Muskellunge
Trout
Tiger Muskie
Channel Catfish
Rainbow Trout
FAQ
Who regulates fishing on Lake Hopatcong?
DEP Fish & Wildlife regulates fishing on Lake Hopatcong.
What species can I target on Lake Hopatcong?
Lake Hopatcong is best known for largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, walleye. Other species are present and tracked in the rule tables below.
Where should I verify these rules?
These rules summarize DEP Fish & Wildlife'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.