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Raritan River

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

New Jersey, United States

4.3·2517 catches

Top fish species at Raritan River

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Raritan River fishing reports

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Rainbow trout

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Banded killifish

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Northern tessellated darter

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Walleye

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Rainbow trout

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White perch

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General info

Raritan River is a stream located in Somerset County, New Jersey, United States. It is also intersecting with Middlesex County, New Jersey. It is most popular for fishing Smallmouth bass, Largemouth bass, and Striped bass.

Location

40°31′4.8″N 74°29′13.7″W
Directions

Amenities

When are Largemouth Bass biting on Raritan River?

Learn what time of year and day to go fishing at Raritan River. Download Fishbrain today to look for new fishing spots, scout new fishing access, or prep for your next trip.

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Fishing regulations at Raritan River, NJ

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in New Jersey can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Regulations for top species

Season open: year-round
Striped bass

Striped bass

Regulation boundaryNew Jersey State Waters
Bag limit1

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size28" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Max size31" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish greater than the maximum size except as permitted.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Special gear

NJ Circle Hook

Anglers are required to use non-offset (inline) circle hooks when fishing for striped bass with bait in all waters. Bait is defined as any marine or aquatic organism live or dead, whole or parts thereof. This shall not apply to any artificial lure with bait attached. Striped bass caught on any unapproved method of take must be returned to the water immediately without unnecessary injury.

Restrictions & requirements

NJ No Gaff

It is prohibited for any person to gaff striped bass when fishing recreationally.

Required licenses
All saltwater anglers must register with the NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program. To register, visit http://www.saltwaterregistry.nj.gov
Additional information
Effective on July 2, 2023: 1 striped bass from 28" to 31" in all state watersAtlantic Ocean (0 to 3 miles from shore): no closed seasonAll other marine waters: open Mar. 1 to Dec. 31Delaware River and tributaries from Calhoun St. Bridge, Trenton to Salem River and tributaries: closed from April 1 until May 31The emergency action will not affect the Striped Bass Bonus Program (SBBP):1 fish @ 24" to less than 28"Open season: May 15 to December 31Non-offset (inline) circle hooks must be used when fishing for striped bass with natural bait in all waters; see NJ Striped Bass Hook Requirements.
Synonyms
Morone saxatilis
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Local laws and licenses

New Jersey fishing license

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Reviews of Raritan River

4.3
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20 ratings

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Top reviews

Cities nearby

Somerset

1.0 miles away

East Franklin

1.9 miles away

Piscataway

2.3 miles away

Clyde

2.5 miles away

Middlebush

2.8 miles away

Franklin Center

3.0 miles away

New Brunswick

3.1 miles away

South Bound Brook

3.2 miles away

Highland Park

3.3 miles away

Six Mile Run

3.9 miles away

Middlesex

4.0 miles away

East Millstone

4.3 miles away

Bound Brook

4.4 miles away

Franklin

4.5 miles away

North Brunswick

4.7 miles away

Weston

4.7 miles away

Zarephath

4.8 miles away

Milltown

5.4 miles away

Finderne

5.5 miles away

Manville

5.6 miles away

Franklin Park

5.9 miles away

Pleasant Plains

6.3 miles away

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FAQ about Raritan River fishing

📍 Where is the Raritan River located?
the Raritan River is a stream located in Somerset County, New Jersey, United States. It is also intersecting with Middlesex County, New Jersey. Its coordinates are:
40°31′4.8″N 74°29′13.7″W
.
🎣 Where on the Raritan River is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on the Raritan River by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
🐟 What species are in the Raritan River?
The most common species in the Raritan River are:
📢 What are the latest Raritan River fishing reports?
The latest Raritan River fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at the Raritan River right now?
According to fishing regulations at the Raritan River, some of the species in season this November include: Black sea bass, Atlantic cod, Tautog, Atlantic bluefin tuna, and Scup. For full details on other species — including bag limits, minimum and maximum size limits, and seasonal closures — download the .
🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at the Raritan River?

Fishing in New Jersey requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Options include resident and non-resident, annual and short-term, purchasable online or at licensed agents.

In New Jersey, no fishing license is required for anglers under 16 or residents 70 and older. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

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