New Jersey vs Pennsylvania fishing license
For a visitor fishing fresh water for 3 days, New Jersey is $13.97 cheaper than Pennsylvania. For a visitor's annual fresh-water license, New Jersey is $26.97 cheaper than Pennsylvania. You need a license from age 16 in New Jersey and in Pennsylvania.
- Free
- Official sources first
- Checked monthly
- Independent, not a state website
What visitors pay
Cheapest way for an adult non-resident to cover the trip, including required stamps, worked out from each state's price list. The cheaper state is marked.
| Trip | New Jersey | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh water | ||
| 1 day | $9 | $31.97 |
| 3 days | $18 | $31.97 |
| 7 days | $19.50 | $39.47 |
| 1 year | $34 | $60.97 |
| Residents, annual | ||
| Fresh water | $22.50 | $27.97 |
| Prices for | 2026 | 2026 |
Rules side by side
| New Jersey | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|
| License needed from age | 16 | 16 |
| Senior residents | Free (fresh): New Jersey residents 70 and over (fresh water; a driver license or other proof of age serves as the license, and no trout stamp is needed). Saltwater anglers still register free | Senior resident annual fishing license (65 and over): $14.47 (ages 65+) Senior resident lifetime fishing license (65 and over): $86.97 (ages 65+) 3-year senior resident fishing license: $39.47 (ages 65+) 5-year senior resident fishing license: $64.47 (ages 65+) |
| Senior visitors | Normal visitor prices | Normal visitor prices |
| Required stamps | None | None |
| Next free fishing day | Not yet announced | Not yet announced |
| On a charter | Usually not: the boat's license covers its passengers | Yes: everyone who fishes needs their own license |
| License on your phone | – | Accepted |
| Annual licenses last | To 12-31 | To 12-31 |
| Last checked | Nov 4, 2026 | Nov 4, 2026 |
Full details and sources: New Jersey fishing license · Pennsylvania fishing license
Shared waters
Delaware River (New Jersey and Pennsylvania) (New Jersey rules)
A New Jersey or Pennsylvania license is accepted from a boat or either shoreline on the main stem of the Delaware River between the two states. Tributaries are not covered. Secondary source: NJ Fish & Wildlife freshwater fishing digest 2026 (eRegulations)
Delaware River (New Jersey) (Pennsylvania rules)
A Pennsylvania or New Jersey license is valid from a boat or either shore. Official source
Limits for fish found in both states
Guide only. Statewide rules; many waters have their own. Check each state's official rules before you keep a fish.
| Fish | New Jersey | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth bass |
Largemouth and smallmouth bass |
Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass |
| Smallmouth bass |
Largemouth and smallmouth bass |
Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass |
| Trout |
Trout (brook, brown and rainbow) |
Trout (all species) |
| Walleye |
18" minimum; bag 3 (Statewide; 1 more) |
Walleye and saugeye |
| Crappie |
8" minimum; bag 10 combined |
Sunfish, yellow perch, crappie, catfish and other panfish |
| Catfish |
Channel catfish Bullheads |
Sunfish, yellow perch, crappie, catfish and other panfish |
| Striped bass |
Striped bass (non-tidal fresh water) Hybrid striped bass |
Striped bass and hybrid striped bass |
| Northern pike |
24" minimum; bag 2 |
24" minimum; bag 2 |
| Yellow perch |
No minimum; bag 25 |
Sunfish, yellow perch, crappie, catfish and other panfish |
| Muskellunge (muskie) |
Muskellunge and tiger musky |
Muskellunge and tiger muskellunge |
Questions
Is a New Jersey fishing license valid in Pennsylvania?
No. Each state needs its own license, except on shared waters covered by a border agreement: Delaware River (New Jersey and Pennsylvania); Delaware River (New Jersey).
Which is cheaper for visitors, New Jersey or Pennsylvania?
1 day (fresh water): New Jersey $9, Pennsylvania $31.97. 1 year (fresh water): New Jersey $34, Pennsylvania $60.97.
At what age do you need a fishing license in New Jersey and Pennsylvania?
You need a license from age 16 in New Jersey and in Pennsylvania.