Fishing regulations

[dakota560]

Question for the board regarding NJF regulations. I know someone who owns a farm where the SBR flows through. They own the property on both sides of the river. My question is what regulations govern fishing that stretch. Since it's private property, I'm assuming it's not governed by the same regulations as public waterways but wanted to make sure especially since opening day is coming and I believe trout waters will be closed shortly if not already. Everything caught will be released so not concerned about possession limits, just wondering if all other regulations apply or not. Thanks in advance.

[bigfishy]

Not sure...But if your on completely private property, use ur best judgement....
If you feel like you'ld be in the wrong,which its sounds like ur feeling, then dont do it- or do....who cares ...pls post a report:D

[thmyorke1]

I think the laws of the state still apply to private property. So even though you own the water, NJ can still tell you what not to do with it.

I believe someone wading in the water (with even a few feet of leisure room on land from the water) can even fish there. But this law is a common law and idk about NJ's specifics.

Basically, Im not a lawyer.

[Mark B.]

No, it is closed to all fishing, even from private property from 3/20/17 to 4/8/17 @ 8 AM.

[acabtp]

The fish/game laws and seasons/closures are the same on public or private land

I believe someone wading in the water (with even a few feet of leisure room on land from the water) can even fish there. But this law is a common law and idk about NJ's specifics.

That is incorrect for NJ freshwater, and is how the fishing clubs, Raritan inn, etc prosecute people for trespassing on "their" stretch of the SBR, Black River, others...

Good concise summary of our water access rights and laws (with full references):
http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/access:nj

The public does not have any right to use non-navigable, non-tidal waters absent consent by the owners. With respect to navigable non-tidal waters, the public may use them only for the purpose of navigation. However, the public may not use them for other purposes such as fishing.

[dakota560]

Not sure...But if your on completely private property, use ur best judgement....
If you feel like you'ld be in the wrong,which its sounds like ur feeling, then dont do it- or do....who cares ...pls post a report:D

It is private property, not concerned about that or permission. It's my sister and brother in laws farm property they recently purchased. It's not a question of feeling like I'm in the wrong, just want to make sure I'm not breaking any laws especially since the trout stocking closure is coming up. Have never fished it before so don't want to start off on the wrong foot. Will post reports when the time comes.

[dakota560]

No, it is closed to all fishing, even from private property from 3/20/17 to 4/8/17 @ 8 AM.

Mark thanks. That's what I thought might be the case which is why I asked.

[dakota560]

• Farmers and immediate family members who live
on the farm do not need a license to fish on their
own farm, but must obey all fishing regulations.

That pretty much sums it up. Regulations apply with the exception the owner and immediate family members who live on the farm don't require a valid NJ fishing license to fish their own property. Sounds like all other regulations apply. Thanks for everyone's replies.

[thmyorke1]

The fish/game laws and seasons/closures are the same on public or private land

That is incorrect for NJ freshwater, and is how the fishing clubs, Raritan inn, etc prosecute people for trespassing on "their" stretch of the SBR, Black River, others...



Thanks for the info, clubs normally put signs up right? If not i gotta be careful where i fish

[acabtp]

Thanks for the info, clubs normally put signs up right? If not i gotta be careful where i fish
yeah, you'd know. they usually make it really clear they don't want people in there... no trespassing signs literally hanging mid-air from wires at the center of the rivers, fluorescent logger's tape on the trees on the property line, etc.