What special fishing regulations apply at Manasquan Reservoir (Monmouth County)?

Manasquan Reservoir (Monmouth County) carries 3 special-regulation overlays that override New Jersey's statewide 2026 rules, covering Largemouth bass and Muskellunge (incl. tiger musky). One of them reads: "770-acre Howell Township reservoir; 12 in min largemouth, 5 / day combined; muskellunge 40 in min, 1 / day (tiger musky stocking water); channel catfish + crappie + sunfish; electric motors only." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.

Do I need a fishing license to fish Manasquan Reservoir (Monmouth County)?

Yes. Manasquan Reservoir (Monmouth County) is in New Jersey, so a valid New Jersey fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife (freshwater) + NJ Marine Fisheries Administration (saltwater). The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for Manasquan Reservoir; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide New Jersey rules.

Do Manasquan Reservoir (Monmouth County)'s special rules replace New Jersey's statewide limits?

Only where they conflict. New Jersey's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Manasquan Reservoir by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.

Which species have special rules on Manasquan Reservoir?

Largemouth bass and Muskellunge (incl. tiger musky) have a water-body-specific rule on Manasquan Reservoir (Monmouth County), each linking to its full New Jersey regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide New Jersey limits.

2026 regulation year

Manasquan Reservoir (Monmouth County) 2026 — New Jersey Fishing Regulations

New Jersey statewide rules apply unless overridden below.

Last updated June 3, 2026

Manasquan Reservoir (Monmouth County) carries 3 special-regulation overlays on top of New Jersey's 2026 fishing rules — covering Largemouth bass, Muskellunge (incl. tiger musky). Verify the agency booklet before launching: in-season changes are not yet wired to this page.

Get change alerts

Watch Manasquan Reservoir (Monmouth County) (NJ) and we'll email you when a season, bag limit, slot, or closure changes. Free while in beta.

State-level special regulation

770-acre Howell Township reservoir; 12 in min largemouth, 5 / day combined; muskellunge 40 in min, 1 / day (tiger musky stocking water); channel catfish + crappie + sunfish; electric motors only
Source: New Jersey special-water list

Per-species rules on Manasquan Reservoir (Monmouth County)

Largemouth bass regulations →
12 in min, 5 / day combined; electric motors only
Muskellunge (incl. tiger musky) regulations →
40 in min, 1 / day; tiger muskellunge stocking water (electric motors only)

Official source

New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife (freshwater) + NJ Marine Fisheries Administration (saltwater) publishes the authoritative 2026 New Jersey fishing regulations. Special-regulation lakes and rivers are listed in the agency booklet — always verify before fishing.

Visit official New Jersey fishing regulations →

Emergency-order channel

In-season closures, slot-limit changes, and run-count-driven harvest pauses are posted to New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife's emergency-order feed — check it before any New Jersey trip during the active season.

Other special-regulation waters in New Jersey

Browse all water bodies →

Frequently asked questions

What special fishing regulations apply at Manasquan Reservoir (Monmouth County)?: Manasquan Reservoir (Monmouth County) carries 3 special-regulation overlays that override New Jersey's statewide 2026 rules, covering Largemouth bass and Muskellunge (incl. tiger musky). One of them reads: "770-acre Howell Township reservoir; 12 in min largemouth, 5 / day combined; muskellunge 40 in min, 1 / day (tiger musky stocking water); channel catfish + crappie + sunfish; electric motors only." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.
Do I need a fishing license to fish Manasquan Reservoir (Monmouth County)?: Yes. Manasquan Reservoir (Monmouth County) is in New Jersey, so a valid New Jersey fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife (freshwater) + NJ Marine Fisheries Administration (saltwater). The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for Manasquan Reservoir; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide New Jersey rules.
Do Manasquan Reservoir (Monmouth County)'s special rules replace New Jersey's statewide limits?: Only where they conflict. New Jersey's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Manasquan Reservoir by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.
Which species have special rules on Manasquan Reservoir?: Largemouth bass and Muskellunge (incl. tiger musky) have a water-body-specific rule on Manasquan Reservoir (Monmouth County), each linking to its full New Jersey regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide New Jersey limits.

← Back to New Jersey regulations overview