What special fishing regulations apply at South Branch Raritan River (Hunterdon County)?

South Branch Raritan River (Hunterdon County) carries 2 special-regulation overlays that override New Jersey's statewide 2026 rules, covering Trout (rainbow + brown + brook). One of them reads: "Premier stocked + wild trout river; Ken Lockwood Gorge Special Regulations reach (catch-and-release artificial-lures-only year-round); standard stocked sections elsewhere with Trout Stamp." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.

Do I need a fishing license to fish South Branch Raritan River (Hunterdon County)?

Yes. South Branch Raritan River (Hunterdon 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 South Branch Raritan River; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide New Jersey rules.

Do South Branch Raritan River (Hunterdon County)'s special rules replace New Jersey's statewide limits?

Only where they conflict. New Jersey's statewide 2026 regulations apply on South Branch Raritan River 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 South Branch Raritan River?

Trout (rainbow + brown + brook) has a water-body-specific rule on South Branch Raritan River (Hunterdon County), each linking to its full New Jersey regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide New Jersey limits.

2026 regulation year

South Branch Raritan River (Hunterdon County) 2026 — New Jersey Fishing Regulations

New Jersey statewide rules apply unless overridden below.

Last updated June 3, 2026

South Branch Raritan River (Hunterdon County) carries 2 special-regulation overlays on top of New Jersey's 2026 fishing rules — covering Trout (rainbow + brown + brook). Verify the agency booklet before launching: in-season changes are not yet wired to this page.

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Watch South Branch Raritan River (Hunterdon County) (NJ) and we'll email you when a season, bag limit, slot, or closure changes. Free while in beta.

State-level special regulation

Premier stocked + wild trout river; Ken Lockwood Gorge Special Regulations reach (catch-and-release artificial-lures-only year-round); standard stocked sections elsewhere with Trout Stamp
Source: New Jersey special-water list

Per-species rules on South Branch Raritan River (Hunterdon County)

Trout (rainbow + brown + brook) regulations →
Ken Lockwood Gorge Special Regulations catch-and-release artificial-lures-only year-round; standard stocked sections elsewhere

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

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Frequently asked questions

What special fishing regulations apply at South Branch Raritan River (Hunterdon County)?: South Branch Raritan River (Hunterdon County) carries 2 special-regulation overlays that override New Jersey's statewide 2026 rules, covering Trout (rainbow + brown + brook). One of them reads: "Premier stocked + wild trout river; Ken Lockwood Gorge Special Regulations reach (catch-and-release artificial-lures-only year-round); standard stocked sections elsewhere with Trout Stamp." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.
Do I need a fishing license to fish South Branch Raritan River (Hunterdon County)?: Yes. South Branch Raritan River (Hunterdon 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 South Branch Raritan River; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide New Jersey rules.
Do South Branch Raritan River (Hunterdon County)'s special rules replace New Jersey's statewide limits?: Only where they conflict. New Jersey's statewide 2026 regulations apply on South Branch Raritan River 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 South Branch Raritan River?: Trout (rainbow + brown + brook) has a water-body-specific rule on South Branch Raritan River (Hunterdon 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