What special fishing regulations apply at Spruce Run Reservoir (Hunterdon County)?

Spruce Run Reservoir (Hunterdon County) carries 3 special-regulation overlays that override New Jersey's statewide 2026 rules, covering Largemouth bass and Northern pike. One of them reads: "1,290-acre Clinton Township reservoir; 12 in min largemouth, 5 / day combined; northern pike 24 in min, 2 / day (premier NJ pike water); walleye 18 in min, 3 / day; channel catfish + crappie + striped bass (stocked hybrid)." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.

Do I need a fishing license to fish Spruce Run Reservoir (Hunterdon County)?

Yes. Spruce Run Reservoir (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 Spruce Run Reservoir; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide New Jersey rules.

Do Spruce Run Reservoir (Hunterdon County)'s special rules replace New Jersey's statewide limits?

Only where they conflict. New Jersey's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Spruce Run 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 Spruce Run Reservoir?

Largemouth bass and Northern pike have a water-body-specific rule on Spruce Run Reservoir (Hunterdon County), each linking to its full New Jersey regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide New Jersey limits.

2026 regulation year

Spruce Run Reservoir (Hunterdon County) 2026 — New Jersey Fishing Regulations

New Jersey statewide rules apply unless overridden below.

Last updated June 3, 2026

Spruce Run Reservoir (Hunterdon County) carries 3 special-regulation overlays on top of New Jersey's 2026 fishing rules — covering Largemouth bass, Northern pike. Verify the agency booklet before launching: in-season changes are not yet wired to this page.

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Watch Spruce Run Reservoir (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

1,290-acre Clinton Township reservoir; 12 in min largemouth, 5 / day combined; northern pike 24 in min, 2 / day (premier NJ pike water); walleye 18 in min, 3 / day; channel catfish + crappie + striped bass (stocked hybrid)
Source: New Jersey special-water list

Per-species rules on Spruce Run Reservoir (Hunterdon County)

Largemouth bass regulations →
12 in min, 5 / day combined; 1,290-acre Clinton Township reservoir
Northern pike regulations →
24 in min, 2 / day; premier NJ northern pike water

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 Spruce Run Reservoir (Hunterdon County)?: Spruce Run Reservoir (Hunterdon County) carries 3 special-regulation overlays that override New Jersey's statewide 2026 rules, covering Largemouth bass and Northern pike. One of them reads: "1,290-acre Clinton Township reservoir; 12 in min largemouth, 5 / day combined; northern pike 24 in min, 2 / day (premier NJ pike water); walleye 18 in min, 3 / day; channel catfish + crappie + striped bass (stocked hybrid)." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.
Do I need a fishing license to fish Spruce Run Reservoir (Hunterdon County)?: Yes. Spruce Run Reservoir (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 Spruce Run Reservoir; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide New Jersey rules.
Do Spruce Run Reservoir (Hunterdon County)'s special rules replace New Jersey's statewide limits?: Only where they conflict. New Jersey's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Spruce Run 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 Spruce Run Reservoir?: Largemouth bass and Northern pike have a water-body-specific rule on Spruce Run Reservoir (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