NJ Fishing Report

The August 2024 NJ Fishing Report

Anglers all around New Jersey are finding lots of chances to savor the rich and varied fishing the state has to offer as August 2024 approaches. Fishing in New Jersey is active from the salty coastlines of the Atlantic Ocean to the freshwater lakes and rivers. This paper addresses the present state of affairs, the top species to target, and some travel and use advice.

Saltwater Fishing

Fluke (Summer Flounder): Anglers seeing solid action from both shore and boat find fluke fishing still robust in August. The higher water temperatures have driven fluke around inlets and into deeper waterways. Especially in places like the Raritan Bay, Sandy Hook, and Barnegat Bay, boat anglers are finding success floating over sandy bottoms. Gulp! soft plastics, bucktails tipped with squid or spearing, and live minnows are all doing really nicely. Given fluke’s ambush strategies, the secret is to keep your bait at the bottom.

Striped Bass: Though the main striped bass season falls in the cooler months, several good catches have been documented—particularly in early morning and late evening hours. Anglers are concentrating on the colder seas surrounding inlets, jetties, and deeper channels where bass are most likely to be located. Choice baits are live eels, bunker, and topwater plugs. Known hotspots this time of year are the Barnegat Inlet and the seas off Cape May.

Bluefish: Particularly in the northern regions like Raritan Bay and the Shrewsbury and Navesink rivers, bluefish are still making a great display in waterways of New Jersey. Many fishermen choose these aggressive fish because of their fierce fight and great appetite. When aiming at bluefish, surface poppers, metal jigs, and sliced bait all work well. Schools frequently can be seen pursuing baitfish close to the surface to create interesting topwater activity.

Weakfish: Weakfish have been a delight this August; some strong catches have been recorded in places including Great Bay and Barnegat Bay. Often found in the same places as fluke, these fish can be captured with identical methods. Effective are soft plastics, little bucktails, and live bait. Usually the most productive are early morning and evening hours.

Sea Bass and Porgies: For bottom fishermen, sea bass and porgies will keep up consistent action as the summer advances. Good quantities of fish are found in deeper water among wrecks, reefs, and rocky outcroppings. The most often used baits for these species are clams, squid, and crabs. Anglers reporting good catches are those fishing the man-made reefs off the shore, including those of Axel Carlson and Garden State North.

Freshwater Sporting Activities

Largemouth Bass: Although many fish have been pushed into deeper, cooler waters by summer heat, largemouth bass fishing remains strong across lakes and ponds throughout New Jersey. Target bass early morning and late evening since they enter shallow regions to feed. In lily pad, submerged wood, and dock locations, topwater frogs, soft plastic worms, and crankbaits are yielding good results. Summertime bass action is a hallmark of lakes such Assunpink, Mercer, and Hopatcong.

Smallmouth Bass: Delaware River and reservoirs like Round Valley and Merrill Creek are great locations for those aiming for smallmouth bass. Usually located around rocky outcroppings, ledges, and deeper holes, smallmouths are more active in cooler, flowing waves. Effective possibilities are tube jigs, crayfish, live bait, and crankbaits. As with largemouths, the best action usually comes early in the morning or late evening.

Trout: Although many New Jersey’s trout streams provide chances in August, particularly in the cooler waters in the northern portion of the state, many fishermen connect trout fishing with spring. Still able to hold trout in deeper pools and shaded places are the state’s stocked rivers and streams, including the Musconetcong, Pequest, and South Branch of the Raritan. While spin anglers use inline spinners and small spoons, fly anglers are discovering success with nymphs and small streamers.

Panfish: Panfish of bluegill, crappie, and perch are giving fisherman of all ages consistent activity. Family fishing outings would benefit much from these plentiful fish found in most of New Jersey’s lakes and ponds. Good baits are worms, little jigs, and minnows. Search for panfish among brush piles, docks, and under submerged vegetation. Healthy panfish numbers abound in lakes including Manasquan Reservoir, Farrington, and Carnegie.

Catfish: Action involving catfish is heating up the rivers and bigger lakes of New Jersey. The most often occurring species are channel catfish; some places, such the Delaware River, have flatheads as well. Especially successful is night fishing since catfish are more active after dark. Common favorites are cut bait, chicken livers, and stickbaits. Target catfish this time of year at the Delaware River, Raritan River, and bigger lakes including Union Lake and Greenwood Lake.

Clamming and Crabbing

Along the coastlines of New Jersey, August is also a great period for clamming and crabbing. The back bays and tidal streams abound with blue crabs, which many families enjoy a day on the sea gathering. Popular sites for crabbing are the Toms River, Barnegat Bay, and the creeks around Ocean City. With chicken or bunker the preferred bait, hand lines, crab traps, and nets are all good for collecting blue crabs.

Clamming is also in full force; many of the designated clamming sites in New Jersey yield well. The fertile clam beds in the bays near Cape May, Barnegat, and Great Bay are well-known. Before you go, make sure to review local rules and get the required licenses.

Fishing Guidelines and Laws

As always, keep informed about New Jersey’s changing fishing rules throughout the year. Especially for species like fluke and striped bass, which are strictly watched by state officials, be aware of size and bag limitations. All fishermen sixteen years of age and over must have a current New Jersey fishing license in order to fish freshwater or saltwater.

For those wishing to improve their fishing trip, think about paying a local guide or charter company. Whether your goal is to load a cooler with fluke or target trophy-sized stripers, these experts can assist put you on fish by knowing the area waterways.

Conclusion

From the saltwater Atlantic coast to the freshwater lakes and rivers, August 2024 presents a broad spectrum of fishing possibilities all around New Jersey. There is something for every angler whether your focus is fluke in the bays, largemouth bass in the lakes, or catfish in the rivers. Remember to stay safe, observe the rules, and savor the varied fishing New Jersey has to offer as the summer goes on. Take advantage of the outstanding fishing conditions. Sharp lines!

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