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FISH

WHAT'S UP LAKE NOW OFFICERS & EMAILS EMERGENCY CONTACTS MEMBERSHIP FISHING REPORTS CATCH CORNER KID'S CORNER SPONSORS AND BUSINESS DONORS AROUND THE LAKE 2024 CALENDAR CONTEST RESULTS & STANDINGS CLUB ITEMS WATER CHESTNUT SCOUT PROJECT S.H.I.P. BEST WATER TEMPERATURES LAKE RULES LAKE VIEWS STOCKINGS KDC WEIGH STATIONS LAKE SPECIES LINKS SOME HISTORY PAST CALENDARS HOME

Rules for Lake Hopatcong Anglers!

Please practice C.P.R.(catch-photo-release) whenever possible.
The Knee Deep Club, in an effort to build a "trophy" fishery, requests that all muskies caught be released.

Hopatcong State Park Night Fishing Rules (no permit required)

SPECIES CLOSED SEASON LIMIT MINIMUM SIZE
Trout (All Types) * 3/20 to 4/8 at 8am 6 from 4/8 to 5/31 only,
4 for the remainder of the year
9 inches
Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass * April 15 to June 15 5 total 12 inches
Hybrid Striped Bass none 2 16 inches
Walleye * March 1 to April 30 3 18 inches
Muskellunge (Practice CPR) none 1 44 inches
Chain Pickerel none 5 15 inches
Crappie none 10 8 inches
Channel Catfish none 5 12 inches
Alewife(Herring) none 35 6 inch maximum
All Other (Perch, Bullhead, Sunfish, etc.) none 25 combined none

Closed season means you cannot keep that species regardless of size during noted time frame.
* Signifies catch and release only during time frames noted.

     The above list of regulations is a general guideline for anglers fishing on Lake Hopatcong, it is by no means complete. Contact the NJ DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DIVISION OF FISH AND WILDLIFE for more information.

REPORT POACHERS!
OPERATION GAME THIEF
CALL TOLL FREE
1 (800) 222-0456
IT'S CONFIDENTIAL!

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Click Here For Lake Hopatcong Local Boating Regulations

NJ State Police Marine Services Information & State Regulations

Click Here For Boating Safety Manual

The New Jersey State Police Lake Hopatcong Station
can be reached at (973)663-3401 or (973)663-3400.

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Click here to view The KDC By-Laws

For Yearlong Contest Rules Click Here

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ANGLER ETHICS

1) Keep only the fish needed.
2) Do not pollute - properly dispose of trash.
3) Sharpen angling and boating skills.
4) Observe angling and boating safety regulations.
5) Respect other anglers' rights.
6) Respect property owners' rights.
7) Pass on knowledge and angling skills.
8) Support local conservation efforts.
9) Never stock fish or plants into public waters.
10) Promote the sport of angling.