Bear Swamp Part of State’s ‘Free Fishing Weekend’

According to forecasters, rain should clear up just in time for the state’s Free Fishing Days, happening this Saturday and Sunday.

According to a release from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, the annual Free Fishing Days are meant to introduce new anglers to the state’s freshwater lakes and rivers without requiring them to purchase fishing licenses or trout stamps.

Locals might expect an influx of fishing enthusiasts this weekend, as Bear Swamp in Oakland is among the bodies of water the state is promoting for the event.

Local ponds and streams, like the Ramapo River in Mahwah, and Campgaw Pond and Darlington Park Pond in Ramsey, are also on the free fish list.

“Free Fishing Days provide the perfect opportunity for families and friends to discover the simple pleasures of fishing and enjoying time together in the outdoors,” DEP Commissioner Bob Martin said in the release. “As the word spreads about the exceptional fishing here in New Jersey, a growing number of out-of-state anglers also come here for their free fishing opportunity every June.’’

The state is also offering a free “Pocket Ranger” NJ Fish and Wildlife app for smartphones that provides mapping, GPS navigation of fishing spots throughout the state, and, “is a comprehensive information source for all the state’s fish and wildlife species,” the release said.

Get more information about the Free Fishing Days here, and check out the app here.