Ramapo River 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 the Ramapo River is among the bodies of water the state is promoting for the event.

Local ponds and streams, like Bear Swamp Lake in Oakland, and Campgaw Pond and Darlington Park Pond in Ramsey, are also on the free fish list.

State officials say they hope both Mahwah fishers and visitors will take advantage of the free fishing along the mile-long river, which goes through the heart of the Ramapo Reservation in Mahwah.

“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 Ramapo River in Mahwah is also classified by the state as a fishing site specifically designed to accommodate wheelchairs for accessible fishing opportunities.

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.