Fishing Rules

Ice fishing, bow fishing, spearfishing and magnet fishing are STRICKLY PROHIBITED at MCR.

MCR does not permit ANY commercial fishing guide business or any other commercial business, including but not limited to, guided watercraft tours or on-site rentals, selling of bait or food, to operate at the property. 

Definition: A commercial fishing guide business operates professionally, taking clients out fishing for a fee, with the primary goal of making a profit from their services. This definition does not include fishing tournaments, as a fishing tournament is a competitive fishing event organized by a group of anglers for leisure and bragging rights or prizes.  Essentially, a fishing tournament is recreational fishing for competition, while the other, a commercial fishing guide, is fishing for income.

Merrill Creek Reservoir is designated by NJDEP as a Lunker Bass and Trophy Trout Waterbody; thus, those NJDEP fishing regulation sets are applicable at Merrill Creek Reservoir.

• All NJ fishing regulations apply, including obtaining the appropriate valid fishing licenses, stamps, and abiding by all catch and release seasonal dates and regulations for certain fish species. Please note that Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass catch and release dates run from April to June.
• Merrill Creek Reservoir has been designated by NJDEP as a Lunker Bass and Trophy Trout Waterbody; thus, those NJDEP fishing regulation sets are applicable at Merrill Creek Reservoir.  See https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/ for more information.
• A barrier-free fishing dock is located off Fox Farm Road near the Inlet/Outlet Tower. Physically challenged anglers are given preference in the use of that dock.
• Ice fishing, bow fishing, spearfishing and magnet fishing are STRICKLY PROHIBITED at MCR.
• Fishing from the Boat Ramp, Boat Docks, Kayak Launch Areas, & Kayak Lauch Dock is PROHIBTED.
• All group outings and/or fishing tournament participants MUST preregister and will NOT be given preference over other boaters. NOTE: MCR will only allow ONE tournament per day. It is the group/tournament coordinator’s responsibility to communicate all MCR and state fishing and boating rules and regulations to all participants. Any violations of these rules and regulations by a group/tournament participant may result in a permanent access denial to the premises for the fishing club holding the tournament.
• Shore fishing allowed in designated areas only. There is NO FISHING on any of the dikes or from the dam – do not fish from these areas (these are the areas comprised of large rocks).  Additionally, wading in Merrill Creek Reservoir anywhere on the property is strictly prohibited.  Please stay on the shoreline.  Click on the map below for more details on designated areas for shore fishing.
• Radio-Controlled Aircraft, including drones, and/or radio-controlled watercraft use is strictly prohibited at Merrill Creel Reservoir. These particular violations can result in permanent banning from the premises and/or police involvement. For Security Purposes – the use of radio-controlled aircraft (including drones) or watercraft, may also result in the confiscation of the item and all associated equipment, including video/photo cards, for further review.

Broodstock Tagging
Bass Club and Fishing Tournament Rules
Fishing Videos
Fishing Gallery