Fishing & Hunting

Spruce Run Reservoir holds largemouth bass, catfish, sunfish, yellow perch and carp, and its two main feeder streams, the Spruce Run and Mulhockaway Creek, are stocked by NJ Fish and Wildlife. Anglers cast from the shoreline or from boats with a motor of 10 horsepower or less, following NJ Fish and Wildlife's regulations. In winter, anglers ice fish when conditions allow, and bow deer and waterfowl hunting are permitted Monday to Saturday in designated areas.

What You Can Catch

NJDEP lists five kinds of fish in Spruce Run Reservoir: largemouth bass, catfish, sunfish, yellow perch and carp. The reservoir is fed by rain running through several streams; the two main ones are the Spruce Run and Mulhockaway Creek, and both are stocked by NJ Fish and Wildlife. Water leaves the reservoir back into the Spruce Run, which flows into the South Branch of the Raritan River in the Town of Clinton.

Size limits, seasons, creel limits and license rules come from NJ Fish and Wildlife, not the park. Check the current fishing regulations on NJ Fish and Wildlife's website before you go.

Fishing From Shore

The recreation area has 15 miles of shoreline on the reservoir, and the NJDEP area map marks fishing access within the park. Picnic areas sit on open and wooded ground above the water, which makes an easy base for a day of bank fishing. Remember that the shoreline beside the campground's waterfront sites is for the campers staying there.

Fishing From a Boat

Boats with gas or electric motors up to 10 hp are allowed, along with canoes and kayaks, all launched from the park's boat launch area. A seasonal concession rents boats during the summer fee season; the reservoir closes to boats at 25 mph winds (boat launch and rules).

Ice Fishing in Winter

NJDEP lists ice fishing among the winter activities at Spruce Run, along with ice sailing, sledding and cross-country skiing. Ice skating is not permitted. Call the park office for conditions before heading out on the ice; the agency gives no ice thickness rule, so judge it yourself and never go out alone.

Algae Advisories

Harmful algal blooms occur at Spruce Run Reservoir. "Watch" (blue sign) and "Advisory" (orange sign) are the most common alert levels posted. NJDEP's HAB map shows the latest status (swimming and algae).

Hunting at Spruce Run

Deer hunting (bow only) and waterfowl hunting are permitted in Spruce Run Recreation Area Monday through Saturday, in designated areas only. NJDEP publishes a bow hunting area map, a waterfowl hunting map with its rules, and a tree stand and blind policy for licensed hunters; the park office has maps too. All hunters follow NJ Fish and Wildlife rules.

The Clinton Wildlife Management Area borders the recreation area and is open for hunting. It is run by NJ Fish and Wildlife, not the State Park Service, so its maps and rules come from NJ Fish and Wildlife (908-735-8240).