NJ Spring Run Guide: Stripers, Weakfish & Flounder
As winter loosens its grip, New Jersey waters come alive with the spring migration. Striped bass push north from the Chesapeake, weakfish return to Delaware Bay, and flounder fill the bays and back channels.
Spring fishing in New Jersey marks the official end of the off-season doldrums. As water temperatures climb from the low 40s into the 50s and 60s, the coastline transforms from quiet winter solitude to action-packed anticipation.
The spring run moves in waves. Striped bass lead the charge, migrating north from Chesapeake Bay wintering grounds and intercepting New Jersey waters from late March through June. Weakfish stage a comeback in Delaware Bay, offering the best fishing for this species in years. And winter flounder provide consistent action in bays and estuaries before the summer fluke arrive.
What makes spring special is the anticipation. After months of planning and tackle tinkering, you finally get to test your gear against fish that haven't seen a lure since November. The fish are hungry, the crowds are minimal, and the weather—while unpredictable—delivers those perfect fishing days that remind you why you love this sport.
This guide breaks down the spring run by species and location, helping you maximize your time on the water during this transitional but rewarding season.
Spring Run Timeline: Month by Month
Spring fishing unfolds gradually as water temperatures climb. Understanding the progression helps you target the right species at the right time.
March: The Awakening
Water temperatures in the low to mid-40s limit options, but dedicated anglers find action. Winter flounder fishing picks up in back bays and estuaries—particularly in Barnegat Bay and the Navesink River. These fish are pre-spawn, fat from winter feeding.
The first striped bass begin appearing in Delaware Bay, though numbers are sparse. Early-season holdovers from the fall provide occasional catches for those trolling bunker spoons.
March is primarily a scouting month. Clean tackle, spool fresh line, and watch the water temperature reports.
April: Building Momentum
April is when spring fishing truly begins. Water temperatures push into the upper 40s and low 50s, triggering increased activity:
- Striped bass arrive in numbers along the Raritan Bay, Sandy Hook, and Delaware Bay
- Weakfish begin staging at the mouth of Delaware Bay
- Winter flounder spawn and continue feeding in protected waters
- Early bluefish may appear during warmer stretches
Key tactic: bloodworms and clam baits produce consistently across all spring species.
May: Prime Time
May is the heart of the spring run. Water temperatures in the 55-65°F range trigger aggressive feeding. This is trophy season for striper holdovers before they migrate north.
Sandy Hook and Raritan Bay see excellent striper action on bunker. Delaware Bay weakfish fishing hits its stride, with fish moving into the Maurice River and back toward Cape May. The first summer flounder (fluke) begin appearing in the bays.
This is also when schoolie stripers flood the surf zone, making shore fishing highly productive.
June: Transition
By June, spring transitions to summer patterns. Large holdover stripers push north toward New England, but schoolies remain abundant. Fluke fishing takes center stage as summer flounder become the primary bay and nearshore target.
Weakfish fishing remains solid in Delaware Bay through mid-June. Bluefish become increasingly common along the beachfront.
Species Guide: What to Target When
Striped Bass: The Northward Migration
Spring stripers are the reverse of fall—fish are moving north toward New England after wintering in the Chesapeake. They arrive hungry and grow increasingly aggressive as water warms.
Peak window: Late April through May
Best methods: Trolling bunker spoons, live bunker, bloodworms, clams, soft plastics
Key spots: Raritan Bay (big fish), Sandy Hook, Delaware Bay, Shark River Inlet
Current regulations: 28-31" slot limit, 1 fish daily, circle hooks mandatory with bait
Weakfish: Delaware Bay Comeback
Weakfish have been making a gradual comeback in New Jersey waters. Spring is prime time, with fish staging in Delaware Bay before spreading along the coast.
Peak window: May through mid-June
Best methods: Live shrimp, bloodworms, soft plastic tails on jigheads, Rat-L-Traps
Key spots: Maurice River, Dennis Creek, Cape May Rips, Fortescue
Note: Weakfish have delicate mouths—use light drag and avoid horsing fish.
Flounder: Winter and Summer Overlap
Spring offers a unique opportunity to catch both winter flounder (early spring) and summer flounder (fluke) (late spring) during their overlap period.
Winter flounder: March-April in back bays, clam and bloodworm baits
Fluke transition: May-June in bays and inlets, bucktails and Gulp! baits
Key spots: Barnegat Bay, Great Bay, back channels of LBI
Current regulations: Fluke 18" minimum, varies by year—check current limits
Early Season Bonus Species
While targeting primary species, you may encounter:
- Tautog - Active through May around jetties and structure
- Early bluefish - May arrivals, often mixed with striper schools
- White perch - Back bays and rivers, excellent on bloodworms
Where to Fish the Spring Run
Delaware Bay: Weakfish Capital
Delaware Bay is ground zero for spring weakfish and early-season stripers. The bay's nutrient-rich waters support massive baitfish populations that draw gamefish.
- Maurice River - Premier weakfish destination, fish the outgoing tide
- Fortescue - Easy access, productive jetty and boat fishing
- Dennis Creek - Backwater honey hole for weakfish and flounder
- Cape May Rips - Stripers and weakfish in the churning waters
Raritan Bay: Big Striper Water
Raritan Bay consistently produces the biggest spring stripers in New Jersey. Fish arrive hungry from the Chesapeake and gorge on bunker schools.
- East Bank - Trolling grounds for trophy bass 40+ inches
- Sandy Hook Channel - Deep water holding area
- Raritan River Mouth - Incoming tide produces stripers and white perch
Back Bays: Flounder Central
Protected bay waters warm faster than the ocean, making them prime flounder habitat during spring.
- Barnegat Bay - Winter flounder early, fluke by May
- Great Bay - Excellent drift fishing for flounder
- Sedge Island - Classic flounder grounds
- LBI back channels - Drift bloodworms on outgoing tide
Surf & Inlets: Schoolie Season
Once water temperatures hit 55°F, schoolie stripers flood the surf zone.
- Sandy Hook - First surf contact for migrating fish
- Shark River Inlet - Excellent jetty fishing for stripers and weakfish
- Manasquan Inlet - Reliable spring striper action
- Island Beach State Park - Surf fishing heats up by mid-May
Spring Run Tactics & Techniques
Reading Spring Conditions
Spring fishing success depends on tracking rapidly changing conditions:
- Water temperature: Track daily changes—a 2-3°F increase can trigger feeding
- Rain events: Heavy rain muddies bays but pushes bait into staging areas
- Wind direction: Southwest winds warm surface water faster
- Moon phases: New and full moons produce strongest weakfish runs
Bait Fishing Tactics
Natural baits dominate spring fishing before baitfish schools fully establish:
- Bloodworms - Universal spring bait, deadly on all species
- Clam bellies - Excellent for stripers and flounder, more durable than worms
- Live shrimp - The #1 weakfish bait, fished under cork or Carolina rig
- Bunker (menhaden) - Live or chunked for large stripers in bays
Lure Fishing Approaches
Artificials become more effective as water warms into the 50s:
- Soft plastic paddletails - Swim shads in pearl or chartreuse
- Bucktails - Tipped with Gulp! or pork rind for fluke
- Rat-L-Traps - Excellent weakfish lure in clear water
- Bunker spoons - Trolled for bay stripers, deadly on big fish
Timing Your Trips
Spring fish are temperature-sensitive. Plan around:
- Warming trends: 3+ days of mild weather trigger feeding
- Morning bite: Early hours often best before wind builds
- Moving water: Weakfish especially active on outgoing tide
- Avoid cold snaps: Fish shut down rapidly when temperatures drop
Top Fishing Spots
Raritan Bay
Trophy striper water. Trolling bunker spoons produces fish over 40 inches. East Bank is legendary.
Access: Boat ramps at Keyport, Atlantic Highlands
Maurice River
Delaware Bay tributary and the best weakfish fishing in New Jersey. Fish staging area and outgoing tides.
Access: Boat ramps at Bivalve, East Point
Sandy Hook
First surf contact for spring stripers. Multiple access points, jetty fishing, and bay shoreline.
Access: Free (federal park)
Barnegat Bay
Protected flounder waters warm early. Excellent drift fishing for winter flounder, then fluke.
Access: Multiple ramps along bay shore
Fortescue
Delaware Bay access point. Jetty fishing for weakfish and stripers. Family-friendly access.
Access: State ramp and beach access
Related Fishing Grounds
View all 650+ grounds →Explore these offshore fishing grounds on our interactive map.
Charter Fishing Ports
Cape May
Delaware Bay specialist. Prime weakfish and early striper charters. Short run to productive grounds.
Atlantic Highlands
Raritan Bay access for trophy stripers. Trolling specialists target big holdovers.
Belmar
Full-service port with spring striper trips. Party boats run flounder and striper pools.
Barnegat Light
Bay and nearshore access. Flounder specialists know the back bay channels.
Budget Guide
| Option | Total Cost | Per Person | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half-Day Charter (private) | $450-700 | $75-120 | Split 6 ways. Good for weakfish or flounder. |
| Full-Day Charter (private) | $700-1,000 | $120-165 | Trophy striper hunting in Raritan Bay. |
| Party Boat | N/A | $55-80 | Walk-on flounder and striper trips. |
| Shore Fishing (gear) | $0-30 | $0-30 | Bait costs (bloodworms ~$15/dozen). |
| Small Boat Rental | $150-250 | $75-125 | Bay boats for back channel flounder. |
| NJ Fishing License | $22.50 | $22.50 | Resident rate. Non-res $34. |
Gear Checklist
Essential
- • NJ Fishing License
- • Circle hooks (2/0-5/0)
- • Fish finder rigs
- • Cooler with ice
- • Needle-nose pliers
Bait
- • Bloodworms
- • Clam bellies
- • Live shrimp (for weakfish)
- • Fresh bunker
- • Sandworms
Lures
- • Soft plastic paddletails (3-4")
- • Bucktails (1/2-1 oz)
- • Rat-L-Traps (chrome)
- • Bunker spoons (trolling)
- • Gulp! Swimming Mullet
Spring Weather
- • Rain jacket
- • Layered clothing
- • Polarized sunglasses
- • Sunscreen (yes, even in spring)
- • Extra change of clothes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Fishing too early in the season
Wasting trips when water is too cold for consistent action.
✓ Wait for water temps to hit 50°F for stripers, 55°F for weakfish. Track NOAA buoy data.
Using old bloodworms
Bait dies quickly and loses effectiveness.
✓ Buy fresh worms day-of. Keep refrigerated. Limp, pale worms catch fewer fish.
Setting the hook too hard on weakfish
Ripping hooks from their paper-thin mouths.
✓ Light drag, sweep hook-set, and patient fighting. Let the rod do the work.
Ignoring tide charts
Fishing dead tides with minimal water movement.
✓ Target 2 hours before and after tide changes. Outgoing tide is often best for weakfish.
Leaving after a slow morning
Missing the afternoon warming bite.
✓ Spring fish often feed as water warms. Afternoon sun can trigger activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does spring fishing start in New Jersey?
Spring fishing begins in earnest in April when water temperatures climb into the upper 40s. Some winter flounder action occurs in March in protected bays. Peak spring fishing typically runs from late April through June.
What is the best spring fish to target in NJ?
Weakfish offer the best spring fishing, particularly in Delaware Bay from May through June. Striped bass provide trophy opportunities in Raritan Bay (trolling) and good surf fishing for schoolies by mid-May. Flounder fishing in back bays is consistent through April.
Where can I catch weakfish in New Jersey?
Delaware Bay is the primary weakfish destination. The Maurice River, Fortescue, Dennis Creek, and Cape May Rips all produce fish from late April through June. Fish staging areas on outgoing tides with live shrimp or soft plastics.
What bait works best for spring fishing?
Bloodworms are the universal spring bait, effective on all species. Live shrimp are the #1 weakfish bait. Clam bellies work well for stripers and flounder. Live bunker produces trophy stripers in the bays.
Can I catch flounder from shore in spring?
Yes—winter flounder can be caught from bulkheads, docks, and shorelines in back bays during March and April. Fish slack tide periods in protected waters with bloodworms or clams on bottom rigs.
How does spring striper fishing compare to fall?
Spring stripers are migrating north (opposite of fall) and tend to be more scattered. Trophy fish concentrate in Raritan Bay for trolling. The surf run builds through May but lacks the concentrated blitzes of fall. Spring rewards patience and bait fishing.
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