LivewellNew Jersey · Reservoir
Manasquan Reservoir
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for Manasquan Reservoir, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.
3 species with advisories · contaminants: Mercury
New Jersey also has statewide guidance
New Jersey publishes rules that apply to reservoirs across the state — 14 recommendations covering 8 species — in addition to anything listed for Manasquan Reservoir below.
Strictest statewide rule: Common Carp — For women who may become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children: do not eat due to elevated PCB.
What's safe to eat from Manasquan Reservoir
American Eel
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to one meal per week due to elevated Mercury. |
| Women who may become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children | For women who may become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children: limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-07-09
Black Crappie
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to one meal per week due to elevated Mercury. |
| Women who may become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children | For women who may become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children: limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-07-09
Largemouth Bass
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury. |
| Women who may become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children | For women who may become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children: limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-07-09
Is it legal to keep?
These are New Jersey's statewide limits — a water-specific rule may override them. Always verify the current regulations before keeping a fish.
| Species | Size | Daily limit | Open season | Keep season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 12" min | 5 | Year-round | 06-16 – 04-14 |
| Smallmouth Bass | 12" min | 5 | Year-round | 06-16 – 04-14 |
| Rainbow Trout | 7" min | 6 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Walleye | 18" min | 3 | Year-round | 05-01 – 02-28 |
| Northern Pike | 24" min | 2 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Muskellunge | 40" min | 1 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Chain Pickerel | 15" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Channel Catfish | 12" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Flathead Catfish | — | — | Year-round | Same as open |
| Black Crappie | 8" min | 10 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Bluegill | — | — | Year-round | Same as open |
| Yellow Perch | — | — | Year-round | Same as open |
| Hybrid Striped Bass | 16" min | 2 | Year-round | Same as open |
| American Shad | — | 2 | Year-round | Same as open |
Official rules: New Jersey — New Jersey Fish & Wildlife