A person seen from behind lowering a crab line from a low wooden footbridge over a narrow tidal creek, marsh grass on both banks, a bucket beside them

Fishing & Crabbing at Cheesequake

Cheesequake State Park has two kinds of fishing. The six-acre Hooks Creek Lake is a warm water fishery with sunfish, largemouth bass and catfish, best in spring and fall. In summer, Hooks Creek, next to the lake, is known for blue claw crabbing from the crabbing bridge, which you reach by a short boardwalk near the swimming area. The park gate is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

At a Glance

Fishing at a Glance

FreshwaterHooks Creek Lake, 6 acres

SpeciesSunfish, largemouth bass, catfish

Best seasonsSpring and fall

CrabbingBlue claw crabs in Hooks Creek, summer

Crabbing accessShort boardwalk from near the swimming area

BoatsCartop boats, canoes, kayaks; electric motors only

Gate hours8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hooks Creek Lake

NJDEP describes the lake as offering excellent freshwater fishing, with the best seasons in spring and fall. The species it names are sunfish, largemouth bass and catfish. The lake is small, six acres, so it's an easy shoreline walk from the lake parking lot. You can also fish from a canoe, kayak or small cartop boat; only electric motors are allowed and everyone aboard needs a Coast Guard approved life jacket. See Hooks Creek Lake.

In summer, the guarded swimming beach takes up part of the shore from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, so give the swim area room.

Blue Claw Crabbing on Hooks Creek

NJDEP calls Hooks Creek excellent for blue claw crabbing in summer. The crabbing bridge is reached by a short boardwalk near the swimming area. The Blue Trail spur starts just past the bridge if you want a walk while the traps soak (Hiking).

A small sandy beach on a calm wooded freshwater lake, a line of white floats marking a swimming area, oak trees around the shore

Licenses and Limits

NJDEP's park page does not list license rules, seasons or size and catch limits. New Jersey's fishing and crabbing regulations are set by the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife; check its current regulations before you go.

Good to Know

Gate hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Plan dawn and evening trips around the gate.
Summer parking fee: $5 to $20 per car from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day; free the rest of the year (Hours & Fees).
No trash cans: carry out line, bait and containers.
No salt marsh access: boats can't reach the marsh from inside the park.
Hunting is by special deer permit only, under NJDEP's Deer Management Plan (Rules & Regulations).

Close view of a largemouth bass's head on a white background

FAQ

Fishing & Crabbing at Cheesequake FAQ

Can you fish at Cheesequake State Park?

Yes. The six-acre Hooks Creek Lake has sunfish, largemouth bass and catfish, and NJDEP says spring and fall are the best seasons.

Can you go crabbing at Cheesequake State Park?

Yes. Hooks Creek has blue claw crabbing in summer. Use the crabbing bridge, reached by a short boardwalk near the swimming area.

Can you fish from a kayak at Cheesequake?

Yes, on Hooks Creek Lake. Kayaks, canoes and small cartop boats may launch there; electric motors only, and everyone needs a Coast Guard approved life jacket.

Do you need a fishing license at Cheesequake?

The park page doesn't say. New Jersey's fishing and crabbing rules come from the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife; check its current regulations.