What to expect at Higbee Beach

Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area is a 1,127-acre preserve on the Delaware Bay side of Cape May County, about 20 minutes south of the town of Fortescue. The bay here is shallow, brackish, and productive — you'll find striped bass, weakfish, and blue crabs in the channels and flats. The area is managed by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife primarily as a migratory bird sanctuary, which means fishing is permitted but the habitat comes first: no motorboats, no development, and strict seasonal closures to protect nesting birds.

Access is by foot only. There is a small parking area at the entrance on Bayshore Road, and from there you walk roughly a mile through marsh and along the bay edge to reach the water. The walk is flat and straightforward, but the ground can be wet and muddy even days after rain, so wear boots that can handle it. The bay bottom is soft mud and silt — wading is possible but slow, and you'll sink several inches with each step.

The fishing here is best in spring and fall when striped bass move through the shallows. Summer can be productive for weakfish and blue crabs. Winter fishing is possible but the bay can be rough and cold, and bird closures limit where you can walk. Most anglers fish the deeper channels that run through the flats, casting shrimp, small soft plastics, or live baitfish.

Key Takeaways

  • Higbee Beach is a walk-in only area with no motorboats allowed, so you need to be comfortable hiking roughly a mile through marsh to reach the water.
  • Striped bass and weakfish are the main target species, with spring and fall offering the most consistent fishing.
  • Certain areas close seasonally to protect nesting birds, so check current closures with the Division of Fish and Wildlife before you go.
  • The bay bottom is soft mud, wading is slow and difficult, and the ground near the parking area stays wet — bring appropriate footwear.
  • A New Jersey fishing license is required for all anglers 16 and older.

Seasons and what fish are present

Spring (April through May) brings the first major run of striped bass moving north along the coast. The water is still cold but clearing, and the bass are aggressive as they move into the shallows to feed. Weakfish also begin showing up in late April and May. This is the most reliable time to fish Higbee Beach, and the weather is generally manageable.

Summer (June through August) sees water temperatures climb into the 70s and 80s. Striped bass move to deeper water offshore, but weakfish remain active in the shallows and channels. Blue crabs are abundant and can be caught by hand line or small trap. The heat and humidity can be intense, and the marsh mosquitoes are significant — bring insect repellent and plan to fish early morning or late evening.

Fall (September through November) brings another strong striped bass migration as fish move south. Water temperatures drop, and the fishing can be excellent from late September through October. Weakfish are still present. By November, the water is cold and the fishing slows, though stripers are still moving through.

Winter (December through March) is the slowest season. The bay can be rough, and bird closures restrict access to certain areas. Some anglers fish for striped bass on mild days, but success is inconsistent. The Division of Fish and Wildlife may close sections of the area entirely during peak nesting season (typically February through May for certain species), so verify current restrictions before you plan a trip.

How to reach Higbee Beach and where to park

Higbee Beach is located at the end of Bayshore Road in Lower Township, Cape May County. From the Garden State Parkway, take Exit 0 toward Cape May. Follow signs toward Fortescue and then head south on Bayshore Road. The parking area is small — roughly 10 to 15 spaces — and sits at the end of the road near the entrance to the preserve.

There is no fee to park or fish. The lot is open during daylight hours. In summer and during peak bird nesting season, arrive early because the lot fills quickly and overflow parking is not available. If the lot is full, you will need to return at another time or find alternative access elsewhere on the bay.

From the parking area, follow the marked trail into the preserve. The walk to the water is approximately one mile and takes 15 to 20 minutes at a normal pace. The trail passes through salt marsh and along the bay edge. Bring water and wear sun protection — there is no shade once you leave the parking area.

Regulations and licensing requirements

All anglers 16 years old and older must carry a valid New Jersey fishing license. Licenses are sold online through the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website, at most sporting goods stores, and at some bait and tackle shops. A seven-day non-resident license is available if you are visiting from out of state.

Striped bass have a minimum size of 18 inches and a daily limit of one fish per angler. Weakfish have a minimum size of 12 inches and a daily limit of three fish. Blue crabs can be taken by hand line or small trap, with a daily limit of one bushel per person. Check the current New Jersey fishing regulations before you go, as size and bag limits can change year to year.

Certain areas of Higbee Beach close seasonally to protect nesting birds and other wildlife. These closures are typically posted at the parking area and on the Division of Fish and Wildlife website. Respect all posted signs and stay out of closed areas. Motorboats are not permitted anywhere in the preserve, and no vehicles are allowed past the parking area.

What gear to bring and what bait works

A medium-action spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound braided line is suitable for striped bass and weakfish at Higbee Beach. Bring a small tackle box with a variety of lures: soft plastics in natural colors (white, tan, pearl), small topwater plugs, and shrimp-pattern baits. A headlamp or flashlight is useful if you plan to fish early morning or evening. Polarized sunglasses help you spot fish in the shallows.

Live shrimp is the most effective bait for striped bass and weakfish. You can catch small shrimp with a cast net in the shallow water near the parking area, or bring them from a bait shop. Small mullet and silversides also work well. If you prefer lures, cast small soft plastics on light jigs (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) along the channel edges and around deeper holes in the flats.

Wading boots with good traction are essential — the mud is slippery and deep. Bring a wading staff or walking stick to help you move through the soft bottom. A mesh bag or net keeps your catch secure while you wade. Sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent are necessary, especially in summer. Bring more water than you think you'll need — there is no source of fresh water at the preserve.

Challenges and what to watch for

The soft mud bottom makes wading slow and tiring. You will sink 6 to 12 inches with each step, and pulling your foot free takes effort. Many anglers fish from the shore or from the channel edges rather than wading deep into the flats. If you do wade, move slowly and deliberately, and know your limits — exhaustion in soft mud is a real safety concern.

Mosquitoes are abundant from June through September, especially in calm, humid conditions. Insect repellent with DEET is effective, but long sleeves and pants offer the best protection. Fish early morning or late evening when mosquito activity is lower.

The parking area is small and fills quickly on weekends and during peak season. Arrive early or plan to fish on weekdays. The walk to the water is exposed — there is no shade, and the sun reflects off the water and mud. Sunburn and heat exhaustion are real risks in summer.

Seasonal closures can restrict access without warning. Always check the Division of Fish and Wildlife website or call ahead to confirm that the area you want to fish is open. Some years, large sections close for extended periods to protect nesting birds.

Nearby alternatives if Higbee Beach is closed

If Higbee Beach is closed or the parking lot is full, Thompson's Beach is about 10 miles north and offers similar bay fishing for striped bass and weakfish. Access is easier, with a larger parking area and shorter walk to the water. The fishing is comparable, though the area is less protected and can be more crowded.

Fortescue Beach, just north of Higbee, is a public beach with bay access and parking. Fishing is allowed, and you can fish from the shore or wade into the bay. The beach is more developed and busier than Higbee, but it is a good backup if you need immediate access.

For ocean fishing, Cape May Point is about 20 minutes south and offers jetty and beach fishing for striped bass, bluefish, and other species. Access is free, and the fishing can be excellent, especially in spring and fall. The ocean is rougher and more exposed than the bay, so conditions can change quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Higbee Beach?

No. Motorboats are not permitted, and all access is by foot from the parking area. You can fish from shore or wade into the bay, but you cannot launch a boat. If you want to fish by boat on the Delaware Bay, you will need to use a different access point.

What is the best time of year to fish here?

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are the most reliable. Striped bass are moving through the shallows, the weather is mild, and the fishing is consistent. Summer can be productive for weakfish and crabs, but heat and mosquitoes make it less pleasant. Winter is slow and unpredictable.

Can I bring my family and non-fishing kids?

Yes. The walk is easy and flat, and the preserve is a popular spot for birdwatching and nature observation. Bring water and sun protection for everyone. The mile-long walk is manageable for most ages, though very young children may find it tiring.

Is there a restroom or water at the preserve?

No. There are no facilities at Higbee Beach. Bring all the water you need, and plan to use the restroom before you arrive. The nearest services are in Fortescue, about 10 minutes away by car.

What should I do if I see a posted closure?

Respect all posted signs and stay out of closed areas. Closures protect nesting birds and other wildlife. If an area you planned to fish is closed, fish the open sections or return on another date. Check the Division of Fish and Wildlife website before you go to avoid a wasted trip.