The Best Fishing Lakes In New Jersey
Guide to top places to fish for bass, catfish, crappie and more in NJ
Last updated on .
Lake Fishing
Fishing lakes with the latest electronics and equipment dramatically increases efficiency, precision, and overall success. Modern sonar systems with high-definition down imaging, side imaging, and forward-facing sonar allow anglers to see structure, baitfish, and even individual gamefish in real time, eliminating guesswork and shortening the search process. GPS-enabled chartplotters with custom contour mapping help identify subtle drop-offs, humps, and creek channels that often hold fish, while advanced trolling motors with spot-lock technology maintain exact boat position in wind or current. Lightweight graphite rods, sensitive blanks, and braided superlines improve bite detection, especially in deep water. Lithium-ion batteries provide longer run times with less weight, and shallow-water anchors allow quick, quiet stops. Together, these innovations help anglers cover more water, fish more strategically, and make better-informed decisions throughout the day.
Best Overall Fishing Lakes
Lake Hopatcong, Merrill Creek Reservoir, Monksville Reservoir, Manasquan Reservoir, Union Lake, and Round Valley Reservoir are the most popular lakes in New Jersey. Others include Spruce Run Reservoir, Swartswood Lake, Farrington Lake and Split Rock Reservoir. Most lakes offer anglers the chance to pursue a variety of fish species year round, including ice fishing on some of these waters.
Bass Fishing Lakes
Lake Hopatcong, Round Valley Reservoir and Manasquan Reservoir top the list, but on any given day great bass fishing is possible at Merrill Creek Reservoir, Greenwood Lake, Monksville Reservoir and Union Lake. More...
Catfish Fishing Lakes
Lake Hopatcong, Merrill Creek Reservoir, Monksville Reservoir and Round Valley Reservoir are favorite options. Assunpink Lake, Spruce Run Reservoir, Echo Lake and Union Lake are some other popular choices. More...
Crappie Fishing Lakes
Assunpink Lake, Swartswood Lake, Mercer Lake and Delaware Lake
are local favorites. Other popular catfish lakes include Farrington Lake, Greenwood Lake, Lake Carnegie, Lake Musconetcong, Mercer Lake, Monksville Reservoir and Union Lake. Ice fishing for crappie is popular at many of these lakes. More...
Walleye Fishing Lakes
The Delaware River, Greenwood Lake, Lake Hopatcong, Monksville Reservoir and Swartswood Lake are considered some of the top choices for walleye fishing. More...
Trout Fishing Lakes
New Jersey provides trout anglers with some great fishing options. Round Valley Reservoir, Lake Hopatcong, Lake Musconetcong, Merrill Creek Reservoir, Swartswood Lake, Lake Hopatcong, Greenwood Lake and Lake Aeroflex are good choices for rainbow, brook, brown and lake trout. More...
Striped Bass & Hybrid Striper Lakes
The Delaware River, Lake Hopatcong, Manasquan Reservoir and Spruce Run Reservoir are the top options for striped bass and/or hybrid striped bass. Other choices include Assunpink Lake, Cranberry Lake and Union Lake. More...
Salmon Lakes
Landlocked Atlantic Salmon
Lake Aeroflex, Tilcon Lake, Wawayanda Lake and Merrill Creek Reservoir are the primary lakes for landlocked sockeye salmon fishing. More...
Sunfish, Perch & Panfish Lakes
Greenwood Lake, Lake Hopatcong, Manasquan Reservoir, Monksville Reservoir and Round Valley Reservoir are popular spots to fish for bluegill, bream, perch and other sunfish. Additional good spots for panfish include Swartswood Lake and Union Lake. More...
Best Fishing Lake Destinations By State
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NEW JERSEY
