Popular Fishing Lakes In New Jersey

Guide to fishing in the Garden State

Major Lakes & Species
Lake Sizes & Locations
New Jersey Fish Species & State Records

New Jersey offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities, with a variety of species inhabiting its warm water fisheries, cold water fisheries, ponds, lakes, and rivers. Anglers can pursue a wide array of fish, making the state a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts of all levels. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about the best fishing lakes in the state, plus the species found in each lake.

In the warm water fisheries of New Jersey, anglers can target species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, pickerel, catfish, panfish, and hybrid striped bass. Lakes like Lake Hopatcong, Union Lake, and Lake Assunpink are renowned for their warm water fishing opportunities. These lakes provide excellent habitat for bass, catfish, and panfish, allowing anglers to enjoy thrilling angling experiences throughout the year. Warmer months, particularly spring and summer, are especially productive for warm water species.

On the other hand, New Jersey's cold water fisheries offer exciting opportunities for trout fishing. Rivers like the Musconetcong River, Pequest River, and Flatbrook River, as well as reservoirs like Round Valley Reservoir and Spruce Run Reservoir, are prime destinations for trout anglers. Rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout can be found in these cold water environments, providing a challenge and rewarding catches for dedicated anglers. The colder months, including fall and winter, are often the best time to target trout in these fisheries.

Ponds, lakes, and rivers across New Jersey contribute to the state's diverse fishing scene. From small community ponds and local lakes to expansive rivers like the Delaware River and Raritan River, anglers have a wide range of options. These waterways are home to various species, including bass, trout, catfish, panfish, walleye, and more. Each fishing location presents its own unique challenges and opportunities, making for an exciting and varied fishing experience.

Whether you prefer the tranquility of a peaceful pond, the thrill of a bustling lake, or the adventure of fishing in a flowing river, New Jersey offers abundant opportunities to enjoy the sport. The state's diverse fisheries, coupled with its beautiful natural landscapes, make it a haven for anglers seeking a wide variety of fish species and fishing environments. Regardless of your fishing preferences, New Jersey's waters are sure to provide memorable experiences and the chance to reel in some impressive catches.

The state of New Jersey offers a wide variety of fishing opportunities. There are almost 400 fresh water lakes and ponds to fish in the state of New Jersey plus many streams and rivers. Here, you can fish for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, white catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, lake trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, white perch, yellow perch, Atlantic salmon, coho salmon, stripers, bowfin, chain pickerel, muskie, northern pike, sturgeon and tiger muskie in local lakes, rivers, ponds and/or streams. We concentrate here on the major fishing lakes and impoundments in New Jersey, some of which allow ice fishing in winter.

Major New Jersey Lakes & Species

Lake & Fish Chart

Major fishing waters, cross referenced with fishing found in each lake. For a detailed list of primary fish species in NJ, plus state fish records, see the list below.