Largemouth Bass One of the most sought after freshwater fish nationwide, largemouth bass can be found in almost every New Jersey lake, pond, slow moving river or stream. WhereNew Jersey has a wide variety of excellent habitat for largemouth bass including deep clear lakes, shallow stained lakes, lakes with aquatic vegetation, tidal freshwater rivers, and small park ponds. Assunpink Lake, Farrington Lake and Round Valley Reservoir offer excellent largemouth bass fishing opportunities, When Bass move into shallows in spring and remain through early summer and in late September and October feed heavily in shallow water prior to winter. HowLargemouth bass bite a variety of baits and lures throughout the year. Crankbaits, jerkbaits, jigs, plastic worms and fish imitations, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures are extremely effective. Live shiners fished with a float during the spring and summer can produce some giants.
Striped Bass HybridThe striped bass hybrid is a cross between a white bass and a striped bass. The combined traits of these two species make it a hard hitting and strong fighting fish.
Where Manasquan and Spruce Run Reservoirs are two outstanding hybrid striped bass lakes. In Manasquan target primarily deeper areas of lake in warmer months. In Spruce Run, they are found in the top 10 feet of the water column during the summer. They will be located at more varied depth ranges in the fall and spring in both reservoirs.
WhenSummer is most productive for striped bass hybrids. Early morning and a couple of hours before sunset are prime times.
HowMost popular techniques are drifting or anchored in a boat using herring or shiners with a weight or live-lined. Shoreline anglers fish night crawlers or chicken liver on bottom.
CrappieThough two species of crappie are present in New Jersey (black and white), the black crappie is more widespread and sought after. Black crappies are excellent table fare. A schooling fish, crappie fishing can be fast paced when located.
WhereCrappies love structure! They have a tendency to school in open water, relating to stumps, standing timber and artificial structure such as brush piles. Assunpink Lake and Spruce Run Reservoir are popular locations among anglers.
WhenIn early spring many fish move from the deep areas of a lake to shallow vegetated areas where spawning will occur. Crappies begin to move to slightly deeper, cooler water in early summer. Caught in greater numbers in the colder months with November and March being the two best months.
How Small plastic jigs or hair jigs in a variety of colors. Live bait, such as minnow, killifish, small shiners and worms, can improve catches. Crappies are not always on the bottom so the use of a bobber can be important. Small spinners also work well.
Smallmouth Bass Best known for their airborne leaps and sudden deep dives, smallmouth bass are one of the most exciting species to catch.
WhereSmallies prefer cool, clear, swift rivers and cool, deep, rocky lakes. Manasquan Reservoir has an excellent smallmouth bass fishery as well as Round Valley Reservoir. Spruce Run Reservoir also provides some limited opportunities for anglers.
WhenThe best time is spring through fall, with fall probably the best when smallmouth begin to school up and feed heavily before winter.
HowMinnows, worms, crayfish, and hellgrammites are common live baits. Crawfish imitators including tubes and jigs work well in addition to the same lures used for largemouth bass.
Northern Pike The northern pike is a very aggressive, hard fighting fish that prefers relatively shallow weedy areas of lakes and slow moving rivers. Although bony, their flesh is very tasty and makes excellent fish cakes.
WhereNorthern pike waters in central Jersey include Spruce Run Reservoir, Farrington Lake, Deal Lake and the Millstone River. Fish the pockets in weedy areas and along the weedline in lakes and around fallen trees and deeper holes in rivers.
WhenBest during the cooler seasons of spring, fall and winter. Pike feed entirely in daylight with morning considered to be the best fishing period.
HowLarge shiners fished on the bottom or with a bobber are effective in both lakes and rivers. A light wire leader is recommended when using live bait. Cast or trolled large spoons and spinners are also very effective.
Yellow PerchYellow perch are known for their excellent fight on light tackle and flavorful taste. Perch are one of the premier species targeted by ice anglers.
WhereLake anglers will find yellow perch around edges of aquatic vegetation and near stumps. Waters below spillways can produce good size perch.
WhenYellow perch are active all year long, however the cooler months of September through May are best.
HowSmall minnows and worms on hook and sinker or bobber in shallow water. Small hair jigs, plastic tubes, twister tails and small spinners and minnow imitators work well.
Chain Pickerel Chain pickerel can be found in many largemouth bass waters where like bass, they prefer vegetative and woody cover.
Where Chain pickerel live in a wide range of habitats and are one of the few game fish that are able to tolerate the low pH (acidic) waters. The majority of the year pickerel can be located in shallow bays and near shorelines.
WhenChain pickerel bite year round and are commonly sought by ice anglers. Spring and fall are excellent times to target chain pickerel since they prefer cooler water.
HowChain pickerel will eat almost anything that moves at times. Live bait such as killifish, minnows and shiners are great baits. Lures such as in line spinners, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, plastic worms and topwater lures are tops. In shallow weedbeds use plastic jerkbaits such as the Slug-go, Fin-S, Flappin’ Shad, and Zoom Fluke.
Channel CatfishThe largest member of the catfish family found in New Jersey, this nonnative grows to trophy proportions and is a popular food fish. It is found in the Delaware River and in over 70 waters stocked by the Division of Fish and Wildlife.
WhereUsually found in clear, warm lakes and moderately large to large rivers over clean sand, gravel or rock-rubble bottoms. The Division stocks approximately 70 waters and many provide excellent fisheries.
WhenEarly spring to early fall, with summer the most consistent period. Although channel catfish can be caught at any time of day, nighttime is the most productive.
HowThey feed mostly at night but can be caught anytime. The most productive method and baits are those described for brown bullheads.
SunfishThe sunfish is one of the most widespread and abundant freshwater fish in New Jersey. The most commonly sought species are bluegill, pumpkinseed and redbreast sunfish.
WhereSunfish are found in most freshwaters throughout the state. Good populations of bluegill and pumpkinseed can be found in municipal, county and state park ponds and lakes.
WhenThe months of May through October are most productive when water temperatures are between 60-80 degrees.
HowThe most popular method is hook and bobber with worms or grubs. Any department store or sports shop has inexpensive rod and reel combos, tackle and bait needed to catch sunfish.
MuskellungeThis largest member of the pike family is a highly prized sportfish for many anglers. Reaching over 4 feet in length, Jersey muskies grow to trophy proportions that rival fish from many of the best waters in the country.
WhereCentral Jersey muskie waters include Manasquan Reservoir, D&R Canal and Mercer, Deal, Shenandoah and Carnegie Lakes. Muskies are generally a shallow-water fish, preferring areas of weeds, logs and other cover in both lake and river environments.
WhenFishing is relatively consistent from late spring to mid-fall, with September and October considered two of the best months.
HowCast large, 5- to 9-inch, sucker or perch colored crankbaits and stick baits or ½ to 1 oz. bucktail spinners or spinnerbaits around available structure and edges of weed beds. Live baits such as large shiners and suckers are also popular.
Brown BullheadThis native catfish is found in numerous waterbodies, large and small, throughout the state. It is a bottom dweller and tolerates very warm water, and low oxygen levels.
WhereWidely distributed in a variety of waters from small urban ponds to larger lakes and rivers. Good brown bullhead fishing opportunities can be found nearly everywhere.
WhenCan be caught at any time of day but most active at night. Summer evenings are the most popular time to fish for them.
HowFishing technique for bullheads is very simply a bottom rig consisting of a hook and sinker. Popular baits are night crawlers, chicken liver, cut fish and commercial stink and cheese baits.
Carp A member of the minnow family, carp are long-lived, hard fighters and grow to over 30 pounds.
WhereCan be found in almost every reservoir, lake, pond, river or stream in New Jersey. D & R Canal, Raritan River and Spruce Run Reservoirs are popular among carp anglers.
WhenSpring and summer are the most productive times for catching carp by rod and reel.
HowUse kernels of nibblet corn or dough balls (find recipes on Internet) rigged on a single bronzed #8-#14 bait holder hook on fish-finder style rig with the least amount of weight possible.
www.NJFishandWildlife.com
Central New Jersey Warmwater Game Fish
Hybrid striped bass are called rockets; catch one and you’ll know why!Sunfish are fun fish!
Gre
at F
ishi
ng C
lose
to
Hom
ein
Cen
tral
New
Jer
sey
are now thriving and New Jersey anglers routinely catch many bragging-sized fish. Outstanding statewide fisheries for largemouth and smallmouth bass, pickerel and numerous panfish species round out the smorgasbord of fishing choices available to New Jersey anglers. If you’ve drifted away from fishing in New Jersey, it’s time to get out there and see how much things have changed. If you’ve never fished here, there’s no better time than now to experience New Jersey’s first-class freshwater angling. The information in this brochure will help you get started and provide a road map for navigating all the angling possibilities within a short drive from anywhere. The Division of Fish and Wildlife Web site, www.NJFishandWildlife.com, has a wealth of information on fishing in New Jersey with very specific information on where to fish for various fish throughout the state. There is also how-to fishing information for both beginners as well as advanced anglers targeting specific species.
Fishing has never been better in the Garden State, and you owe it to yourself to make time to enjoy it. Spending time outdoors
and on the water by yourself or with family and friends is the perfect antidote to our hectic 21st century lifestyle. Fishing is affordable, too, and one of the best gateways for getting kids interested in outdoor activities. As a bonus, there are tons of great fish just waiting to be caught in our plentiful streams, rivers, lakes and ponds. New Jersey fishing has something for every level of angler, too. It can be as relaxing or as challenging as you want to make it. From a family outing for panfish on the banks of a public pond, to chasing world-class game fish – New Jersey has it all. Reasons why New Jersey fishing is better than ever include the addition and development of fisheries for a number of popular game fish over the last 20 years. Muskellunge, walleye, northern pike, channel catfish and hybrid striped bass fisheries
Fishing has never been better in the Garden State!
PRSRT STD
U.S. PO
STAG
EPA
IDTR
ENTO
N, N
JPER
MIT N
O. 21
NJ D
ept. of Environmental Protection
Division of Fish and W
ildlifeP.O
. Box 420
Trenton, NJ 08625-0420
Visit N
JFishandWildlife.com
for information on fishing in N
ew Jersey.
A New Jersey fishing license can be purchased and printed quickly and conveniently online at NJFishandWildlife.com or at any license agent location listed on the Web site. License buyers have the satisfaction of knowing 100 percent of their money goes toward improving fishing in New Jersey and protecting the quality of the state’s waters both for fish and people.
Nearest Tow
nOw
nerAcres
Outboard AllowedCar Top LaunchBoat RampBoat LiverySwimming AreaPicnickingCabins/Campsites
Sunfish
Smallmouth Bass
Largemouth Bass
Striped Bass Hybrid
Pickerel
Yellow Perch
Northern Pike
Catfish
Muskellunge
Channel Catfish
Crappie
Carp
Trout
1Am
well Lake
E. Amw
ellS
10E
Y
1
1
1
1
3
52
Ann Van Middlew
orth PondHillsborough
M4
Y
1
2
2
3
3Assun pink Lake
RooseveltS
225E
YY
2
1
1
32
2
1
4
Bauer PondKesw
ick GroveS
8E
Y
1
3
3
5
Belle Mountain Pond
Lambertville
C2
Y
1
3
2
6Bennetts Pond (Enno Lake)
Bennetts Mill
M47
EY
Y
2
3
33
3
3
7Best Pond (Best Lake)
Watchung
M6
Y
1
2
3
2
1
8Big Pine Lake
Browns M
illsM
16E
Y
1
2
1
32
1
2
9Bissets Pond
South RiverM
3
3
3
10
Brainerd LakeCranbury
M&
P15
EY
Y
Y
2
3
2
1
2
11
Butterfl y Bogs PondVanhiseville
S18
E
3
22
2
12Carnegie Lake
PrincetonS&
P237
EY
Y
1
2
23
1
22
1
13Carteret Park Pond
CarteretM
4
2
3
14
Clinton WM
A PondUnion Tw
p.S
5
2
3
15
Colliers Mill Pond
Colliers Mills
S17
EY
1
2
22
2
3
16Colonial Lake
TrentonM
10
Y2
2
1
3
3
517
Conines Pond (Allentown M
illpond )Allentow
n M
&P
35E
Y
Y1
2
3
31
3
22
18
Cr ystal LakeW
illingboroM
20
Y1
2
3
22
3
21
519
Davidsons Mill Pond
DeansC
10E
YY
2
2
32
20
Deal LakeAsbury Park
M&
P158
UY
Y
Y
1
2
23
22
22
1
21Deer Path Park Pond
ReadingtonC
2
Y2
3
22
DeVoe LakeSpotsw
oodM
59
Y
Y
Y2
3
1
1
23
Duck Pond (Mettlers Pond)
East Millstone
C3
Y
1
2
3
2
2
24E. Brunsw
ick Park Lake (Dallenbach's Pond)East Brunsw
ickM
25
YY
1
2
3
1
2
25
Echo Hill PondClinton
M1
3
3
26Etra Lake
EtraM
19
Y
Y1
2
2
2
2
27
Farrin gton LakeM
illtown
C&P
290E
YY
1
1
2
11
31
25
28For ge Pond
Bricktown
C&M
45U
YY
2
2
2
22
3
29
Garve ys PondNavesin k
M2
1
3
3
5
30Green Brook Pond
PlainfieldM
&P
1
2
3
3
2
31
Gro pps LakeW
hite HorseM
26E
Y
1
1
2
12
21
32
Grovers Mill Pond
Princeton JunctionM
28
Y1
2
2
21
3
33
Hamilton Fire Co. Pond
Neptune M
2
Y1
2
3
2
2
32
34
Helmetta Lake
Helmetta
C&P
20
Y
Y2
1
3
35
Holmdel Park Pond
Holmdel
C5
1
2
2
2
5
36Hooks Creek Lake
Old BridgeS
10
Y
Y1
3
1
537
Horicon LakeLakehurst
M50
Y
2
2
2
38Hurleys Pond
Wall Tw
p. M
&P
8
3
3
2
33
2
33
39
Jacksons Pond (Rahway River Park Pond)
Rahway
C6
Y
1
2
1
1
40Kenned y Park Pond
SayrevilleM
10E
1
2
2
41
Kenned y PondColliers M
illsS
11E
Y
3
3
3
42
Kesslers PondAllenw
oodM
3E
Y
Y1
2
3
2
2
43
Lake Carasal joLakew
oodM
&P
67
Y2
2
2
22
22
44
Lake Como
Spring Lake M
30
Y
2
3
3
2
3
45Lake Creighton (Victor Crow
ell Pond )M
iddlesexM
3
2
3
3
46Lake M
anala pan Jam
esburgC
40E
1
3
3
21
2
47
Lake Manetta
Lakewood
M&
P18
Y
2
2
22
2
2
2
48Lake of the Lillies
Pt. Pleasant BeachM
&P
20
2
2
2
32
33
49
Lake Pa paianniEdison
M8
2
3
5
50Lake W
eamaconk (Englishtow
n Mill Pond)
Englishtown
M6
Y
Y
1
2
2
1
25
51Lefferts Lake
Mataw
anM
&P
69
Y
Y
YY
2
2
3
2
52Lin gerts Pond (Dem
ott Pond)Clinton
M1
1
2
53Little Pine Lake
Browns M
illsM
13E
Y
1
1
1
12
2
11
54
Lo g Basin PondTrenton
M2
Y
2
2
2
55M
acs PondM
anasquanM
2
Y1
2
3
2
2
556
Manasquan Reservoir
Howell Tw
p.C
720E
YY
Y1
11
12
32
32
1
557
Marlu Lake (Thom
pson Park Lake))Lincroft
C22
EY
Y
2
1
3
3
3
58M
ercer County Park LakeEdinburg
C275
EY
YY
Y
2
1
23
23
22
3
59M
illhurst PondM
illhurst M
&P
22
2
3
2
2
3
60
Milltow
n PondM
illtown
M&
P10
Y
Y
2
2
22
1
2
1
61M
ilton LakeRahw
ayM
10
Y1
2
2
1
2
21
562
Mirror Lake
Browns M
illsM
250E
YY
Y
Y1
2
2
12
2
21
63
Mohaw
k PondRed Bank
M2
1
2
5
64New
Market Pond
Piscataway
M&
P25
2
3
3
2
3
1
65Nom
ahe gan PondCranford
C7
Y
1
3
3
1
1
66North Com
m. Pond
PrincetonM
1
2
3
3
67
Oakford LakeNew
EgyptM
&P
35E
Y
1
2
2
31
21
68
Ocean Count y Park Lake (Lake Fishigan)Lakew
oodC
6
Y2
2
3
32
69
Peddie LakeHightstow
nM
&P
16E
YY
1
2
2
2
2
32
70
Pemberton Lake
Pemberton
S20
EY
1
2
22
2
2
3
71Plainsboro Pond
Plainsboro M
23
Y1
2
2
1
3
1
72
Poricy PondRed Bank
M&
P16
Y
1
2
1
1
1
73Pow
der Mill Pond
East Millstone
C6
Y
Y
1
2
3
2
22
74Prospertow
n LakeHornerstow
nS
80
Y
Y
Y1
2
2
21
3
575
Research Farm Pond (Stony Brook)
PenningtonP
2
2
3
76
Risin g Sun LakeRoosevelt
S38
EY
Y
3
2
33
12
77Roosevelt Park Pond
EdisonC
10
1
2
5
78Rosedale Lake
RosedaleC
30
Y1
2
3
2
2
579
Round Valle y Recreation AreaLebanon
S20
YY
12
1
3
1
80Round Valley Reservoir
LebanonS
2350L
YY
Y
12
1
2
6
81Shadow
LakeRed Bank
M&
P88
Y
2
2
32
23
22
35
82Shannoc Pond
Colliers Mills
S8
EY
3
2
3
83Shark River Park Pond
GlendolaM
3
Y2
2
33
84
Shenandoah LakeLakew
oodC
50E
YY
Y
Y2
2
2
22
3
2
585
Silver LakeBelm
arM
15
Y2
2
2
86
Smithville Lake
Ewanville
C10
EY
Y
Y
1
2
23
1
2
2
87S pooky Brook Pond
East Millstone
C13
Y
Y
1
2
3
2
12
5
88S pring Lake
S. Plainfield M
&P
19
1
3
3
1
3
1
89
S pring Lake Spring Lake
M16
Y
Y
2
2
22
2
22
25
90S pruce Run Reservoir
Union Twp.
S1290
LY
YY
YY
Y2
33
13
31
13
15
91Stone Tavern Lake
RooseveltS
52E
YY
2
2
2
33
1
2
92
Strawbridge Lake
Moorestow
nM
14E
YY
Y1
2
1
32
31
93
Success LakeColliers M
illsS
40E
Y
3
3
3
94
Swedes Lake
RiversideM
45E
Y
1
2
3
21
1
21
95
Sylvan LakeBurlington
M&
P12
Y
YY
1
2
23
2
3
35
96Takanassee Lake
Long Branch M
14
Y
Y2
2
2
22
1
22
597
To penemus Lake
Freehold C
21
Y
Y2
3
3
33
3
32
598
Turke y Swam
p Park PondFreehold
C20
Y
Y
Y2
2
3
3
99
Turn Mill Pond
Colliers Mills
S100
EY
Y
2
2
22
2
3
100W
atchung LakeW
atchungM
15
1
2
3
2
3
2
101
Westons M
ill PondBrunsw
ickC&
P92
EY
1
3
13
1
2
102W
hitehead Mill Pond
TrentonM
&P
12
2
3
3
2
3
1
103
Whitesbo g Pond
Whitesbog
S39
EY
2
2
1
104W
hitesbog PondW
hitesbogS
53E
Y
2
3
2
1
Ownership
F - Federal S - State
C - County M
- Municipal
P - PrivateOutboard M
otorsE - Electric only
L - Limited to 9.9 hp m
axU - Unlim
ited hp
Water
Bodies
Central N
ew Jersey Fishing LocalesManasquan Reservoir is a Central Jersey hotspot for scrappy smallmouth bass.