🚤 New Jersey’s 36 Must-Fish Lakes & Rivers — Have You Tried Them All?
New Jersey, often known for its bustling coastline and diverse landscapes, also offers a surprising abundance of freshwater fishing opportunities. From serene, stocked trout streams to expansive lakes holding state records, the Garden State provides a rich tapestry of angling experiences. We’re counting down to New Jersey’s top fishing destinations, revealing their unique features and the impressive species that await your line! 👇
36. Alms House Pond 🐟
Alms House Pond offers accessible trout fishing, being consistently stocked with Rainbow Trout. This makes it a reliable destination for anglers looking to target this popular species in a convenient location. Its stocking program ensures regular opportunities for a productive day on the water, especially for those seeking rainbow trout.
- Primary Target Species: Trout (Rainbow).
- Highlights & Details: Stocked with Rainbow Trout.
35. Andover Jct Brook 🌿
Andover Jct Brook is a consistent destination for trout anglers, as it is regularly stocked with Rainbow Trout. This ensures a reliable opportunity to catch this popular species throughout the fishing season. Its managed stocking makes it a go-to spot for those seeking a productive day of stream fishing in a tranquil setting.
- Primary Target Species: Trout (Rainbow).
- Highlights & Details: Stocked with Rainbow Trout.
34. Barbour’s Pond 🏞️
Barbour’s Pond is a popular body of water for trout fishing in New Jersey, consistently stocked with Rainbow Trout. This regular stocking program ensures that anglers have a good chance of reeling in this sought-after species. Its accessibility and reliable fish populations make it a convenient and productive spot for a day of pond fishing.
- Primary Target Species: Trout (Rainbow).
- Highlights & Details: Stocked with Rainbow Trout.
33. Beaver Brook (Morris) 💧
Beaver Brook in Morris County is a reliable location for trout fishing, thanks to its consistent stocking with Rainbow Trout. This makes it a popular choice for anglers who enjoy stream fishing and are looking for good opportunities to catch rainbow trout. Its regular stocking ensures a productive experience throughout the designated fishing seasons.
- Primary Target Species: Trout (Rainbow).
- Highlights & Details: Stocked with Rainbow Trout.
32. Beaver Brook (Warren) 🏞️
Beaver Brook in Warren County offers consistent opportunities for trout fishing, benefiting from regular stocking with Rainbow Trout. This ensures a healthy population of this popular game fish for anglers to pursue. Its clear waters provide a picturesque setting for stream fishing, making it a favored spot for those seeking rainbow trout in a tranquil environment.
- Primary Target Species: Trout (Rainbow).
- Highlights & Details: Stocked with Rainbow Trout.
31. Birch Grove Park Pond 🌲
Birch Grove Park Pond is a popular spot for trout fishing, consistently stocked with Rainbow Trout. Its accessibility within a park setting makes it a convenient and family-friendly destination for anglers. The regular stocking ensures that visitors have ample opportunities to catch rainbow trout, providing a rewarding experience for both novice and experienced fishermen.
- Primary Target Species: Trout (Rainbow).
- Highlights & Details: Stocked with Rainbow Trout.
30. Brookaloo Swamp 🐸
Brookaloo Swamp is a unique location for trout fishing in New Jersey, consistently stocked with Rainbow Trout. This ensures a reliable population of this popular species for anglers. Its natural, swampy environment might offer a different kind of fishing experience, appealing to those who enjoy exploring more unconventional fishing spots while targeting rainbow trout.
- Primary Target Species: Trout (Rainbow).
- Highlights & Details: Stocked with Rainbow Trout.
29. Buckhorn Creek 🦌
Buckhorn Creek is a favored spot for trout anglers in New Jersey, as it is consistently stocked with Rainbow Trout. This ensures a regular supply of this popular game fish throughout the season. Its stream environment provides a classic setting for fly fishing or light tackle, offering a peaceful and rewarding experience for those targeting rainbow trout.
- Primary Target Species: Trout (Rainbow).
- Highlights & Details: Stocked with Rainbow Trout.
28. Burnham Park Pond 🏞️
Burnham Park Pond is a popular fishing location, consistently stocked with Rainbow Trout for anglers. Its park setting makes it easily accessible and a great choice for families or those seeking a convenient fishing spot. The regular stocking ensures a good chance of catching rainbow trout, providing a pleasant and productive outing.
- Primary Target Species: Trout (Rainbow).
- Highlights & Details: Stocked with Rainbow Trout.
27. Capoolong Creek 💦
Capoolong Creek is a well-known waterway for trout fishing in New Jersey, benefiting from regular stocking with Rainbow Trout. This makes it a reliable destination for anglers who enjoy stream fishing and are eager to catch rainbow trout. Its clear waters and consistent stocking contribute to a rewarding experience for trout enthusiasts.
- Primary Target Species: Trout (Rainbow).
- Highlights & Details: Stocked with Rainbow Trout.
26. Clove Brook 🌲
Clove Brook is a tranquil stream that provides consistent trout fishing opportunities in New Jersey, thanks to its regular stocking with Rainbow Trout. This makes it a favored spot for anglers seeking to catch rainbow trout in a peaceful, natural setting. Its clear waters are ideal for various fishing techniques, ensuring a pleasant outing.
- Primary Target Species: Trout (Rainbow).
- Highlights & Details: Stocked with Rainbow Trout.
25. Cohansey River 🏞️
The Cohansey River offers consistent trout fishing opportunities as it is regularly stocked with Rainbow Trout. This makes it a reliable destination for anglers looking to target this popular species in a riverine environment. Its sustained stocking ensures a good chance of a productive outing for rainbow trout enthusiasts.
- Primary Target Species: Trout (Rainbow).
- Highlights & Details: Stocked with Rainbow Trout.
24. Colonial Lake 🌳
Colonial Lake provides consistent trout fishing opportunities due to its regular stocking with Rainbow Trout. This makes it a convenient and productive spot for anglers seeking this popular species in a lake setting. Its managed fish population ensures a good chance of success for those looking for a pleasant day of fishing.
- Primary Target Species: Trout (Rainbow).
- Highlights & Details: Stocked with Rainbow Trout.
23. Crystal Lake ✨
Crystal Lake is a reliable destination for trout fishing in New Jersey, as it is consistently stocked with Rainbow Trout. This ensures a healthy population of this popular species for anglers to pursue. Its clear waters and regular stocking program make it a favored spot for a productive day of trout fishing in a picturesque setting.
- Primary Target Species: Trout (Rainbow).
- Highlights & Details: Stocked with Rainbow Trout.
22. Dahnert’s Lake 🏞️
Dahnert’s Lake provides consistent opportunities for trout fishing in New Jersey, thanks to its regular stocking with Rainbow Trout. This ensures that anglers have a reliable chance of catching this popular species. Its consistent management makes it a go-to spot for a pleasant and potentially productive day of lake fishing.
- Primary Target Species: Trout (Rainbow).
- Highlights & Details: Stocked with Rainbow Trout.
21. Diamond Mill Pond 💎
Diamond Mill Pond is a notable location for trout fishing in New Jersey, consistently stocked with Rainbow Trout. This ensures a steady supply of this popular game fish for anglers. Its controlled environment and regular stocking make it a reliable and convenient spot for those looking for a productive day of pond fishing.
- Primary Target Species: Trout (Rainbow).
- Highlights & Details: Stocked with Rainbow Trout.
20. Drakes Brook 🏞️
Drakes Brook is a consistent spot for trout fishing in New Jersey, as it benefits from regular stocking with Rainbow Trout. This ensures a reliable population of this popular species for anglers. Its flowing waters provide a classic stream fishing experience, making it a favored destination for those targeting rainbow trout in a natural setting.
- Primary Target Species: Trout (Rainbow).
- Highlights & Details: Stocked with Rainbow Trout.
19. Dry Brook 🍂
Dry Brook offers reliable trout fishing opportunities in New Jersey, thanks to its consistent stocking with Rainbow Trout. This ensures a steady supply of this popular game fish for anglers seeking a productive day of stream fishing. Its serene environment makes it an ideal spot for those who appreciate a quiet and natural setting for their angling pursuits.
- Primary Target Species: Trout (Rainbow).
- Highlights & Details: Stocked with Rainbow Trout.
18. Echo Lake 🏞️
Echo Lake is a popular destination for trout fishing in New Jersey, consistently stocked with Rainbow Trout. This ensures a reliable population of this popular species for anglers to pursue throughout the fishing season. Its accessibility and consistent stocking make it a favored spot for a pleasant and potentially productive day of lake fishing.
- Primary Target Species: Trout (Rainbow).
- Highlights & Details: Stocked with Rainbow Trout.
17. Englishtown Mill Pond 🎣
Englishtown Mill Pond provides consistent opportunities for trout fishing in New Jersey, as it is regularly stocked with Rainbow Trout. This ensures a steady supply of this popular game fish for anglers seeking a productive day of pond fishing. Its managed environment makes it a reliable and convenient spot for local fishing outings.
- Primary Target Species: Trout (Rainbow).
- Highlights & Details: Stocked with Rainbow Trout.
16. Franklin Lake 🏞️
Franklin Lake is a reliable destination for trout fishing in New Jersey, consistently stocked with Rainbow Trout. This ensures a healthy population of this popular species for anglers to pursue. Its consistent stocking program contributes to a rewarding experience for trout enthusiasts looking for a pleasant day of lake fishing.
- Primary Target Species: Trout (Rainbow).
- Highlights & Details: Stocked with Rainbow Trout.
15. Franklin Pond Creek 💧
Franklin Pond Creek offers consistent trout fishing opportunities in New Jersey, as it is regularly stocked with Rainbow Trout. This ensures a steady supply of this popular game fish for anglers seeking a productive day of stream fishing. Its flowing waters provide a classic setting for those targeting rainbow trout in a natural environment.
- Primary Target Species: Trout (Rainbow).
- Highlights & Details: Stocked with Rainbow Trout.
14. Furnace Brook 🌲
Furnace Brook is a reliable destination for trout fishing in New Jersey, benefiting from consistent stocking with Rainbow Trout. This ensures a healthy population of this popular species for anglers to pursue. Its tranquil setting and regular stocking program contribute to a rewarding experience for trout enthusiasts who enjoy stream fishing.
- Primary Target Species: Trout (Rainbow).
- Highlights & Details: Stocked with Rainbow Trout.
13. Furnace Lake 🔥
Furnace Lake is a popular spot for trout fishing in New Jersey, as it is consistently stocked with Rainbow Trout. This ensures a steady supply of this popular game fish for anglers. Its accessible location and regular stocking make it a convenient and productive choice for those looking for a pleasant day of lake fishing.
- Primary Target Species: Trout (Rainbow).
- Highlights & Details: Stocked with Rainbow Trout.
12. Garvey’s Pond 🏞️
Garvey’s Pond offers consistent trout fishing opportunities in New Jersey, benefiting from its regular stocking with Rainbow Trout. This ensures a reliable population of this popular species for anglers. Its calm waters and consistent management make it a go-to spot for a peaceful and potentially productive day of pond fishing for rainbow trout.
- Primary Target Species: Trout (Rainbow).
- Highlights & Details: Stocked with Rainbow Trout.
11. Giampietro Park Pond 🌳
Giampietro Park Pond provides consistent trout fishing opportunities in New Jersey, as it is regularly stocked with Rainbow Trout. Its accessible location within a park makes it a convenient and family-friendly spot for anglers. The regular stocking ensures a good chance of catching rainbow trout, offering a pleasant and productive outing for visitors.
- Primary Target Species: Trout (Rainbow).
- Highlights & Details: Stocked with Rainbow Trout.
10. Glenwood Brook 🏞️
Glenwood Brook is a consistent destination for trout fishing in New Jersey, benefiting from regular stocking with Rainbow Trout. This ensures a steady supply of this popular game fish for anglers seeking a productive day of stream fishing. Its flowing waters and consistent management contribute to a rewarding experience for trout enthusiasts in a natural setting.
- Primary Target Species: Trout (Rainbow).
- Highlights & Details: Stocked with Rainbow Trout.
9. Lake Hopatcong (4 mi²) ⛵
Lake Hopatcong is New Jersey’s largest freshwater lake, covering 4 square miles, and is a major fishing destination. It holds state records for both Channel Catfish (33 lbs 3 oz, 1978) and Rainbow Trout (13 lbs, 1988), highlighting its potential for trophy catches. The lake is also popular for chain pickerel and largemouth bass, offering diverse opportunities for anglers.
- Primary Target Species: Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Chain Pickerel.
- Highlights & Details: Covers 4 mi². Holds state records for Channel Catfish (33 lbs 3 oz, 1978) and Rainbow Trout (13 lbs, 1988). Popular for chain pickerel.
8. Union Lake 🏞️
Union Lake is a popular fishing destination in New Jersey, particularly renowned for its largemouth bass population. This makes it a go-to spot for bass enthusiasts seeking consistent action and potential trophy catches. Its focus on largemouth bass ensures a rewarding experience for anglers targeting this highly sought-after game fish.
- Primary Target Species: Largemouth Bass.
- Highlights & Details: Popular for largemouth bass.
7. Greenwood Lake 🏹
Greenwood Lake, spanning 3 square miles, is a diverse fishing destination in New Jersey, notably holding the state record for Carp (archery) with a massive 45 lbs 6 oz specimen caught in 2014. Beyond its unique archery record, the lake is also popular for bass, attracting anglers who enjoy targeting this common game fish. Its size and varied opportunities make it a versatile spot.
- Primary Target Species: Carp (archery).
- Highlights & Details: Covers 3 mi². Holds the state record for Carp (archery) (45 lbs 6 oz, 2014). Popular for bass.
6. Mercer Lake 🌟
Mercer Lake, covering 0.5703 square miles, is a significant fishing location in New Jersey, known for its diverse panfish and bass populations. It proudly holds the state record for White Crappie, an impressive 3 lbs 11 oz specimen caught in 2009. Beyond crappie, the lake is popular for largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, and yellow perch, offering a variety of rewarding catches.
- Primary Target Species: White Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Sunfish, Yellow Perch.
- Highlights & Details: Covers 0.5703 mi². Holds the state record for White Crappie (3 lbs 11 oz, 2009). Popular for largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, and yellow perch.
5. Monksville Reservoir 🏆
Monksville Reservoir, spanning 0.7891 square miles, is a prime destination for anglers seeking trophy fish in New Jersey. It holds two significant state records: Muskellunge (42 lbs 13 oz, 1997) and a very recent Hybrid Striped Bass (17 lbs 12 oz, 2023). Beyond these record-breakers, the reservoir is also popular for walleye, making it a highly productive and exciting location for various prized species.
- Primary Target Species: Muskellunge, Hybrid Striped Bass.
- Highlights & Details: Covers 0.7891 mi². Holds state records for Muskellunge (42 lbs 13 oz, 1997) and Hybrid Striped Bass (17 lbs 12 oz, 2023). Popular for walleye.
4. Merrill Creek Reservoir 🏞️
Merrill Creek Reservoir, covering 1.016 square miles, is a highly regarded fishing destination in New Jersey, particularly popular for walleye. Its clear waters and strong walleye population attract dedicated anglers seeking this prized species. The reservoir’s size and productive nature make it a significant spot for a rewarding day of angling, with consistent opportunities for walleye.
- Primary Target Species: Walleye.
- Highlights & Details: Covers 1.016 mi². Popular for walleye.
3. Swartswood Lake 🌲
Swartswood Lake is a popular and productive fishing destination in New Jersey, particularly favored for its chain pickerel and walleye. Its waters offer consistent opportunities for anglers targeting these two popular species. The lake’s healthy populations ensure a good chance of success, making it a reliable spot for both recreational and more serious angling pursuits.
- Primary Target Species: Chain Pickerel, Walleye.
- Highlights & Details: Popular for chain pickerel and walleye.
2. Round Valley Reservoir 💎
Round Valley Reservoir is a premier coldwater fishing destination in New Jersey, spanning 3.591 square miles and holding an impressive array of state records. It proudly boasts records for Smallmouth Bass (7 lbs 2 oz, 1990), American Eel (6 lbs 13 oz, 2005), Lake Trout (32 lbs 8 oz, 2002), and Brown Trout (21 lbs 6 oz, 1995). Its deep, cold waters make it exceptionally popular for trout, offering incredible opportunities for trophy catches.
- Primary Target Species: Smallmouth Bass, American Eel, Lake Trout, Brown Trout.
- Highlights & Details: Covers 3.591 mi². Holds state records for Smallmouth Bass (7 lbs 2 oz, 1990) , American Eel (6 lbs 13 oz, 2005) , Lake Trout (32 lbs 8 oz, 2002) , and Brown Trout (21 lbs 6 oz, 1995). Popular for trout.
1. Delaware River 🇺🇸
The Delaware River is a true angling powerhouse in New Jersey, holding an astounding number of state records for various prized species. It proudly claims records for American Shad (11 lbs, 1984), Grass Carp (archery) (76 lbs 11 oz, 2020), Tiger Muskie (29 lbs, 1990), Walleye (13 lbs 9 oz, 1993), and Striped Bass (51 lbs, 2002). Its diverse ecosystem and consistent production of trophy fish across multiple categories make it an unparalleled fishing destination.
- Primary Target Species: American Shad, Grass Carp, Tiger Muskie, Walleye, Striped Bass.
- Highlights & Details: Holds state records for American Shad (11 lbs, 1984) , Grass Carp (archery) (76 lbs 11 oz, 2020) , Tiger Muskie (29 lbs, 1990) , Walleye (13 lbs 9 oz, 1993) , and Striped Bass (51 lbs, 2002).
Frequently Asked Questions 🤔
- Do I need a New Jersey fishing license? Yes, anglers 16 years of age and older need a valid New Jersey fishing license to fish in fresh waters, and a saltwater registration for marine waters if required by federal law. Both resident and non-resident licenses are available. Licenses can be purchased online through the NJDEP Fish & Wildlife website, at authorized license agents, or by phone. Always consult the official New Jersey Fish & Wildlife website for the most current regulations, bag limits, and specific requirements for certain waters or species.
- What’s the best time to fish New Jersey’s lakes and rivers? The best time to fish in New Jersey depends on the species you’re targeting. Trout fishing is particularly popular in spring due to extensive stocking programs. Bass and panfish are active from spring through fall, with early mornings and late evenings often being prime during warmer months. Walleye and muskellunge fishing can be strong in cooler periods of spring and fall. Ice fishing is possible on many frozen lakes and ponds during winter, conditions permitting.
- Which New Jersey waters are best for trophy trout fishing? For trophy trout fishing in New Jersey, Round Valley Reservoir is a top choice, holding state records for both Lake Trout and Brown Trout. Many smaller lakes and brooks across the state, such as Alms House Pond, Andover Jct Brook, and Beaver Brook (Morris and Warren), are regularly stocked with Rainbow Trout, offering consistent opportunities for anglers, especially during the spring stocking season.
Continue Your New Jersey Fishing Journey ➡️
Ready to level up your angling skills or explore new waters? Check out these helpful resources:
- 🎣 Top 10 Bass Fishing Lures That Actually Work: Proven lures anglers swear by in lakes across the U.S.
- 📋 U.S. Fishing License & Regulation Guide: Everything you need to know before casting your line.
- 🧭 Best Times of Year to Fish in Every State: Seasonal tips to help you plan the perfect fishing trip.
- 🏆 America’s 25 Most Legendary Fishing Spots: Bucket-list destinations for serious anglers.
- 🧰 Essential Gear Checklist for Lake Fishing: Don’t leave home without these lake-tested essentials.