Fishing private waters?

[basspilot]

I have wanted to fish a particular lake for a few years that is unfortunately private. What I am wondering though is if you can launch on public land and paddle into the private lake. This lake actually does have a canal with access about a mile or so away. I know that on the Ramapo there is a similar situation where peoples property lines actually go into the river, but the loop hole so to speak is that as long as nothing touches the ground or you beach your boat you are not breaking any type of laws. Does this also apply to private lakes? Any info would be greatly appreciated. You could PM me as well if you'd like.

[HerringKing]

I'm not 100% sure but I was under the impression that all water is public. As long as your floating or wading in the water and NEVER step on the bank, I would think you would be alright. But don't take my word for it. I don't want you to get in trouble.

[jimmythegreek]

Im not sure on that. If the property surrounding the body of water is private or privately owned then u really have no access thus making it off limits. I would have no problem entering any water if there was access thru river or canal or etc. If people boat/fish on the body of water u will prob have no problems doing so. If its an off limits lake and u r the only one out there u stick out like a sore thumb. I guess u could always say u parachuted into the lake from above ;)

[shrimpman steve]

why not ask permission from the land owner?

[Eskimo]

Since it's a lake and not actually a navigable river, you might be tresspassing.

This site may have some useful information, but it applis mostly to rivers and not lakes.
http://www.nationalrivers.org/states/nj-law.htm

Ask anybody who has tried to fsh a private lake like Lake Gerard without expressed permission how aggressive and litigious land owners can be about keeping "outsiders" off their lake.