looking for shore fishing spots in Northern NJ

[njitgrad]

I am looking for some guidance for a few new places in Northern NJ to take my two boys for a couple of hours of bass fishing on summer weekends. I don't have a boat so we're limited to shore fishing.

In the past few years we've shore fished Verona Lake (basically walked around the whole lake), Potash Lake (very limited shore access), Pompton Lake (again very limited shore access so only off the Lakeside Ave bridge) and the Delaware River (Karamac Access), all with limited success.

We've also fished Lake Hopatcong off the dock of a relative who lives on the water (McGregor Ave just past Lee's Marina) but all we catch are perch and sunnies.

The best luck we've had was on the Delaware where we caught a bunch of nice size smallies on Senkos.

We do not use live bait. We only use plastic baits and crankbaits.

I would rent a boat if I knew of a place where I wouldn't get harassed by powerboats on the weekend like one would on Lake Hopatcong. Any advice in this department would be appreciated. My boys are 10 and 12 so I would only feel comfortable renting a boat on a tranquil body of water.

I would also like to inquire about bass fishing down the shore, specifically near Brick Township. My in-laws own a home on the upper end of Barnegat Bay (Kettle Creek I believe it's called at that point). We fish off their dock for snapper blues but catch squat so we mostly crab. I'm basically looking for nearby fresh water ponds/lakes within 30 minute drive that have shore access.

Any advice to improve our fishing experience based on everything stated above would be much appreciated. Feel free to PM me.

[briansnat]

Some places with shore fishing and bass.
Green Turtle Pond
Passaic River
Pompton River
Monksville Reservoir
Round Valley Reservoir
With a permit, the Newark watershed reservoirs (Clinton, Cannistear, Echo, Oak Ridge) can be very productive from the shore, with lots of smallies and LMB.
Scarlet Oak Pond
Sheppards Lake
Wawayanda Lake (boat rentals available and no powerboats to deal with)


This might be helpful to you
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/pdf/2003/plcpnds03.pdf

[catfishonthelake]

Scarlet Oak Pond in the Ramapo Reservation has very decent shore access and about the best bass fishing you'll find for public, heavy-pressured waters in northern NJ. I've caught some big fish out of there.

I would just go as early as possible as the park gets busy (mostly with walkers and hikers) in the later morning. There are two other lakes in the reservation...one is a short hike up the trail (Bear Pond or something). You can see where they are on the map of the park in the parking lot. Never been to the third.

Also, Ramapo Lake on Skyline Dr. is an awesome place to fish. More pickerel than bass, but there are some nice bass. It's about a 20-minute hike up to the lake from the parking area, but then there is a trail that goes around the hole lake with lots of shore access along the way. Some very cool spots to hang out and fish. Very pretty up there. Once again, the earlier the better as it gets busy with hikers and bikers.

[njitgrad]

Some places with shore fishing and bass.
Green Turtle Pond
Passaic River
Pompton River
Monksville Reservoir
Round Valley Reservoir
With a permit, the Newark watershed reservoirs (Clinton, Cannistear, Echo, Oak Ridge)
Scarlet Oak Pond
Sheppards Lake
Wawayanda Lake (boat rentals available and no powerboats to deal with)


This might be helpful to you
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/pdf/2003/plcpnds03.pdf

I've always wanted to try Round Valley Reservoir. Where would I access it for shore fishing and how would you rate the shore fishing experience there?

[bassnblues]

Try Cranberry Lake in Byram. There's a walkway on a good part of the shoreline and a place that rents rowboats. There are some powerboats but not crazy.

Round Valley has decent shore fishing for trout in the late fall and also the spring stocking season.

[njitgrad]

Scarlet Oak Pond in the Ramapo Reservation has very decent shore access and about the best bass fishing you'll find for public, heavy-pressured waters in northern NJ. I've caught some big fish out of there.

I would just go as early as possible as the park gets busy (mostly with walkers and hikers) in the later morning. There are two other lakes in the reservation...one is a short hike up the trail (Bear Pond or something). You can see where they are on the map of the park in the parking lot. Never been to the third.

Also, Ramapo Lake on Skyline Dr. is an awesome place to fish. More pickerel than bass, but there are some nice bass. It's about a 20-minute hike up to the lake from the parking area, but then there is a trail that goes around the hole lake with lots of shore access along the way. Some very cool spots to hang out and fish. Very pretty up there. Once again, the earlier the better as it gets busy with hikers and bikers.

I've fished for trout in the Ramapo River in the reserveration but never the adjacent Scarlet Oak Pond. May give it a shot.

So access to Ramapo Lake is a 20-minute hike? Is it well marked from the parking lot down to the lake?

[njitgrad]

Try Cranberry Lake in Byram. There's a walkway on a good part of the shoreline and a place that rents rowboats.
Looks like a pretty big lake. Any particular place you would suggest to fish? I would scout it ahead of time but it's about an hour away from home.

[njitgrad]

Also, Ramapo Lake on Skyline Dr. is an awesome place to fish. More pickerel than bass, but there are some nice bass. It's about a 20-minute hike up to the lake from the parking area, but then there is a trail that goes around the hole lake with lots of shore access along the way. Some very cool spots to hang out and fish. Very pretty up there. Once again, the earlier the better as it gets busy with hikers and bikers.

Was thinking of giving that a shot or Lake Tamarack on the other side of Skyline. Have you ever tried it?

[njitgrad]

I just got back from a lunch break in which I scouted Scarlet Oak Pond. It has pretty good access so we'll give it a shot. Also stopped in the parking lot for Ramapo Lake on the way back to work. Is Lake Tamarack across the street private property? The no trespassing signs seem to imply it is though there is a marked walking trail just to the left of the gravel road.

[catfishonthelake]

I just got back from a lunch break in which I scouted Scarlet Oak Pond. It has pretty good access so we'll give it a shot. Also stopped in the parking lot for Ramapo Lake on the way back to work. Is Lake Tamarack across the street private property? The no trespassing signs seem to imply it is though there is a marked walking trail just to the left of the gravel road.

Tamarack is a private Boy Scout Camp. Fished it when I was a Boy Scout, caught some bass.

You can get down to Ramapo Lake by walking down the gated-off road across the street from Tamarack, but it will take you longer to get to lake. The parking lot I use is right on the left of Skyline if you're coming off 287 going towards Oakland. If you're coming from Tamarck, it will be on the right side of the road at the bottom of the hill. Drive slow and you can't miss it. From there it's a 20-minute hike, I think, it's been awhile.

[Esox Luciano]

Aaahhh, I remember when the exploration in finding spots was just part of fishing.

Without bringing more people to these spots already mentioned, I'd say jump on Google maps or Earth to find the GOOD spots you won't hear about. The best public largemouth fishery has never even been mentioned on any of these threads.. for a reason.;);)

[njitgrad]

If I were to fish Round Valley, where would I park and fish? Would I park by the recreation/swimming area and then hike towards and fish off the impoundment dike or would I be better off parking in the boat launch area? Or is there another option I should consider? Is the shore fishing worthwhile here or anywear around the reservoir? I just want to make sure my boys have a chance of getting into a few bass.

[njitgrad]

Aaahhh, I remember when the exploration in finding spots was just part of fishing.

Without bringing more people to these spots already mentioned, I'd say jump on Google maps or Earth to find the GOOD spots you won't hear about. The best public largemouth fishery has never even been mentioned on any of these threads.. for a reason.;);)

I do my fair share of exploring and homework when it comes to trout fishing but bass fishing adds another dimension because without a boat your options become quite limited. I've never given out a spot that someone PM'd me and I visit suggested places very infrequently due to my limited amount of free time.... so if you can help out with a PM, I would be very much obliged. If not, then thanks for chiming in anyway! ;)

[Moz]

Round Valley your best bet is parking in boat ramp area and fishing off/near the causeway. With the water so low right now you can walk a great deal of shore line too.

From the causeway you can fish the smaller/swimming lake which is the better bet for getting a quality bass but it will be slow action and depending what time of day most likely to yield nothing.

The big lake more likely to get some better action but smaller fish. If you use plastic worms the rockbass will get your hopes up on most casts with their constant tugging. Weightless plastic worms work best.

I'd suggest not fishing from the dirt ramp side of the boat ramp area. Water is only 10 ft deep right now in casting range and the boat traffic and weekend frolicking will have any fish still bold enough to swim over there thoroughly spooked.

[briansnat]

I've fished for trout in the Ramapo River in the reserveration but never the adjacent Scarlet Oak Pond. May give it a shot.

So access to Ramapo Lake is a 20-minute hike? Is it well marked from the parking lot down to the lake?

It is a very well marked and obvious trail to Ramapo Lake. Follow the blue blazes from the lower Skyline Drive parking (Known on maps as MacEvoy Trail).

[TomKaye]

Looks like a pretty big lake. Any particular place you would suggest to fish? I would scout it ahead of time but it's about an hour away from home.

Only one side of the lake is walkable as the other is pretty much all private homesites.
The rowboat rental place is closed permanently if I remember right.
I just got back from the walking path along North side of Cranberry, as I'm recovering from some surgery and walking is good.
I'm 10 mins from there.
I've let my freshwater license lapse, as I fish primarily the salt the last number of years. I used to run my 14'
aluminum all over Sussex county lakes, power as well as electric. Have also walked a number of them over the years.

PM me for my phone # and I'll share what info I can recall.
Tight lines.

[briansnat]

I've always wanted to try Round Valley Reservoir. Where would I access it for shore fishing and how would you rate the shore fishing experience there?

You can access Round Valley from nearly anywhere if you are willing to walk. The areas around the camping launch and the main boat launch are easy to get to. Generally better trout fishing from shore in spring and fall than LMB fishing.
The lake drops off fast and you can be fishing in 20+ feet of water with your casts. It's a difficult lake to fish unless you know it. Not a place to bring kids with the idea of a guaranteed catch (outside trout in cold water season).

[briansnat]

Scarlet Oak Pond in the Ramapo Reservation has very decent shore access and about the best bass fishing you'll find for public, heavy-pressured waters in northern NJ. I've caught some big fish out of there.

I would just go as early as possible as the park gets busy (mostly with walkers and hikers) in the later morning. There are two other lakes in the reservation...one is a short hike up the trail (Bear Pond or something). You can see where they are on the map of the park in the parking lot. Never been to the third.

Also, Ramapo Lake on Skyline Dr. is an awesome place to fish. More pickerel than bass, but there are some nice bass. It's about a 20-minute hike up to the lake from the parking area, but then there is a trail that goes around the hole lake with lots of shore access along the way. Some very cool spots to hang out and fish. Very pretty up there. Once again, the earlier the better as it gets busy with hikers and bikers.

A easy, but uphill 20 minute hike in Ramapo Valley Reservation past Scarlet Oak Pond will bring you to McMillan Reservoir. Not a bad bass fishing location and plentiful shore access. A longer hike, probably about an hour, will bring you to Bear Swamp Lake which has excellent bass and pickerel fishing and lots of shore access. Check out the NYNJTC maps for the hiking routes. http://www.nynjtc.org/product/north-jersey-trails

[njitgrad]

From the causeway you can fish the smaller/swimming lake which is the better bet for getting a quality bass but it will be slow action and depending what time of day most likely to yield nothing.
I intend to fish late afternoon to closing time hoping to get some late day action.

[Moz]

I intend to fish late afternoon to closing time hoping to get some late day action.

Boat ramp area is open 24 hours so be sure to bring a flashlight! ;)

I've had some luck late in the day even on scorching temperature days. Good luck on what option you choose, a lot of good advice on this thread on multiple spots.

[briansnat]

Was thinking of giving that a shot or Lake Tamarack on the other side of Skyline. Have you ever tried it?

I've never fished Lake Tamarack. It might be good, it looks very "bassy". It gets about zero fishing pressure, but it is choked with lily pads near shore so you have to choose your spots. Same for nearby Todd Lake. I'm sure there are some pretty big bass in both lakes. Worst case you will have plenty of sunnies to keep your kids busy.

[briansnat]

Tamarack is a private Boy Scout Camp. Fished it when I was a Boy Scout, caught some bass.

You can get down to Ramapo Lake by walking down the gated-off road across the street from Tamarack, but it will take you longer to get to lake. The parking lot I use is right on the left of Skyline if you're coming off 287 going towards Oakland. If you're coming from Tamarck, it will be on the right side of the road at the bottom of the hill. Drive slow and you can't miss it. From there it's a 20-minute hike, I think, it's been awhile.

Tamarack is now owned by Bergen County. There is a road there but unauthorized vehicle access is not allowed on it. You need to park on Skyline Drive and walk the road. It will take you about 20 mins.,downhill all of the way on a rough but paved rd., but obviously uphill on the way back.

[Fred E. Goose]

I always thought Tamarack was public? I've passed by homeowners out on their porch on my hike back there and waved, and they waved back without saying anything. My wife likes that lake...she outfished me there 3 years ago and I still hear about it :p Just like Ramapo Lake, you gotta hike around a bit to get to decent spots. Ramapo used to have large crappie and jumbo sunfish in it along with a huge population of pickerel and some bass. I haven't been there in a bit though. It's a great lake if you can hike it.

[ScowardNJ]

Bucket Brigade has long been pounding Tamarack. We use to poach it when it was a Boy Scout Camp, fished it a bunch after the County obtained it. It didnt take long until fishing line and worm containers littered the shore. Ramapo Lake is better bet if you take the time walk the banks along the back side.

[crsportfishing]

Two of my favorite spots are Navesink River and Monksville Reservoir...although since I'm from Delaware I hit the Delaware river pretty often.

[njitgrad]

You can access Round Valley from nearly anywhere if you are willing to walk. The areas around the camping launch and the main boat launch are easy to get to. Generally better trout fishing from shore in spring and fall than LMB fishing.
The lake drops off fast and you can be fishing in 20+ feet of water with your casts. It's a difficult lake to fish unless you know it. Not a place to bring kids with the idea of a guaranteed catch (outside trout in cold water season).

Resurrecting this thread. Actually never made it to Round Valley when I started this conversation but considering doing so this Saturday evening. Any word of how shore fishing is this year?

[logs22]

I would also like to inquire about bass fishing down the shore, specifically near Brick Township. My in-laws own a home on the upper end of Barnegat Bay (Kettle Creek I believe it's called at that point). We fish off their dock for snapper blues but catch squat so we mostly crab. I'm basically looking for nearby fresh water ponds/lakes within 30 minute drive that have shore access.

Check out Forge Pond right in brick I have caught some nice largemouth there even though water a bit brackish. There are also a ton of old sand quarries in the pine barrens just a bit further south. If you have a decent 4 wheel drive vehicle
You can do some fun off roading and then have a perfect blue hole filled with bass all to yourself. Also great for swimming just be careful, we have all heard the stories about kids drowning while swimming in old quarries.

[JTK37]

I've been following Haledon Reservoir in the Franklin Lakes nature preserve. Shore access is limited but there are good spots. Water near the dam drops off quickly to 15'. Post spawn you could watch some sizable LMB cruising back and forth in about 5-6 feet of water. But they're somewhat finicky and it can be tough going

[njitgrad]

I've been following Haledon Reservoir in the Franklin Lakes nature preserve. Shore access is limited but there are good spots. Water near the dam drops off quickly to 15'. Post spawn you could watch some sizable LMB cruising back and forth in about 5-6 feet of water. But they're somewhat finicky and it can be tough going

That's actually very close to me. I'm going to check it out.

[JTK37]

That's actually very close to me. I'm going to check it out.

Let me know how it goes. I'm in Oakland, and looking for good venues with shore access as well