deal lake

[Godrew1972]

anyone fish deal lake, I've never hit it before. wondering if the unlimited HP boats go through and stir it up and create some choppy water for my 16ft aluminum with just electric motor.
thanks

[crewchief2]

I have been out a few times in my canoe this summer. Didnt ever see any other boats on the water, although it was always on weekdays. Also didnt catch any fish, seems like a tough place to fish.

[Godrew1972]

Tuff to fish?
Too weedy or lots of pressure?

[lingmasterleifson]

Godrew,

I have fished Deal lake my whole life. My father and grandfather also fished Deal Lake throughout their lives. I am 27. As articles and previous write ups suggest, it has always been a fishery on the brink. Hurricane Sandy took a big toll on it along with constant development and neighborhoods pushing fertilizer and run-off into the lake which would likely enhance aquatic vegetation growth. This being said, the deal lake commission has a service kill off all of the weeds within the lake each year. I am not 100% sure why, but more than likely to make for more accessible boating for the waterfront properties and maybe increase the dissolved oxygen levels. Either way, there are no weeds in the lake except for some signs of weeds on the Wanamassa side, but there are lily pads.

The lake itself is extremely shallow and the only place that is not a no wake zone is on the asbury side closer to the ocean. It is a good fishery for a kayak or small jonboat. As far as fishing goes which is what you are interested in, the lake has largemouth bass, Crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, white perch, channel catfish, carp, and brown bullhead catfish. Also, the state tried to stock pike and tiger musky a number of years in a row, but it presumed they did not survive or thrive because there are so little amount of weed/aquatic vegetation left in the lake. I have seen a couple photos of northern pike caught throughout the year, but they are extremely rare.

Most people don't waste their time here because of its shallow nature, but all of the species listed can be caught and in decent numbers, other than the pike and musky. At deal lake, a rooster tail is your best friend. Sounds simple, but you can catch every species on that.

As far as your standard bass lures: spinnerbait, jigs, senko, worm, etc. these all work well. Bass average in the 2-3lb range over the year, but I have caught and seen ones much larger. Bass tend to hang close to the shore in water barely covering their back. Most of the lake is around 0-4/5 ft deep at the most. There is one hole that is about 8 foot.

With all being said, it's a great place to see some aquatic birds and catch some fish. The panfishing is great too with a light jighead and grub also!

Hope that helps,
Enjoy

[Godrew1972]

Great thanks lingmaster
That is a very detailed description, based on what you described I think I’ll take a shot. I have 16ft boat and I’m about 40 minutes away. Worth a shot at some new to me water. Thanks

[lingmasterleifson]

No problem.

Definitely try slow rolling a white or chartreuse spinner bait right up against the bank or rooster tail.

let us know how you do!