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

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ng C

lose

to

Hom

ein

Cen

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New

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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

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11

Butterfl y Bogs PondVanhiseville

S18

E

3

22

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12Carnegie Lake

PrincetonS&

P237

EY

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1

2

23

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22

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13Carteret Park Pond

CarteretM

4

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Clinton WM

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p.S

5

2

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15

Colliers Mill Pond

Colliers Mills

S17

EY

1

2

22

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16Colonial Lake

TrentonM

10

Y2

2

1

3

3

517

Conines Pond (Allentown M

illpond )Allentow

n M

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35E

Y

Y1

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31

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18

Cr ystal LakeW

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Davidsons Mill Pond

DeansC

10E

YY

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Deal LakeAsbury Park

M&

P158

UY

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Y

1

2

23

22

22

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21Deer Path Park Pond

ReadingtonC

2

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DeVoe LakeSpotsw

oodM

59

Y

Y

Y2

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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

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25

Echo Hill PondClinton

M1

3

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26Etra Lake

EtraM

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Y

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2

2

2

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27

Farrin gton LakeM

illtown

C&P

290E

YY

1

1

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28For ge Pond

Bricktown

C&M

45U

YY

2

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29

Garve ys PondNavesin k

M2

1

3

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30Green Brook Pond

PlainfieldM

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1

2

3

3

2

31

Gro pps LakeW

hite HorseM

26E

Y

1

1

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12

21

32

Grovers Mill Pond

Princeton JunctionM

28

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2

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33

Hamilton Fire Co. Pond

Neptune M

2

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2

3

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34

Helmetta Lake

Helmetta

C&P

20

Y

Y2

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Holmdel Park Pond

Holmdel

C5

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2

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36Hooks Creek Lake

Old BridgeS

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537

Horicon LakeLakehurst

M50

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38Hurleys Pond

Wall Tw

p. M

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8

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Jacksons Pond (Rahway River Park Pond)

Rahway

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SayrevilleM

10E

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Kenned y PondColliers M

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11E

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Lake Carasal joLakew

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Spring Lake M

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45Lake Creighton (Victor Crow

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Lake Manetta

Lakewood

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20

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49

Lake Pa paianniEdison

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Englishtown

M6

Y

Y

1

2

2

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51Lefferts Lake

Mataw

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69

Y

Y

YY

2

2

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52Lin gerts Pond (Dem

ott Pond)Clinton

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53Little Pine Lake

Browns M

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1

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54

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M2

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acs PondM

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22

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Browns M

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65Nom

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nM

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16E

YY

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Pemberton

S20

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71Plainsboro Pond

Plainsboro M

23

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Poricy PondRed Bank

M&

P16

Y

1

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73Pow

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East Millstone

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Y

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Research Farm Pond (Stony Brook)

PenningtonP

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S38

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77Roosevelt Park Pond

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78Rosedale Lake

RosedaleC

30

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80Round Valley Reservoir

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81Shadow

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M&

P88

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32

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82Shannoc Pond

Colliers Mills

S8

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83Shark River Park Pond

GlendolaM

3

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YY

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Smithville Lake

Ewanville

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87S pooky Brook Pond

East Millstone

C13

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Y

1

2

3

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12

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88S pring Lake

S. Plainfield M

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19

1

3

3

1

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89

S pring Lake Spring Lake

M16

Y

Y

2

2

22

2

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90S pruce Run Reservoir

Union Twp.

S1290

LY

YY

YY

Y2

33

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31

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91Stone Tavern Lake

RooseveltS

52E

YY

2

2

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33

1

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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

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96Takanassee Lake

Long Branch M

14

Y

Y2

2

2

22

1

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597

To penemus Lake

Freehold C

21

Y

Y2

3

3

33

3

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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

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100W

atchung LakeW

atchungM

15

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3

2

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101

Westons M

ill PondBrunsw

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102W

hitehead Mill Pond

TrentonM

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3

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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.