The 11 Best Fishing Lakes in New Jersey

Written by Em Casalena
Updated: August 8, 2023
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11 Best Fishing Lakes in New Jersey
All of New Jersey’s fishing lakes feature beautiful scenery.

New Jersey is an excellent place to visit if you want to go fishing for freshwater fish. The state has a ton of different lakes available. Most of these lakes are perfect for beginner fishermen and experienced anglers alike. Let’s take a look at some incredible fishing lakes in New Jersey to visit this summer!

1. Round Valley Reservoir

Round Valley Reservoir

Round Valley Reservoir (pictured) is one of the largest reservoirs in New Jersey at over 2,000 acres wide with 180-foot-deep waters.

©Photo_Land/Shutterstock.com

Nine miles south of Clinton, in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, is where you’ll find Round Valley Reservoir. Round Valley Recreation Area is home to this spotless artificial lake. This lake was created by damming the South Branch of the Raritan River. Round Valley Reservoir covers more than 2,000 acres and is well known as one of the best fishing spots in the state.

This reservoir is popular with anglers because of its variety and plentiful fish population. There are many different fish species in the reservoir. Some of these species include channel catfish, rainbow trout, walleye, muskellunge, pickerel, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass. Because of the presence of these valuable game species, Round Valley Reservoir is a paradise for both recreational and serious anglers.

These species thrive in the deep, clear waters of the reservoir, providing superb fishing chances all year long. Anglers can take advantage of the reservoir’s abundant fish population and picturesque surroundings by casting their lines from the shore, docks, or boats. Round Valley Reservoir is in the center of New Jersey, making it a great spot for locals. This lake provides a memorable fishing experience, whether you’re looking for a trophy catch or are just out for the day.

2. Union Lake

Close up on a freshly caught smallmouth bass ith a flure and hook in its mouth in the hand of a fisherman displaying it over the water in the river

Smallmouth bass are among the many fish species found in Union Lake.


Image: Nick Vendetta, Shutterstock

©CLP Media/Shutterstock.com

A charming freshwater lake called Union Lake may be found near Millville, Cumberland County, New Jersey. It is around 898 acres and is located in the southern part of the state. Union Lake is a somewhat popular fishing spot for both residents and tourists.

The lake is renowned for having a varied fish population, making fishing there quite enjoyable for locals and visitors alike. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, white perch, black crappie, sunfish, and pickerel are some of the fish species that are frequently seen at Union Lake. Because of the variety of fish species present, Union Lake is a sanctuary for fishermen of all abilities.

Fishing is a peaceful activity made more peaceful by the lake’s calm waters and picturesque surroundings. Anglers have a few options, including fishing from the shore, using the fishing pier, and launching their boats to explore the lake’s many regions. Union Lake is a great choice among fishermen in New Jersey because it provides a range of fishing chances throughout the year, whether casting for bass, hunting panfish, or pursuing catfish.

3. Assunpink Lake

Silhouette look on the ducks in the lake water during the sunrise.

Assunpink Lake offers anglers a tranquil setting for old-fashioned fishing.


Image: pablopicasso, Shutterstock

©pablopicasso/Shutterstock.com

The charming freshwater lake Assunpink Lake, commonly referred to as Lake Assunpink, is located in Monmouth County, New Jersey. It is situated close to Robbinsville in the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area. Assunpink Lake covers around 225 acres and gives anglers a serene and beautiful location to hang out and enjoy some good old-fashioned fishing.

Visitors to Assunpink Lake can anticipate seeing a wide variety of fish species there. The lake is well-known for having a largemouth bass population, making it a popular location for bass fishing. Anglers can also go for several other kinds of fish, including perch, catfish, crappie, crappie, and sunfish.

The placid waters and diverse depths of the lake offer opportunity for a variety of fishing methods, such as shoreline fishing, fishing from a boat, or even ice fishing during the winter. When fishing in New Jersey, Assunpink Lake offers a tranquil setting and the possibility to get in touch with nature thanks to its placement inside a wildlife management area.

4. Manasquan Reservoir

Manasquan Reservoir New Jersey

The Manasquan Reservoir (pictured) is a delightful spot for fishermen and families who just want to enjoy some nice, quiet time with nature.

©iStock.com/Demetri2K

In Monmouth County, New Jersey, there is a beautiful freshwater reservoir called Manasquan Reservoir. This 770-acre reservoir is located in Howell Township and attracts both recreational and fishing lovers.

The reservoir is a sanctuary for fishermen since it is home to a wide variety of fish species. Largemouth, smallmouth, striped, hybrid, walleye, channel catfish, carp, yellow perch, sunfish, and crappie are among the species that anglers may anticipate capturing. Manasquan Reservoir provides plenty of options for fishermen of all skill levels and preferences thanks to the large variety of species there. The location is also quite beautiful.

Manasquan Reservoir offers fishing from the water’s edge, fishing piers, or boats. The reservoir is the perfect place for a day of fishing and leisure thanks to its tranquil surroundings and well-kept facilities. Anglers can anticipate a good fishing experience at Manasquan Reservoir whether casting from the beach or navigating the quiet waters by boat.

5. Mercer Lake

Aerial Drone Foliage Sunrise in Mercer New Jersey

Mercer Lake offers fishing piers for leisure fishing.


Image: FotosForTheFuture, Shutterstock

©FotosForTheFuture/Shutterstock.com

Mercer Lake, sometimes referred to as Lake Mercer, is located in Mercer County, New Jersey. It is a very scenic freshwater lake. Mercer has a surface size of around 365 acres and is situated in West Windsor Township’s Mercer County Park. Lake Mercer provides a tranquil location for fishing aficionados and families that just want to take a nice trip to the lake.

Visitors to Mercer Lake can anticipate a wide variety of fish species to target. The lake is well-known for having a largemouth bass population, making it a great location for bass fishing. Other fish species that are available to fishermen include smallmouth bass, hybrid striped bass, channel catfish, yellow perch, sunfish, crappie, and carp.

You can enjoy fishing at Mercer Lake from the water’s edge, fishing piers, or from a boat. The lake offers a variety of chances for both competitive and leisure fishing. Anglers of all skill levels may have a nice fishing experience at Mercer Lake thanks to its calm waters and picturesque surroundings. Anglers have lots of opportunities at Mercer Lake to cast a line from the shore or navigate the lake by boat.

6. Parvin Lake

Parvin Lake

Parvin Lake (pictured) is a stunning natural wonder that is small but full of very diverse species of fish to catch.

©Vito natale/Shutterstock.com

In the quiet Parvin State Park in Salem County, New Jersey, there lies a freshwater lake called Parvin Lake. This gorgeous lake has a surface size of around 68 acres and provides a peaceful location for anglers and families alike. The Parvin Natural Area is approximately 465 acres. So, if you get sick of fishing, there is plenty of land and nature to explore!

Visitors to Parvin Lake can anticipate a wide variety of fish species to find. Fish from many species, including largemouth bass, pickerel, catfish, crappie, and sunfish, may be found in the lake. Anglers of all skill levels may enjoy a day of fishing with the help of these fish species, each of which requires a different level of experience to catch. This is a great place to take children in order to teach them how to fish.

Parvin Lake offers fishing opportunities from the beach, from fishing piers, and from small boats with electric engines. The tranquility and low noise of the lake and its surrounding area contribute to the allure of this location. Parvin Lake provides a peaceful haven for anglers looking to get in touch with nature while casting their lines since it is surrounded by beautiful trees and plenty of animals. The beloved Parvin Lake guarantees a pleasurable fishing experience in the heart of New Jersey, whether you’re looking for a monster catch or are content to simply take in the peace and quiet of the surroundings.

7. Spruce Run Reservoir

A shot of the lake at Spruce Run Reservoice in New Jersey.

Spruce Run Reservoir (pictured) is one of the larger lakes in New Jersey that doesn’t let down in terms of fish populations.

©iStock.com/Frank DeBonis

The beautiful freshwater lake known as Spruce Run Reservoir is located in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. The reservoir is close to the town of Clinton and covers over 1,290 acres. It is a pretty popular spot for fishing and other leisure pursuits.

Spruce Run Reservoir offers a wide variety of fish species for anglers to choose from. The lake is well-known for having a big population of fish, including walleye, muskellunge, pickerel, hybrid striped bass, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass, as well as numerous panfish species including sunfish and crappie. Spruce Run Reservoir is a favorite destination for fishermen of all abilities due to the abundance of fish species there.

Spruce Run Reservoir offers fishing from the water’s edge, fishing piers, or via boats. Your fishing experience can be made better by the reservoir’s gorgeous surroundings, which include rolling hills and lovely scenery. The Spruce Run Reservoir in New Jersey offers fishermen an exhilarating and satisfying fishing experience, whether casting from the shore or exploring the lake’s depths by boat.

8. Farrington Lake

Farrington Lake in Autumn

Farrington Lake is home to many different fish species and beautiful scenery.


Image: Freelo59, Shutterstock

©Freelo59/Shutterstock.com

Middlesex County, New Jersey is home to the picturesque freshwater lake known as Farrington Lake. The lake has a total size of around 290 acres and is largely located in East Brunswick with a little piece in North Brunswick. This eye-catching body of water offers plenty of options for fishing and family enjoyment.

Visitors to Farrington Lake will have the opportunity to hunt down quite a few different fish species. The lake’s varied fish population includes largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, catfish, pickerel, sunfish, and crappie. Farrington Lake provides fishermen of all skill levels with a gratifying experience because of its wide variety of fish species and very pleasant atmosphere. This lake has some seriously great vibes!

You can fish at Farrington Lake from the water’s edge, from one of its piers, or from your own boat. Anglers looking for a relaxing fishing experience will find the lake’s calm, serene waters to be welcoming. The natural splendor of the region, which includes forested areas and picturesque views, enhances the allure of fishing at this excellent little lake. Farrington Lake in New Jersey ensures a pleasurable fishing experience, whether casting from the shore or exploring the lake by boat.

9. Lake Hopatcong

Lake Hopatcong

Lake Hopatcong (pictured) is the largest freshwater lake in the state of New Jersey, stretching over 2,500 acres.

©iStock.com/andykazie

Northern New Jersey is home to the lovely freshwater lake known as Lake Hopatcong. With a total area of over 2,500 acres, it is the biggest lake in the state and is located in the counties of Morris and Sussex. This lake is quite a popular location for boating, fishing, and other water sports.

Visitors to Lake Hopatcong can anticipate a wide variety of fish species to fish for. Some of these fish include walleye, muskellunge, pickerel, catfish, yellow perch, and sunfish, as well as largemouth, smallmouth, and hybrid striped bass. This is a great place to go if you want variety! Anglers of all abilities will find Lake Hopatcong to be a real delight.

You can enjoy fishing in Lake Hopatcong from the shore, fishing piers, or boats. Fishing is made more enjoyable by the lake’s calm and naturally beautiful surroundings, which include forested regions and undulating hills. Anglers can take part in fishing competitions and activities hosted on the lake all year long. Fishing in Lake Hopatcong in New Jersey is thrilling and rewarding, whether you cast from the beach, travel by boat, or engage in competition fishing.

10. Merrill Creek Reservoir

Merrill Creek Reservoir New Jersey

The Merrill Creek Reservoir (pictured) is known for its excellent scenery in addition to its large walleye and catfish populations.

©iStock.com/CynthiaAnnF

In Warren County, New Jersey, there is a charming freshwater reservoir called Merrill Creek Reservoir. The reservoir is close to the communities of Washington and Oxford, is about 650 acres in size and provides outdoor enthusiasts with a tranquil location for fishing.

Visitors to Merrill Creek Reservoir may expect to find a wide variety of fish species to pursue. Numerous fish species, including walleye, channel catfish, muskellunge, northern pike, yellow perch, and crappie, as well as largemouth, smallmouth, hybrid, and striped bass, live in the reservoir, which is well renowned for its outstanding fishing prospects. Merrill Creek Reservoir is a fantastic large-ish fishing spot for fishermen looking for a variety of catches because of its large fish population.

You can fish at Merrill Creek Reservoir from the water’s edge, from its piers, or from a boat. The calm waters of the reservoir are encircled by picturesque trees and undulating hills. This lake really does offer a serene setting for a day of fishing. To select their favored fishing places, anglers may scout out various portions of the reservoir by casting from the beach or launching a boat out onto the lake. Anglers of all ability levels can enjoy fishing at Merrill Creek Reservoir in the center of New Jersey!

11. Monksville Reservoir

Fall reflections at Monksville Reservoir, Hewitt, New Jersey, USA

Monksville Reservoir offers anglers stunning views and great fishing.


Image: Ralf Broskvar, Shutterstock

©Ralf Broskvar/Shutterstock.com

The beautiful freshwater lake known as Monksville Reservoir is tucked away in Passaic County, New Jersey. This large reservoir is located close to the town of Ringwood and has a total area of around 505 acres, providing anglers with a seriously gorgeous backdrop to enjoy a day of fishing.

Monksville Reservoir offers a wide variety of fish species for anglers to choose from. The reservoir is well-known for its outstanding fishing prospects and is home to a variety of fish species, including walleye, muskellunge, pickerel, channel catfish, yellow perch, and sunfish as well as largemouth, smallmouth, and hybrid striped bass.

Monksville Reservoir offers fishing from the water’s edge, fishing piers, or boats. This lake is the perfect quiet setting for a day of fishing. The reservoir’s calm, clear waters, thick woodlands, and picturesque surroundings are really something to behold.

These fishing lakes in New Jersey are a real testament to the beautiful nature of the state. Just remember to do your research on the best times of the year to visit and fish at these lovely lakes; New Jersey can get pretty cold!

Summary of the 11 Best Fishing Lakes in New Jersey

NumberLakeLocation
1Round Valley Reservoir9 miles south of Clinton
2Union LakeNear Millville
3Assunpink Lakeclose to Robinsville
4Manasquan ReservoirHowell Township
5Mercer LakeWest Windsor Township
6Parvin LakeParvin State Park
7Spruce Run Reservoirclose to Clinton
8Farrington LakeEast Brunswick
9Lake HopatcongMorris and Sussex Counties
10Merrill Creek Reservoirnear Washington and Oxford
11 Monksville ReservoirRingwood

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Thomas Kloc


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About the Author

Em Casalena is a writer at A-Z Animals where their primary focus is on plants, gardening, and sustainability. Em has been writing and researching about plants for nearly a decade and is a proud Southwest Institute of Healing Arts graduate and certified Urban Farming instructor. Em is a resident of Arizona and enjoys learning about eco-conscious living, thrifting at local shops, and caring for their Siamese cat Vladimir.

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