Guide To The Best Places To Fish in New Jersey
There are many great places to fish in The Garden State. There are several hundred lakes and ponds to fish in New Jersey. There are also plenty of rivers and streams, plus coastal fishing opportunities. Here, on this website, we focus on the major lakes in the state. Warm-water and cold-water species all thrive at various fisheries in the state. And, in winter ice fishing is available for many of these species.
New Jersey's Top-Five, Amazing Fishing Spots
- Union Lake in south-central NJ
- Lake Hopatcong in north-central NJ
- Greenwood Lake in northern NJ
- Manasquan Reservoir in east-central NJ
- Round Valley Reservoir in northwest NJ
Any of the major lakes in the state might make this list on a given year, however these five lakes have had long-standing reputations for great fishing over the years. Learn more...
Most Popular Fish Species In New Jersey
One of the things that makes New Jersey a great place to fish is the wide variety of species. Anglers can fish for two species of bass, four species of trout, two species of catfish, walleye, striped bass, hybrid stripers, Atlantic salmon, both species of crappie, two species of perch, bluegill and others. Learn more...
Best Bass Fishing Lakes In New Jersey
- Union Lake in south-central NJ
- Monksville Reservoir in northeast NJ
- Merrill Creek Reservoir in northwest NJ
Whether you enjoy chasing lunker largemouth, or the thrill of landing acrobatic smallies, New Jersey is a great place to fish for bass. Most lakes in the state have one, or both, species. These three are proven favorites among many local anglers. Learn more...
Top Places To Fish For Trout In New Jersey
- Lake Hopatcong in north-central NJ
- Round Valley Reservoir in northwest NJ
Rainbow, brook, brown and lake trout populate many of the waters in the state. Rivers, streams, lakes and ponds each provide different challenges for trout anglers. Check out the New Jersey trout stocking schedule statewide. Learn more...
Best Lakes To Fish For Catfish In New Jersey
- Lake Hopatcong in north-central NJ
- Spruce Run Reservoir in northwest NJ
- Union Lake in south-central NJ
Catfish can be caught all over the state in fisheries where white and channel catfish thrive. Rivers are factories for developing big, healthy cats, but here we focus on lakes. These are some of the best places to catch catfish in the state, and have been for some time. Learn more...
Best Walleye Fishing Lakes In New Jersey
- Greenwood Lake in northern NJ
- Monksville Reservoir in northeast NJ
- Lake Hopatcong in north-central NJ
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has done a stellar job of entrenching walleye into many fisheries across the state. Walleye fishing seems to run in trends - up one year, down the next. However, these are three good options as they have continued to rebound following down cycles. Learn more...
Best Lakes For Striped Bass Fishing In New Jersey
- Lake Hopatcong in north-central NJ
- Spruce Run Reservoir in northwest NJ
- Manasquan Reservoir in east-central NJ
The best lakes to fish for stripers in New Jersey are these three. Coastal rivers and bays also provide excellent striper fishing as these big fish migrate inland, then back out again each year. Learn more...
Enjoy these top spots to go fishing in New Jersey
Find the best places to fish, by state.
NEW JERSEY

