Fishing Monksville Reservoir

AKA: Long Pond Ironworks Lake

Most Popular Fish
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Monksville Reservoir Fishing Video
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Monksville Reservoir, NJ

Popular Fish Species Monksville Reservoir, NJ

Walleye

Thanks to good fisheries management by the NJDEP, New Jersey Fish and Wildlife, a very healthy population of walleye are thriving here in Monksville Reservoir this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower and closer to shore. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, staying close by schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

Muskie

Monksville Reservoir was home to the current state record muskie. Fishing for Muskellunge in Monksville Reservoir could provide a trophy fish on any given cast. Giant musky roam these waters and are aggressive eaters. Muskie fishing can bring some exciting moments to your fishing day, as big muskies are spectacular, and strong fighters. Use a strong rod in medium- to medium-heavy action, with heavy line - 20# or heavier. Because of their sharp teeth, steel leaders are highly recommended. Muskie have a big mouth so use big baits, same baits you would use for bass but in larger sizes. Topwater, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and jerkbaits all work well for hungry muskie. The best time of year to chase these big fish is Spring, and then again in Fall as the water temperature starts cooling.

Largemouth Bass

Fishing in Monksville Reservoir for largemouth bass can be boom or bust. Lately the fishing has been pretty good for most local anglers. Bragging size bass are thriving in Monksville Reservoir due to excellent fisheries management and plenty of cover for both baitfish and bass. When the bite is good, bass are typically shallow and aggressive. If you find them shallow and they are not tempted to bite, slow down and use smaller, lighter baits. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm Fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time fishing Monksville Reservoir on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Smallmouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, white perch, yellow perch and muskie at Monksville Reservoir in New Jersey.

Located within Long Pond Ironworks State Park, Monksville Reservoir is a 500-acre lake with a variety of fish species. Boats have a 9.9-horsepower limit so this is a great lake for canoes, car toppers and kayaks.

Monksville Reservoir, located in northern New Jersey, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking a productive fishing experience and outdoor recreation. The reservoir is known for its abundant fish populations and offers anglers a chance to catch a variety of species while enjoying the scenic beauty of the surrounding area.

One of the primary attractions for anglers at Monksville Reservoir is the excellent smallmouth bass fishery. The reservoir is renowned for its healthy population of smallmouth bass, providing anglers with exciting fishing opportunities. The rocky shorelines, submerged structures, and deep water pockets of Monksville Reservoir create ideal habitats for smallmouth bass, making it a favorite spot among bass anglers.

In addition to smallmouth bass, the reservoir also supports other popular sportfish such as largemouth bass, walleye, and hybrid striped bass. Anglers can target these species using a variety of techniques including casting, trolling, or jigging, depending on the season and their preferred fishing style.

Anglers visiting Monksville Reservoir should familiarize themselves with the fishing regulations and license requirements set by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to ensure compliance with state guidelines.

Overall, Monksville Reservoir offers a rewarding fishing experience with its diverse fishery and picturesque surroundings. Whether you're targeting smallmouth bass, exploring the reservoir by boat, or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature, Monksville Reservoir provides an opportunity for anglers to relax, unwind, and make memorable catches in a scenic and peaceful setting.

This fishing gem is located in the northeast part of the state, at Hewitt. There are about 8 miles of shoreline, some of which can be accessed for fishing from the bank. Bass, trout, catfish, trophy muskie, walleye, crappie, perch and sunfish all populate this productive fishery. The public can use the north or the south boat ramp for launching.

Primary fish species residing in Monksville Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Monksville Reservoir Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NO
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Monksville Reservoir, allowing anglers to access different fishing spots and explore the vast expanse of the reservoir. Anglers can bring their own boats or rent them from nearby marinas. The reservoir permits both motorized and non-motorized boats, providing flexibility and options for anglers to enjoy their fishing experience.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Flatwater Paddle Company
Rentals: Kayaks
347 878-7304

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Monksville Reservoir North Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, east side, off Beech Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Monksville Reservoir South Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, north side, off Greenwood Lake Turnpike, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Fishing Guides On Monksville Reservoir

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Monksville Reservoir Fishing Video

Fishing License

Click here for a New Jersey Fishing License.

Camping is not available directly on Monksville Reservoir; however, there are nearby campgrounds and lodging options that provide convenient access to the reservoir. These facilities offer amenities such as campsites, picnic areas, and hiking trails, allowing anglers to extend their fishing trips and enjoy the outdoor experience.