FreeFishFishing in New Jersey: lake depth maps and where to start
Northern glacial lakes, reservoirs and trout streams. How to use New Jersey lake depth maps, notable waters, and where to find the official rules.
New Jersey has far more freshwater fishing than its size suggests. Glacial lakes and reservoirs in the north, ponds and rivers throughout the state, and stocked trout streams all offer good fishing within a short drive of most of the population. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection publishes lake bathymetry contours for many waters, and FreeFish shows them on the map.
What you can fish for
Largemouth and smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, crappie, yellow perch and sunfish are found across the state. New Jersey Fish and Wildlife stocks trout in many streams and lakes, and stocks hybrid striped bass, walleye and muskellunge in select waters. Rivers such as the Delaware hold smallmouth bass, walleye and seasonal shad runs.
Waters to know
- Lake Hopatcong: New Jersey's largest freshwater lake, with bass, hybrid striped bass, walleye, muskie and pickerel.
- Round Valley Reservoir: a deep, clear reservoir known for trout, including lake trout.
- Greenwood Lake: on the New York border, with bass, pickerel, walleye and muskie.
- Delaware River: smallmouth bass, walleye and spring shad.
Using New Jersey depth maps
Northern lakes like Hopatcong have many coves, points and rocky humps that show up clearly on depth maps. Hybrid striped bass and walleye often roam open water near drop-offs, following baitfish, while bass and pickerel hold near weeds, docks and rocks. Deep reservoirs like Round Valley stratify in summer, pushing trout deep. See our seasonal guide to match the depth to the season.
Through the seasons
Spring is trout season, with heavy stocking in streams and lakes and a big opening day tradition. Bass and pickerel are active in the shallows as the water warms. Summer brings good fishing for hybrid striped bass and walleye at low light, and bass on weed edges. Fall offers a strong bite for most species and some fall trout stocking. Ice fishing is possible on northern lakes in cold winters.
Before you go
New Jersey has trout stamp requirements, special trout regulations on some streams, and size and bag limits that differ by water. Check the official regulations from New Jersey Fish and Wildlife, linked below.
Official rules
Seasons, limits and license requirements change. The official source is the state agency: New Jersey fishing regulations and licenses.