Clinton Reservoir Fishing Guide, Passaic County, New Jersey

• Overview

  Clinton Reservoir is one of the Passaic County waters in New Jersey. Salt water lies 27 miles off. About 424 acres, so local knowledge or a boat saves a lot of walking. Around 5.7 miles of bank, which is a long day on foot. It ranks high for size among our Passaic County listings. West Milford lies 5.5 miles from the water. Then Highland Lake, 6.4 miles, and Kinnelon, 7.1 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Clinton Reservoir

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Species logged across Passaic County include brown trout, walleye, brook trout, bluegill and largemouth bass. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. Read Clinton Reservoir for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 69°F, while January sits near 24°F. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough late March. The water is typically free of ice between late March and late December. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. Clinton Reservoir runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public data does not answer the access question here. The car has to stay half a mile away, which shapes how much tackle you bring. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. A landowner's word beats anything printed elsewhere. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. The nearest alternative is Hanks Pond, 0.7 miles out. Check the position on Clinton Reservoir before loading the car.