Fishing Deer Head Lake in Ocean County, New Jersey

• Overview

  Deer Head Lake lies in Ocean County, New Jersey. Land around it is rolling hill. It measures about 41 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. Shoreline comes to about 1.1 miles, small enough to learn in a day. It lies lower than most water we list in New Jersey. Forked River at 1.5 miles is the nearest place to stop. Waretown lies 4.3 miles off, Bayville another 5 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Deer Head Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Ocean County records list bluegill, pumpkinseed, white perch, chain pickerel and largemouth bass among the fish reported. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. The near bank of Deer Head Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 32°F to 74°F. The year gives four workable seasons without severe ends. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. The season on Deer Head Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. A car park lies half a mile away, so the walk in is short. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Night access is frequently treated as a separate matter. Failing this one, try Lake Barnegat, 0.8 miles away. Nothing here settles the position at Deer Head Lake for certain.