Forest Hill Lake Fishing near Kinnelon, New Jersey

• Overview

  Forest Hill Lake falls in Morris County, part of New Jersey. Tidal water begins 25 miles from here. This is a pocket water of some 9 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. Supplies mean a trip to Kinnelon, 2.4 miles off. After that come Butler at 3.4 miles and Bloomingdale at 4.1 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Forest Hill Lake

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Species logged across Morris County include brown trout, brook trout, northern pike and bluegill. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Forest Hill Lake gives up more to patience than to distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 71°F and January at 26°F. Whether it freezes depends on the year. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. Forest Hill Lake runs to its own calendar within the local pattern. Water temperature lags the air by a week or so.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. The water borders Buck Mountain, so reserve rules are likely to apply. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. The nearest alternative is Wonder Lake, 0.5 miles out. Ask locally about Forest Hill Lake if anything is unclear.