Forest Lake Fishing Guide, Sussex County, New Jersey

• Overview

  The Sussex County entry here is Forest Lake, in New Jersey. Height above sea level is 801 feet. The water covers some 46 acres, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. The whole outline is near 1.4 miles, and most of it is walkable. Supplies mean a trip to Hopatcong Hills, 3.7 miles off. Paterson is the closest city, 29 miles away. A border sits close enough to be relevant to the paperwork.

• Where to Fish on Forest Lake

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Species logged across Sussex County include brook trout, brown trout and walleye. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Fish Forest Lake to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 71°F; by January the average is down near 25°F. In milder years the surface never sets. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Forest Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. You will be walking about half a mile from the nearest car park. A campsite is mapped about half a mile away, which makes an early start easier. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Hemlock Lake at 0.4 miles is the sensible second choice. Check the position on Forest Lake before loading the car.