Gordon Lakes in Passaic County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Out in Passaic County, New Jersey, sits Gordon Lakes. The shore lies 23 miles out. Small at around 14 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. By elevation it is in the upper part of our New Jersey listings. Nearest place of any size is Kinnelon, 3.6 miles away. For a city, Paterson is 14 miles off. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Gordon Lakes

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Across Passaic County, recorded fish include brown trout, walleye and brook trout. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. At Gordon Lakes the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 26°F in January and 71°F in July. Spring and autumn are the strongest, but nothing is truly closed. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. Spring and autumn carry the year; summer squeezes it into the ends of the day. Expect Gordon Lakes to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. Mapping records boats as not allowed here, so plan to fish from the bank. The closest car park is half a mile away, so pack accordingly. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Matthews Lake at 0.2 miles is the sensible second choice. The position on Gordon Lakes is worth confirming on the day.