Lake Ames in Morris County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Morris County in New Jersey is where Lake Ames sits. It lies 636 feet above sea level. Small at around 16 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. Lake Telemark is the closest town at 0.3 miles. Then White Meadow Lake, 2.1 miles, and Rockaway, 3.7 miles. Round about: Lake Telemark after 0.5 miles, Burnt Meadow Brook about 1.7 miles, White Meadow Lake after 2.1 miles, Picatinny Lake about 2.4 miles and Lake Emma after 2.4 miles. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Lake Ames

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Across Morris County, recorded fish include brown trout, brook trout, northern pike, bluegill and rainbow trout. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. On Lake Ames the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 71°F and January reads 25°F. Whether it freezes depends on the year. Hard water here is never dependable, so check for yourself before stepping out. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. Lake Ames fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. There is a car park half a mile from the bank. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Lake Telemark at 0.5 miles is the sensible second choice. Confirm before you fish Lake Ames.