Fishing at Lake Hiawatha, Morris County, New Jersey

• Overview

  Lake Hiawatha sits within Morris County in New Jersey. It sits in rolling hill country. It covers about 3 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Morris County. Nearest place of any size is Lake Hiawatha, 0.6 miles away. Paterson is the closest city, 11 miles away. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Lake Hiawatha

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Reported across Morris County: brown trout, brook trout, northern pike, bluegill and rainbow trout. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. On Lake Hiawatha a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 28°F to 74°F. The year gives four workable seasons without severe ends. In milder years the edges alone go, and the middle never sets. Autumn steadies things again once the heat lets go. Lake Hiawatha fishes to that pattern most years. Barometric swings often matter more than the calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. Public data has parking about 130 yards from the shore. There is a toilet block some half a mile out. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Boonton Reservoir, 2 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. Check the position at Lake Hiawatha before loading the car.