Lake Kemah Fishing near Crandon Lakes, New Jersey

• Overview

  Lake Kemah is a Sussex County water, New Jersey side. Height above sea level is 869 feet. It measures about 80 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. The full circuit measures close to 1.8 miles on foot. It ranks high for size among our Sussex County listings. Crandon Lakes is the closest place, 2.7 miles off. Further out sit Newton (4.9 miles) and Hardwick (8.9 miles). The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Lake Kemah

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Across Sussex County, recorded fish include brook trout, brown trout, walleye, bluegill and pumpkinseed. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. Anyone new to Lake Kemah should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 71°F for July and 25°F for January. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Look for the thaw near late March; the fishing lifts straight after. On average, late March opens the water and late December closes it again. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. It sets the rhythm of the year at Lake Kemah.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. Public data shows nothing built here, so treat the whole approach as informal. 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. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. The nearest alternative is Clearview Lake, 1.1 miles out. Where Lake Kemah is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.