Lake Ocquittunk Fishing near Crandon Lakes, New Jersey

• Overview

  Lake Ocquittunk lies within the bounds of Sussex County, New Jersey. The bank is 722 feet above sea level. Small at around 9 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Sussex County. The closest town, Crandon Lakes, is 8.1 miles distant. Further out sit Birchwood Lakes (8.2 miles) and Sussex (8.3 miles). The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Lake Ocquittunk

  No depth figure appears in our records, so the bank has to tell you. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Open biodiversity records for Sussex County list brook trout, brown trout and walleye. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. The shape of Lake Ocquittunk rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 70°F; by January the average is down near 24°F. Cold locks it up for a good stretch each year. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around late March. Break-up sits around late March on average, with the water closing again about late December. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. The season on Lake Ocquittunk follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. You can leave the car about 120 yards from the water. There is a campsite 40 yards from the water. Facilities run to toilets half a mile from the water. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Failing this one, try Lake Wapalanne, 0.7 miles away. Where Lake Ocquittunk is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.