Lake Owassa Fishing near Crandon Lakes, New Jersey

• Overview

  Lake Owassa stands in Sussex County, New Jersey. The bank gives way to rolling bush. At some 277 acres it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. The shoreline runs about 3.5 miles, so it pays to pick a stretch and stay with it. It is among the larger waters listed here for Sussex County. The closest town, Crandon Lakes, is 2.4 miles away. Beyond it, Newton at 7.1 miles and Pocono Ranch Lands at 7.3 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Lake Owassa

  Depth remains unrecorded, so treat the first session as a survey. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Records held for Sussex County cover brook trout, brown trout and walleye. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Lake Owassa repays a walk before the first cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 25°F to 71°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from late March. Average temperatures cross freezing around late March in spring and again near late December in autumn. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Lake Owassa.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. If the gate is shut, Kittatinny Lake at 1.7 miles is the nearest alternative. Treat Lake Owassa as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.