Fishing Lake Shawanni in Sussex County, New Jersey

• Overview

  In New Jersey, Lake Shawanni belongs to Sussex County. Height above sea level is 846 feet. At 8 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Our Sussex County list holds plenty of bigger water. Crandon Lakes sits 3.1 miles from the bank. Then Pocono Ranch Lands, 5.6 miles, and Birchwood Lakes, 7 miles. It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Lake Shawanni

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Species logged across Sussex County include brook trout, brown trout, walleye and bluegill. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. On Lake Shawanni a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 25°F to 71°F. The freeze arrives properly here and holds. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly late March. From about late March to around late December, expect open water on the long-run figures. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. Expect Lake Shawanni to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. There is recorded parking some half a mile off. A campsite lies 160 yards away for anyone staying over. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Should this one be busy, Lake Ashroe is 1.7 miles off. Treat access at Lake Shawanni as something to verify.