Lake Vreeland, New Jersey: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Out in Passaic County, New Jersey, sits Lake Vreeland. Everything around it is rolling hill. It covers about 5 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. Wanaque at 3.3 miles is the nearest place to stop. Paterson is the closest city, 11 miles away. If this one is busy: Lake Tamarack 0.9 miles, Todd Lake within 1.1 miles, Fountain Spring Lake 1.4 miles, Stephens Lake within 1.6 miles and Cannonball Lake 1.7 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Lake Vreeland

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Open biodiversity records for Passaic County list brown trout, walleye, brook trout, bluegill and largemouth bass. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. Read Lake Vreeland for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 73°F and January near 28°F on the long-run figures. Some winters cap it and some do not. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. Plan around that when you fish Lake Vreeland. Wind direction matters more than wind strength.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. Parking is close: a car park sits half a mile from the bank. A platform or pier sits within 70 yards. Overnight stays are possible half a mile away. There are toilets mapped about 100 yards away. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. The nearest alternative is Lake Tamarack, 0.9 miles out. For Lake Vreeland, the notice at the access point is the final word.