Little Pine Lake in Burlington County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Look for Little Pine Lake in the Burlington County part of New Jersey. The coast is 23 miles away. It covers about 13 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. 1.4 miles away sits Browns Mills, the nearest town. Philadelphia sits 32 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Little Pine Lake

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. County-wide records name pumpkinseed, bluegill, largemouth bass, chain pickerel and yellow perch. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. Anyone new to Little Pine Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 74°F, the coldest about 31°F. In milder years the surface never sets. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. Autumn steadies things again once the heat lets go. Time your trip to Little Pine Lake by conditions rather than dates. Wind on the bank for a day or two lifts the fishing there.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. There is recorded parking some 150 yards off. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Failing this one, try Big Pine Lake, 0.4 miles away. What applies at Little Pine Lake may have changed since it was mapped.