Fishing at Lower Morse Lake, Passaic County, New Jersey

• Overview

  The Passaic County end of New Jersey holds Lower Morse Lake. Tidal water begins 21 miles from here. Surface area runs to about 13 acres — small enough to read in one session. The closest town, Haskell, is 1.2 miles distant. Bloomingdale follows at 1.4 miles, then Wanaque at 1.6 miles. This one sits near enough to a boundary to be worth checking.

• Where to Fish on Lower Morse Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Records held for Passaic County cover brown trout, walleye, brook trout, bluegill and largemouth bass. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. At Lower Morse Lake the first feature you find is worth twenty minutes.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 73°F and January near 27°F. The year gives four workable seasons without severe ends. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. The hot months push the fishing to dawn and dusk. At Lower Morse Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. Recorded parking is half a mile off, far enough to travel light. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. The nearest alternative is Upper Morse Lake, 0.2 miles out. Treat access at Lower Morse Lake as something to verify.