Matthews Lake Fishing Guide, Passaic County, New Jersey

• Overview

  Matthews Lake is a Passaic County water, in New Jersey. Elevation runs to 902 feet. It covers about 6 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. Compared with other New Jersey water on our list, it sits high. Kinnelon is the closest town at 3.4 miles. The big place round here is Paterson, 14 miles distant. The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on Matthews Lake

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Survey and observation records for Passaic County include brown trout, walleye and brook trout. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. At Matthews Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 71°F on average, January about 26°F. Ice comes and goes from one year to the next. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. It holds true on Matthews Lake more years than not. Settled weather over several days beats a single fine one.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. Mapping records boats as not allowed here, so plan to fish from the bank. The nearest car park we can see is half a mile out, so expect a walk with your gear. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. For a change of water, Gordon Lakes is 0.2 miles distant. Signs at Matthews Lake carry more weight than any list.