Fishing Pinecrest Lake in Passaic County, New Jersey

• Overview

  New Jersey holds Pinecrest Lake, in Passaic County. Salt water lies 23 miles off. A pocket of water where every cast reaches cover. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Passaic County. Supplies mean a trip to West Milford, 2.2 miles off. The big place round here is Paterson, 17 miles distant. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Pinecrest Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Across Passaic County, recorded fish include brown trout, walleye and brook trout. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Pinecrest Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 71°F and January near 25°F. Ice comes and goes from one year to the next. Hard water here is never dependable, so check for yourself before stepping out. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. Anyone fishing Pinecrest Lake regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Part of this sits inside or beside Apple Acres, so read the notices. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Failing this one, try Pettet Pond, 0.9 miles away. Confirm access to Pinecrest Lake locally before you travel.