Red Valley Lake Fishing in Monmouth County, New Jersey

• Overview

  This water sits in Monmouth County, New Jersey. The shore lies 21 miles out. At 14 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Start from Shrewsbury, 3.6 miles down the road. Edison is the closest city, 25 miles away. Water in the same corner: Imlaystown Lake about 2.3 miles, Prospertown Lake 2.4 miles away, Lake Hohenstein about 2.4 miles, Switlick Lake 2.5 miles away and Perrineville Lake about 4.5 miles. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Red Valley Lake

  No depth figure appears in our records, so the bank has to tell you. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Fish documented in Monmouth County include bluegill, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed and yellow perch. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. On Red Valley Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 74°F and January at 31°F. Whether it freezes depends on the year. 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 Red Valley Lake. Long dry spells drop the level and concentrate them.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Failing this one, try Imlaystown Lake, 2.3 miles away. Check the position at Red Valley Lake before loading the car.