Splitrock Reservoir in Morris County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Splitrock Reservoir lies within the bounds of Morris County, New Jersey. It sits 25 miles in from the sea. Roughly 554 acres of surface: treat each bay as a water in its own right. It is among the larger waters listed here for Morris County. Nearest place of any size is Lake Telemark, 2.4 miles away. White Meadow Lake lies 4.1 miles off, Boonton another 5 miles. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Splitrock Reservoir

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Open biodiversity records for Morris County list brown trout, brook trout, northern pike and bluegill. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Fish Splitrock Reservoir where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 26°F in January up to 71°F in July. The calendar is generous: something works in nearly every month. Hard water here is never dependable, so check for yourself before stepping out. The hot months push the fishing to dawn and dusk. At Splitrock Reservoir the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. You can leave the car about half a mile from the water. Mapping shows a jetty some half a mile off. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Little Mitten Lake sits 1.4 miles off and takes the overflow. The position on Splitrock Reservoir is worth confirming on the day.