Success Lake Fishing Guide, Ocean County, New Jersey

• Overview

  Success Lake lies within the bounds of Ocean County, New Jersey. What surrounds it is open valley. Roughly 57 acres: a morning covers one end, an afternoon the other. The edge runs 1.5 miles or so, easy to work in an afternoon. The nearest town is Lakehurst, 5.5 miles away. The big place round here is Edison, 32 miles distant. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Success Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Records held for Ocean County cover bluegill, pumpkinseed, white perch, chain pickerel and largemouth bass. Protected fish appear in the records for this area, so treat the list as information, not an invitation. The shape of Success Lake decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 31°F in January up to 74°F in July. The season stretches long at both ends here. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. The season on Success Lake rarely departs from it. Falling water concentrates fish into the deeper parts.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. If the gate is shut, Cassville Lake at 3.5 miles is the nearest alternative. The position on Success Lake is worth confirming on the day.