Sunset Lake Fishing in Somerset County, New Jersey

• Overview

  This water sits in Somerset County, New Jersey. The coast is 20 miles away. Surface area runs to about 12 acres — small enough to read in one session. The closest town, Green Knoll, is 2.9 miles distant. Beyond it, Bedminster at 2.9 miles and Bridgewater at 3 miles. The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Sunset Lake

  We hold no depth figure for this one. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. County-wide records name redbreast sunfish, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, bluegill and pumpkinseed. The county list is broader than any single water. On Sunset Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 73°F in July and bottom out at 28°F in January. Neither winter nor summer shuts things down for long. In a normal year the cover is thin and short-lived. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. The season on Sunset Lake rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. The nearest mapped parking is half a mile away, so the last stretch is on foot. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Washington Valley Reservoir at 4.5 miles is the sensible second choice. For Sunset Lake in particular, ask before you travel.