Sylva Lake Fishing near Ewing, New Jersey

• Overview

  Out in Mercer County, New Jersey, sits Sylva Lake. Tidal water begins 22 miles from here. This is a pocket water of some 9 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. Most waters listed here for Mercer County are larger. The closest town, Ewing, is 1.4 miles distant. Prospect Park lies 2.2 miles off, Lawrenceville another 3 miles. A border sits close enough to be relevant to the paperwork.

• Where to Fish on Sylva Lake

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Species logged across Mercer County include bluegill, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed and white perch. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Sylva Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 75°F, the coldest about 30°F. Most months fish reasonably, given the right weather. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. Sylva Lake runs to its own calendar within the local pattern. Late evening often out-fishes the whole afternoon.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public data does not answer the access question here. The mapped parking is Forcina Garage, half a mile away. Somewhere to sit and eat is half a mile out. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. If the gate is shut, Ceva Lake at 0.2 miles is the nearest alternative. Nothing on Sylva Lake should be assumed from this page alone.