Thomas Rich Lake near Newton: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Look for Thomas Rich Lake in the Sussex County part of New Jersey. The ground round it is farm and woodlot. About 2 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Sussex County. The closest town, Newton, is 2.3 miles distant. The nearest city of size is Paterson, 34 miles away. This one sits near enough to a boundary to be worth checking.

• Where to Fish on Thomas Rich Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Public occurrence data for Sussex County names brook trout, brown trout and walleye. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. The near bank of Thomas Rich Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 71°F in July and bottoms out near 25°F in January. In milder years the surface never sets. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. It holds true on Thomas Rich Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. Paulinskill River Wildlife Management Area runs up to the bank here, which usually means extra restrictions. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Night access is frequently treated as a separate matter. Paulins Kill Lake sits 0.6 miles off and takes the overflow. Check the position on Thomas Rich Lake before loading the car.