Upper Aetna Lake Fishing near Medford Lakes, New Jersey

• Overview

  Burlington County, New Jersey, is where Upper Aetna Lake sits. It lies 82 feet above sea level. Medford Lakes is the closest place, 0.7 miles off. Further out sit Leisuretowne (5.4 miles) and Vincentown (6 miles). If this one is busy: Papoose Lake 0.2 miles off, Lake Stockwell (0.2 miles), Upper Stokes Pond 0.6 miles off, Lower Aetna Lake (0.9 miles) and Squaw Lake 1 mile off. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on Upper Aetna Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Records held for Burlington County cover pumpkinseed, bluegill, largemouth bass and chain pickerel. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. On Upper Aetna Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 75°F in July and bottom out at 31°F in January. The year turns gently, without extremes at either end. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. The hot months push the fishing to dawn and dusk. Expect Upper Aetna Lake to follow that timing. Long dry spells drop the level and concentrate them.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Public data has parking about half a mile from the shore. A campsite is mapped about half a mile away, which makes an early start easier. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Some banks are open only from a marked point. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Failing this one, try Papoose Lake, 0.2 miles away. None of that is settled for Upper Aetna Lake in what we hold.