Fishing Upper Sunset Lake in Sussex County, New Jersey

• Overview

  Upper Sunset Lake falls in Sussex County, part of New Jersey. The shore lies 34 miles out. At 3 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. It is a small entry by Sussex County standards. For supplies, Sparta is 1.6 miles out. The nearest city of size is Paterson, 24 miles away. The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Upper Sunset Lake

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Across Sussex County, recorded fish include brook trout, brown trout, walleye and bluegill. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. On Upper Sunset Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 25°F to 71°F. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near late March. The season between ice runs from about late March to late December. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. Plan any trip to Upper Sunset Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Weldon Brook Wildlife Management Area takes in this water; protected-area rules will apply. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Sunset Lake at 0.1 miles is the sensible second choice. What applies at Upper Sunset Lake may have changed since it was mapped.