Vernon Valley Lake Fishing Guide, Sussex County, New Jersey

• Overview

  The Sussex County end of New Jersey holds Vernon Valley Lake. It sits 26 miles in from the sea. It measures about 28 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. Supplies mean a trip to Vernon Valley, 0.6 miles off. Further out sit Vernon Center (2.9 miles) and Highland Lake (3.9 miles). Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on Vernon Valley Lake

  We hold no depth figure for this one. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Records held for Sussex County cover brook trout, brown trout and walleye. The county list is broader than any single water. On Vernon Valley Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 71°F and January near 25°F on the long-run figures. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around late March. On average, late March opens the water and late December closes it again. The weeks after the thaw and the ones before the freeze are the strongest. It holds true on Vernon Valley Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. There is a car park half a mile from the bank. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. The nearest alternative is Glenwood Lake, 1.6 miles out. Where Vernon Valley Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.