Fishing at Willow Grove Lake, Salem County, New Jersey

• Overview

  Look for Willow Grove Lake in the Salem County part of New Jersey. It sits 20 miles in from the sea. Surface area is around 124 acres, which gives you real water without needing a boat. Around 1.8 miles of margin, front to back. Among the waters listed for Salem County, none is wider. Newfield sits 2.5 miles from the bank. It is 28 miles to Philadelphia, the nearest city. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Willow Grove Lake

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. County-wide records name bluegill, pumpkinseed and largemouth bass. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. Anyone new to Willow Grove Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 76°F and January at 32°F. The year gives four workable seasons without severe ends. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. Time your trip to Willow Grove Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. There is recorded parking some half a mile off. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Should this one be busy, Malaga Lake is 1.8 miles off. Nothing on Willow Grove Lake should be assumed from this page alone.