Fishing at Zeliff Pond, Passaic County, New Jersey

• Overview

  Out in Passaic County, New Jersey, sits Zeliff Pond. What surrounds it is farm and woodlot. The water measures roughly 8 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. The closest town, Kinnelon, is 3 miles away. Paterson is the closest city, 14 miles away. Nearest other option: Shady Lake 0.3 miles away, Matthews Lake just 0.4 miles, Bear Swamp Lake 0.6 miles away, Gordon Lakes just 0.6 miles and Van Nostrand Lake 0.7 miles away. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on Zeliff Pond

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Passaic County records list brown trout, walleye, brook trout and bluegill among the fish reported. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. On Zeliff Pond the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 71°F and January at 26°F. Seasons here are moderate, and the fishing runs most of the year. In milder years the edges alone go, and the middle never sets. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. It holds true on Zeliff Pond more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. Parking sits half a mile out, which makes for a walk with tackle. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Shady Lake sits 0.3 miles off and takes the overflow. Treat Zeliff Pond as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.