Sussex County, NJ fishing holes

Fishing Spots in Sussex County, NJ

Lake Hopatcong

On the Southern border of Sussex County is Lake Hopatcong which must be the beginning of any discussion of fishing. The Knee Deep Club stocks many varieties of fish and maintains weather information, lake level and records of the fish caught as posted by their members. Regulations regarding size of fish that may be kept, seasons and hours of fishing and other pertinent information are also posted by KDC.

Lubber’s Run

Fishermen sing the praises of Lubber’s Run, a tributary of the Musconetcong River that runs through portions of Sparta and Byram townships. Known for largemouth bass, rainbow trout and chain pickerel, the Run produces record fish every year.

Musconetcong River

The Musconetcong, New Jersey’s largest tributary of the Delaware River, starts at Lake Hopatcong at the border of Sussex and Morris counties. It’s heavily stocked each spring and fall with rainbow trout, and is also excellent for native brook trout and wild brown trout fishing. Waterloo Village is a good spot to fish the river.

Cranberry Lake

The small lake, in Byram Township, was created to supply water for the Morris Canal. It is stocked annually and managed for brook trout.

Stokes State Forest and vicinity

Further up in Sussex County the Flatbrook in Stokes State Forest is considered one of the best trout streams in New Jersey. Trout is also stocked in Ocquittunk and Stony lakes in the park. Adjacent to Stokes is Lake Ashroe which features largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, crappies, bluegill, pumpkin-seed sunfish and bullheads.

Other fishing spots

The pond at Station Park in Sparta and Swartswood Lake in Swartswood State Park, Stillwater, are also considered fine fishing spots.

Do you have your fishing license?

Anyone between the ages of 16 and 70 must have a license to fish the fresh waters of New Jersey. Fishing for trout or salmon requires a trout stamp.

For ages 16 to 64, a fishing license is $22.50. Seniors age 65-69 qualify for a discounted license, which costs $12.50.

Resident anglers age 70 and over do not require a fishing license or Trout Stamp. A driver license or other acceptable proof of age containing date of birth and physical description will serve as the actual fishing license.

License must be visibly displayed on outer clothing.

Licenses can be purchased online or at the following local tackle shops:

Andover Hunt and Fish: 196 Main St., Andover (973-786-7382)

Garden State Bow and Reel: 2760A NJ-23 North, Stockholm (973-697-3727)

Griffin & Howe: 270 Stanhope Rd, Andover (973-398-2670)

Simon Peter Sports: 660 US-206, Newton (973-786-5313)

Skylands Sport Shop: 33 US-206, Augusta (973-300-5883)

Stokes Forest Sport Shop: 29 US-206, Sandyston (973-948-5448)