Bass Lakes

[JMaese9]

Hi everyone i was wondering if anyone has any lake recommendations for some solid smallmouth if there isnt many then overall quality bass lakes i just recently got a electric motored boat. I appreciate any help you can give me!!

[NJSquatch]

https://www.njfishandwildlife.com/fish_sm_bass.htm

[rwp2101]

That's a very good list right there. I lost the biggest smallie of my life at Round Valley a few years ago, jumped and gave me the fin. Some big ones in Merrill Creek as well. Depending on your location, and I know this isn't in NJ, but try out Candlewood Lake in Connecticut (my favorite of the three by far). This time of year on Candlewood it might be live bait time, I haven't been yet this season. Please be careful on RVR and MCR.

Thirty five years ago my dad would tell me stories of ghosts in RVR. I thought he was just ribbing me. Nope, god rest: https://www.nytimes.com/1977/05/25/a...r-victims.html

Check the weather/wind before you go and before you launch. They can both get surprisingly rough in a hurry for those unfamiliar with them. Always wear your PFD.

Always nice to float the Delaware for smallies. I've caught many there but river fish do tend to be smaller (but stronger). Not saying there aren't giant smallies in the Delaware, because there are, just that I've caught more cookie cutters there. I'll leave comments on the Raritan to others far more qualified.

All this smallie talk has me wanting to take a trip to Champlain, I've never been.

[thmyorke1]

Originally Posted by rwp2101

Always nice to float the Delaware for smallies. I've caught many there but river fish do tend to be smaller (but stronger). Not saying there aren't giant smallies in the Delaware, because there are, just that I've caught more cookie cutters there. I'll leave comments on the Raritan to others far more qualified.

good info. Same applies to raritan, cookie cutters plenty and then some giants. Lots of shallow water, in result easy to wade especially with it low right now. When it gets high and stained tho you can still find them chewing in fast water.

[JMaese9]

How about budd lake is that a decent bass lake? Also rwp2101 if you want smallies like Champlain go to the st. Lawrence river 3lbers are dinks there. Thank you all for all the help so far i appreciate it!

[rwp2101]

Unfortunately, I’m unfamiliar with that one. I will add the St Lawrence to the list!