Pompton Lake Kayak

[MikeNJ]

Hey Guys - I'm a fairly new member and love the site. Been fishing for a little while but this is my first year with a kayak. Only have had it out a few times but really enjoyed it so far. I'm looking to hit Pompton Lake for the first time and trying to gather some general information before I make the trip. Can you tell me where is the best place to launch from and what is the parking situation like? Also, any recommendations on a particular area I should target for LMB? Not looking for a specific spot burn, just a general area of the lake I should focus on. Thanks!

[Skunk City]

Originally Posted by MikeNJ

Hey Guys - I'm a fairly new member and love the site. Been fishing for a little while but this is my first year with a kayak. Only have had it out a few times but really enjoyed it so far. I'm looking to hit Pompton Lake for the first time and trying to gather some general information before I make the trip. Can you tell me where is the best place to launch from and what is the parking situation like? Also, any recommendations on a particular area I should target for LMB? Not looking for a specific spot burn, just a general area of the lake I should focus on. Thanks!

The public boat ramp on Lakeside Ave. is a good spot, as is the parking lot by the Doty Road bridge. I launch my kayak from both depending on where I want to start fishing that day. For the Lakeside Ave. ramp, you'll have to park on one of the side streets after launching. By Doty Road is a dirt lot that you'll most likely have all to yourself. It also puts you closer to Potash Lake, so you can hit that as well. Check it out on Google Maps and you'll see what I mean. Both launches put you in prime areas, but I've caught fish almost everywhere on that lake, so no real spot is bad in my opinion. Lots of "fishy looking" spots there, so if it looks good to you, give it a shot. Lots of 16"-19" LMB's on plastics, lots of Crappie on small jigs, and been sawed off by a few Pike there too. Pickerel too if that's your thing. Good luck and post back with results. Throw me a PM if you have any more questions.

PS: Do a search of "Pompton Lake" on here or just search all threads posted by me and go back to last spring/summer. I posted LOTS of reports from Pompton. Should help you...

[MikeNJ]

Great info Skunk. Nice to see a fellow Nutleyite on here! We probably have crossed paths before. I see the launches you are referring to. It's a big help. Plan on tossing some Senko's and some crankbaits. Hopefully I can hook up with a nice Pike as well but I will be targeting them largies. I assume Potash is the unmarked lake on google maps to the right of the Doty Rd bridge?

[JerryC]

Being a newbie kayak fisherman, start on some smaller lakes/ponds.. I suggest trying out Green Turtle Pond which is near Monskville..

[Skunk City]

Originally Posted by MikeNJ

Great info Skunk. Nice to see a fellow Nutleyite on here! We probably have crossed paths before. I see the launches you are referring to. It's a big help. Plan on tossing some Senko's and some crankbaits. Hopefully I can hook up with a nice Pike as well but I will be targeting them largies. I assume Potash is the unmarked lake on google maps to the right of the Doty Rd bridge?

Nice, didn't know you were from Nutley!

You're right about Potash. I've caught a few nice fish in there as well. Got a fat 3.5 lb'er LMB there last fall on a Rage Tail Baby Craw on a jighead. I think it gets stocked with Trout, as does the stream that feeds into it. And of course Pike make their way up from Pompton too...

[Skunk City]

Originally Posted by JerryC

Being a newbie kayak fisherman, start on some smaller lakes/ponds.. I suggest trying out Green Turtle Pond which is near Monskville..

Is the road going into Green Turtle is still absolutely horrendous? I refuse to take my car down that ever again. I was waiting for a popped tire or cracked rim .

[MikeNJ]

Originally Posted by JerryC

Being a newbie kayak fisherman, start on some smaller lakes/ponds.. I suggest trying out Green Turtle Pond which is near Monskville..

Jerry - Thanks for the advice. Is starting on a smaller pond/lake because of the distance paddling or are there other factors involved? Just curious and trying to learn more.

[JerryC]

Originally Posted by Skunk City

Is the road going into Green Turtle is still absolutely horrendous? I refuse to take my car down that ever again. I was waiting for a popped tire or cracked rim .

Yes still horrible but you can navigate around the massive holes in the road lol

[JerryC]

Originally Posted by MikeNJ

Jerry - Thanks for the advice. Is starting on a smaller pond/lake because of the distance paddling or are there other factors involved? Just curious and trying to learn more.

I mentioned go to a smaller lake or pond just so you get used to it.. fishing and kayaking isnt the easiest to do expecially if there is wind..

[Fishon1982]

Green turtles road sux but u can catch slab crappies there now