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New Jersey · Fishing
Montague sits in the northwestern corner of New Jersey along the Delaware River corridor, and while the river itself draws plenty of attention, the town's four stillwater fisheries are worth planning around on their own terms.
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Montague sits in the northwestern corner of New Jersey along the Delaware River corridor, and while the river itself draws plenty of attention, the town's four stillwater fisheries are worth planning around on their own terms. Keller Pond, Steeny Kill Lake, Mashipacong Pond, and Montague Lake all offer lake fishing within a compact area, which makes it practical to sample more than one spot on a single trip. The terrain here is part of the Kittatinny Ridge and Valley region, so expect wooded shorelines, limited boat ramp infrastructure at the smaller ponds, and the kind of quiet that's harder to find at better-known Sussex County lakes. Most of these waters are managed by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife and receive seasonal stocking, though stocking schedules and species vary by water body. If you're driving up from further south in Jersey or crossing from Pennsylvania, Montague is a genuine day-trip destination for anyone who prefers casting from a bank or a small car-top boat over fighting crowds at larger reservoirs. A basic freshwater fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older, and it's worth checking the NJDFW site before you go for any site-specific regulations or seasonal closures.
Bank fishing is practical at all four waters. These are smaller stillwater fisheries, not large reservoirs, so a good portion of the shoreline is reachable on foot. If you do bring a boat, keep it small — a kayak, canoe, or car-top aluminum boat is the right call, and you should confirm launch access for each specific water before you arrive since facilities vary.
The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife stocks many smaller Sussex County waters with trout in spring and fall, and largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and panfish like bluegill and yellow perch are common warm-water residents in lakes of this type. Check the NJDFW stocking reports for the current season to confirm which of these four waters are receiving trout stockings and when.
Keller Pond
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NJ.
Steeny Kill Lake
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NJ.
Montague Lake
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NJ.
Lake Rutherford
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NJ.
Mashipacong Pond
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NJ.
Lake Neepaulin
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NJ.
Reservoir Number Three
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NY.
Willow Lake
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NY.
Kittatinny Camp Lake
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NJ.
Shotwell Pond
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NJ.
Lily Pond
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
PWLPOA Van Auken Lake
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near PA.
Spring is the most productive window if trout are your target, typically from late March through May when water temperatures are cool and stocking activity is highest. Summer shifts the focus to bass and panfish, which feed most actively early morning and in the hour before sunset. Fall brings a second trout stocking push and cooler temperatures that put fish back on the feed.
Any angler 16 or older needs a valid New Jersey freshwater fishing license, available through the NJDFW website or at local license agents. If you plan to keep trout, a separate trout stamp is required. Always check the NJDFW's current regulations digest for size and creel limits specific to each water body, as some smaller managed ponds carry additional restrictions.
Yes, the smaller scale of these ponds and lakes makes them low-pressure environments that work well for beginners and younger anglers. Shorter casts, accessible banks, and the likelihood of catching panfish keep things engaging for kids. Bring simple gear — a light spinning rod, small hooks, and a container of worms will cover most situations across all four waters.
