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New Jersey · Fishing
Short Hills isn't the first place most New Jersey anglers think of when they're planning a fishing trip, but the three stillwater options here are worth knowing about.
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Short Hills isn't the first place most New Jersey anglers think of when they're planning a fishing trip, but the three stillwater options here are worth knowing about. Taylor Lake and the two Canoe Brook Reservoirs sit within a compact area and offer lake fishing without the crowds you'd find at more well-known Essex County destinations. The reservoirs in particular are part of the Canoe Brook system, which means water quality tends to stay reasonable through the warmer months. All three are lake fisheries, so expect the species mix and tactics that go with that — working structure, drop-offs, and shaded banks rather than reading current. This is a practical option for anglers who live nearby or are passing through the Short Hills area and want a few hours on the water without a long drive. Licensing requirements follow standard New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife rules, so make sure your NJ freshwater license is current before you go. Access points and parking vary by site, so it's worth checking conditions at each location before you commit to a spot.
All three sites are lake fisheries, so you're fishing still or slow-moving water rather than streams or rivers. Typical lake species for this part of New Jersey include largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish, though stocking schedules and current populations can vary by season. Check with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife for the most current stocking information before your trip.
Yes. A valid New Jersey freshwater fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older. You can purchase one through the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife website or at licensed retailers. Some waters also require a separate trout stamp during trout season, so confirm what applies to your specific location.
Camp Gateway - Staten Island
~32 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NY.
Canoe Brook Reservoir Number 1
~0 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NJ.
Rockaway River - Boonton Reservoir Tailwater
~18 min drive
Moderate
Lake Hopatcong - Main Lake Access
~34 min drive
Easy
Canoe Brook Reservoir Number 2
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NJ.
Taylor Lake
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NJ.
Lake Surprise
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NJ.
Lake Surprise
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NJ.
Echo Lake
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NJ.
Kitchell Pond
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NJ.
Crystal Lake
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NJ.
Lake Parsippany
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NJ.
Early morning and the hour or two before sunset are generally the most productive windows for lake fishing in New Jersey, especially for bass during warmer months when fish move shallow to feed. Midday in summer tends to push fish deeper and into shaded structure, so adjust your approach accordingly.
A medium-action spinning or baitcasting setup covers most situations at these lakes. Soft plastics, small crankbaits, and live bait like nightcrawlers are reliable starting points. Since these are smaller lake fisheries, you don't need heavy gear — lighter tackle often works better and is more practical if you're walking to the water.
Lake fishing is generally more forgiving than stream fishing for newer anglers, and still-water spots like these don't require reading current or wading. That said, access and bank conditions at each site can vary, so it's worth visiting during daylight to scope out a comfortable spot before settling in with kids or beginners.
