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Best Fishing Lakes in South NJ

Best Fishing Lakes in South NJ

Whether you want to target largemouth bass on Parvin Lake or head to Lake Nummy for catfish, you can do both. Get tips on some of the best places to fish in South New Jersey from shore or boat.

Best Places to Fish in South New Jersey

There are plenty of accessible fishing spots in South New Jersey. In fact, there are quite a few family-friendly spots that can mean hours of fun for anglers of all ages and experience levels. This list can help you decide where to fish if you plan on visiting the southern part of the state.

Union Lake, Millville

As the largest freshwater lake in southern New Jersey, this 898-acre reservoir offers a variety of species including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie, and channel catfish. You can access the lake from a canoe, kayak, boat, or even fish from the shoreline near the main boat launch.

Parvin Lake, Pittsgrove

Located among the pine forests of Parvin State Park, Parvin Lake is 95-acre lake that offers access for shoreline anglers and small boats with electric trolling motors. Species include largemouth bass, chain pickerel, bluegill, and rainbow trout.

Lake Nummy, Woodbine

Surrounded by the Belleplain State Forest, Lake Nummy covers 26 acres and is known for populations of largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and catfish. The lake is open to small boats with electric trolling motors, but there are also many areas where you can fish from the shoreline. Family-friendly amenities like campsites, picnic tables, a playground, and a concession stand make it one of the best places to spend an entire day if you are learning how to fish.

Iona Lake, Porchtown

If you want to catch rainbow trout while fishing in New Jersey, 36-acre Iona Lake is a good place to try during stocking season (don't forget to check the fall stocking schedule). There are also opportunities to catch largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and yellow perch. You can try your luck fishing Iona Lake from canoe, kayak, or from the shoreline.

Sunset Lake, Bridgeton

88-acre Sunset Lake could be considered as one of the best fishing lakes in South New Jersey if you are looking for convenient kayak or canoe launch access and the opportunity to catch largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, green sunfish, and yellow perch. If you plan to fish from a kayak or canoe, use the ramp at Piney Point.

If you were wondering where to fish in New Jersey, you now have your choice of places to choose from in the southern part of the state -- just remember to check the NJ freshwater fishing regulations and buy or renew your fishing license beforehand.

Family Freshwater Fishing in New Jersey

Since some of the best places to fish in South New Jersey shouldn't be solely limited to lakes, here are two additional freshwater spots that are perfect for family fishing trips:

Menantico Ponds, Millville

While they may not be eight Menantico ponds are located within a scenic 300-acre nature preserve that is a designated NJ Wildlife Management Area. Use a canoe, kayak, or fish from the shoreline for largemouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, common carp, catfish, and chain pickerel.

Avis Mill Pond, Richmantown

This southern New Jersey pond is one of the best spots for shore fishing with kids if you want to catch freshwater species such as bluegill, sunfish, largemouth bass, and yellow perch.

Learn more about common fish in New Jersey and remember to renew your license.