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Lakes & Reservoirs

Round Valley Reservoir Fishing Guide

New Jersey

New Jersey's deepest lake and one of only two in the state with lake trout.

Trip at a Glance

Anglers come to Round Valley Reservoir for brown trout and lake trout. The best months overall are Sep to Jun. In October, brown trout and lake trout are in season, and Suspending Jerkbait, Paddle-Tail Swimbait and Casting Spoon are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 45 miles (2 fly, 11 bait and tackle); the closest is Sporting Life Bait & Tackle in Whitehouse Station, 4 mi away. South Branch Raritan River is 8 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.

Best Months

Sep to Jun

In October

Brown Trout, Lake Trout

Methods

Spin, cast & bait

Season at a Glance

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

What You'll Catch

Round Valley Reservoir Species

Brown Trout

Prime Now
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best: Mar to May, Sep to Nov

Lake Trout

Prime Now
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best: May to Jun, Oct to Feb

Plan by Month

What to Use

Month
Fish

3 picks for October. ● means in season that month.

  • Suspending Jerkbait 4 to 5 in

    Lure

    Hard Bait · Brown Trout

    Shop This Lure

  • Paddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in

    Lure

    Soft Plastic · Lake Trout · Jigged deep.

    Shop This Lure

  • Casting Spoon 1/4 to 1 oz

    Lure

    Spoon · Lake Trout · Shallow after ice-out.

    Shop This Lure

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Rod & Reel

Recommended Setups

Brown Trout

Fly 9 ft 5 or 6 wt rod, floating line for dries and nymphs, sink-tip with 0X to 2X for streamers.

Spin / Cast 6.5 to 7 ft light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 6 to 8 lb line. Jerkbaits and inline spinners.

Lake Trout

Fly 8 to 9 wt rod with a full-sink line when fish are shallow after ice-out.

Spin / Cast 7 ft medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting rod, 20 to 30 lb braid with a fluorocarbon leader, or downrigger trolling gear.

Matched to These Species

Gear for Round Valley Reservoir

Nets & Tools

Frabill Rubber Mesh Landing Net

A fish-friendly rubber net that does not tangle hooks.

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Rods

Ugly Stik Bigwater Trolling Rod

A long, forgiving trolling rod for downriggers and planer boards.

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Hard Baits

Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait

A suspending jerkbait that shines in cold, clear water.

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Spinners

Mepps Aglia Inline Spinner

A classic spinner for trout, bass, and salmon in moving water.

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Spoons

Acme Kastmaster Spoon

A dense spoon that casts a mile and flutters on the fall.

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Within 45 Miles

Shops Near Round Valley Reservoir

Make It a Trip

Nearby Water

Rivers & Streams · New Jersey · 8 mi

South Branch Raritan River

Ken Lockwood Gorge, a scenic catch-and-release trout stretch an hour from New York City.

Brown Trout · Rainbow Trout

Saltwater & Coast · New Jersey · 69 mi

Barnegat Bay

A shallow bay behind Long Beach Island and Island Beach State Park with fluke, blues, and stripers.

Striped Bass · Bluefish · Flounder