Round Valley Reservoir Fishing

Fishing Round Valley Reservoir

Are you wondering where to fish in New Jersey for trout? Covering over 2,000 acres and with depths of nearly 200 feet, Round Valley Reservoir contains the cold water habitat that is capable of producing large lake trout. In addition to big lake trout, the reservoir also holds populations of rainbow trout, brown trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and redbreast sunfish.

Round Valley Reservoir Fishing Access

Located within Round Valley Recreation Area, the reservoir is accessible to the public by way of two launch ramps for small motorboats, canoes, and kayaks (motorboats using the reservoir are restricted to engines of no more than 10 horsepower to help conserve the resource). Shoreline anglers can also take advantage of bank fishing opportunities near both launch ramps and Ranger Cove.

If you want to spend multiple days fishing Round Valley Reservoir and exploring Round Valley Recreation Area, you may be interested in knowing that it is one of the few parks in New Jersey that offers wilderness camping. Although, the tent sites are best geared toward active and adventurous types since they are accessible only by a three-mile hike or by boat.

Round Valley Reservoir Fishing Tips

When planning a Round Valley Reservoir fishing trip, there are a few things you should consider. First, think about the timing of your visit with regard to the fish species you would like to catch. Second, check the current Round Valley Reservoir fishing regulations since the reservoir is managed as a trophy trout fishery with special regulations that are often updated frequently. Third, make sure that the tackle and baits you bring along are best suited to the species and conditions.

These fishing tips can help make your day on the water at Round Valley Reservoir successful.
 

• The months between November and May are often the best if you plan to fish for lake trout. Just be aware of catch and release only regulations that may be in place to protect spawning lake trout during a portion of this time. Use a contour map to locate the deepest areas of the lake and focus your efforts there.
• When targeting lake trout in deeper areas of the lake, try trolling with downriggers or lead core trolling line. Spoon lures or flies can be used while trolling, either with or without the aid of planer boards.
• Try fishing gravel shoreline areas during the months of October and November for rainbow trout and brown trout. Streamers are effective for fly anglers, small in-line spinners are a good option for anglers who favor artificial lures, and corn or mealworms are two of the best bank fishing baits for kids.
• If you want to target largemouth and smallmouth bass during the summer months, try using a Texas-rig or dropshot rig around grass beds using a 7-foot medium light to medium spinning rod.
• Kids can have fun fishing for bluegill from the shoreline using ultralight tackle (2 to 6-pound test monofilament line) live crickets or worms rigged on size 6 hooks.

Now you know when to go, where to fish, and the type of freshwater fishing tackle to use when fishing Round Valley Reservoir. Everyone in the family will appreciate the variety of fish species and clear waters of this New Jersey fishing destination.