Even if your lakes aren't iced over, you're facing the toughest bass fishing of the year right now. But that's okay -- you've rnentally prepared yourself for less-than-exciting fishing. You're probably dunking jigs around stumps and blowdowns, or dropping metal blade balts down steep shale banks hoping, praying for one or two bites a day frorn quality fish.

Union Lake is southern New Jersey's gem of largemouth bass fishing. This 898 acre body of water also hosts a thriving population of srnallmouth bass.

This manmade lake had its original dam constructed just after the Civil War. The newly constructed dam and fish ladder are helping the lake retain and add to its fish population.

There are presently eight artificial reef sites rnaking up the Union Lake Wildlife Management Area Freshwater Artificial Reef Program. This series of reefs represent over 30,000 square feet of forage and cover. A 10-horsepower outboard is the largest motor that can be used on Union Lake.

A heart-stopping technique is called "jump fishing". Carefully and quietly guide your boat deep into the weeds. Watch for movement among the weeds and cast to any movement you see. An old stump field on the east shoreline that is almost clogged with weeds is an excellent spot to try this technique. Other good spots are the weed lines around the islands on the western shoreline. Top water baits are the lures of choice.

Another successful technique involves drifting across the lake. While the boat drifts, bounce or drag plastic worms or grubs across the bottom. Slowly lift and lower your rod tip every few yards.

Shore fishing is limited but available. One of the best spots is downstream of the dam as it spills into the Maurice River. You also can try your luck fishing from the shoreline near the launch ramp.

When fishing Union Lake use the lightest test line and tackle you feel comfortable fishing. Since the lake receives such heavy fishing pressure, you will get more strikes with light tackle. However, you will also lose more fish.

The best time to fish Union Lake is during the week, with early mornings and and near dusk being the prime times to try your luck. 

by Lee and Sharon De Bevoise 

Local Contacts:

Blackwater Sports Center
2228 N. Delsea Drive
Vineland, NJ, 08360
(609) 691-1571

Huck's Place
1110 S. 2nd Street / Delsea Drive
Millville, NJ, 08332
(609) 825-0093 

Non-Resident License:

$ 16.50 (7-day)
$ 25.25 (Annual) 

Regulations:

Minimum Size - 12 inches
Daily Limit - 5
Closed Season, catch and release only, April 15 through June 15.

Consumption Advisory:

Due to increased levels of mercury found in largemouth bass during recent research, it is recommended that you do not eat this species more than once a week. High risk persons, such as pregnant females, should not eat any largemouths taken from this body of water.

Directions:

Designated as a New Jersey Fish, Game and Wildlife Management Area, the lake is nestled within the city limits of Millville in Cumberland County. Travel to Union Lake is as simple as following either Route 49 or Route 47 into Millville.

A double-wide concrete ramp provides the primary access. It is located on the west shoreline. Follow Route 49 west through Millvile. Turn right at the light at Carmel Road. The entrance to the Union Lake Wildlife Management Area is on the right, approximately .7 miles after turning onto Carmel Road. 

Fish & Game Department:

N.J. Division of Fish, Game & Wildlife, CN400

Trenton, NJ, 08625-0400

(609) 292-2965

NOTE: A free copy of a map of the artificial reef locations, including Loran coordinates, can be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed legal sized envelope to: 

UNION LAKE REEF MAP

N.J. Division of Fish, Game & Wildlife, CN400
Trenton, NJ, 08625-0400
(609) 292-2965