Swartswood Lake

Boat Ramps: 2
Access Points: 6
Species: 23

Nestled in the Kittatinny Mountains of Sussex County, New Jersey, Swartswood Lake offers anglers a tranquil fishing experience in a picturesque setting. This 550-acre glacial lake was formed over 10,000 years ago when retreating glaciers eroded and scoured the area, creating what is now New Jersey's third largest freshwater lake. Established as New Jersey's first state park in 1915, Swartswood Lake provides diverse fishing opportunities in a peaceful environment away from major highways. With its crystal-clear waters reaching depths of approximately 40 feet in the middle, the lake supports a thriving ecosystem for various fish species. Only electric motors are permitted, ensuring a serene experience as you explore the lake's coves, drop-offs, and structure in pursuit of your next catch.

New Jersey licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Swartswood Lake and what's needed to catch them.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Swartswood Lake. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Swartswood Lake

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

New Jersey licenses and regulations

New Jersey Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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New Jersey Fishing License

Anyone age 16 and older must have a valid license (see Exceptions) to fish the fresh waters of New Jersey with handline, rod and line, or longbow and arrow. This includes privately owned lakes and other waters. New Jersey does not require a general saltwater fishing license but there are a limited number of saltwater licenses and permits required. Additionally, most saltwater anglers need to register with the free New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry Program.

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New Jersey Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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New Jersey Stream Access Laws

There are two types of streams are boatable in New Jersey: tidal streams and non-tidal, navigable streams. The public can use any stream influenced by the tide, unless prohibited by law in the particular stretch of stream. Navigable streams may be boated, whether or not they are influenced by the tide. This includes streams capable of being used for transporting valuable commerce, such as commercial logs.

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Take Swartswood Lake with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Swartswood Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Swartswood Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.