Matthews Lake

Matthews Lake is a reservoir in Passaic County, but a dependable acreage figure was not found. Dependable maximum-depth and storage-volume figures were not found for Matthews Lake, so those measurements should not be guessed.

What to Expect at Matthews Lake

Without trustworthy acreage or depth figures for Matthews Lake, the safest approach is to read the water in front of you instead of assuming it fishes like another lake with the same name.

Fish and Useful Baits at Matthews Lake

Fish reported from Matthews Lake include black crappie, bluegill, chain pickerel, channel catfish, largemouth bass, and yellow perch.

Bass

Low light favors a topwater or spinnerbait for Matthews Lake largemouth; brighter conditions call for a slower presentation beside cover.

Crappie, Perch and Sunfish

For Matthews Lake crappie, hold a 1/16-ounce jig or minnow beside wood instead of dragging it through snags. Bluegill in Matthews Lake are practical targets with a worm or small jig suspended beside shallow cover. Yellow perch in Matthews Lake are commonly caught with a small jig tipped with a minnow or worm near bottom.

Chain Pickerel

A spoon or compact swimbait worked beside weeds is a practical chain pickerel choice on Matthews Lake.

A Simple Fishing Plan for Matthews Lake

Compare one protected bank with one windblown bank before deciding which side deserves the afternoon on Matthews Lake. Then compare the incoming-water end of Matthews Lake with the dam side and any point that reaches the old channel.

When to Fish Matthews Lake

On Matthews Lake, spring fish often move onto protected banks before the open basin warms. Summer fishing on Matthews Lake is usually best at low light, beside shade or along the outside edge of healthy cover. During fall at Matthews Lake, revisit creek mouths and main points with baitfish-sized lures.