BUDD LAKE, NJ - The Fisherman

The 376-acre Budd Lake, tucked along Route 46 in Morris County remains one of, if not the most overlooked venue in New Jersey. Despite being loaded with largemouth bass to six pounds and northern pike in excess of 15 pounds and having the oh-so-rare unlimited outboard rating, this headwater of the South Branch of the Raritan nonetheless falls victim to the popularity of the nearby and significantly larger Lake Hopatcong. By the third week in June, only the occasional boat or bank angler will be seen even though the fishing will sizzle through the seasonal swelter.

However, a qualifier is in order: since Budd boasts an unlimited engine power rating, it is a summertime favorite with water skiers and on weekends can be whipped to a meringue by noon. The best fishing on Saturdays and Sundays occurs from first light until 9 a.m. and then again from late afternoon into dusk. An exception is an overcast day with a light drizzle. During the week, you will cast in relative solitude.

Largemouth bass and northern pike are the primary players in this arena, although there are the occasional chain pickerel and smallmouth bass caught. Yellow perch, crappies, white catfish, sunfish and white perch are abundant, and the forage base consists of primarily of protein-rich golden shiners and creek chubsuckers, although sunnies are greedily gulped as well.

Along with Spruce Run Reservoir, Budd was one of the pilot waters for the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s tiger muskie program. This entailed the rearing of northern pike at the Hackettstown hatchery to determine if they could grow to fingerling stage on a pellet diet. The reasoning was that if the pike could do it, so could the tigers. The northerns thrived and were then released into Spruce Run and Budd, and the tiger muskie project went full steam ahead. Well, the muskie and pike half-breeds never really became entrenched and offered poor angler return. The northerns, on the other hand, grew and prospered and provide thrilling, trophy fish potential. They continue to be periodically stocked.

With a maximum depth of about 12 feet and an average reach of half that, Budd’s stained complexion conceals the subsurface structure that consists of millfoil beds, sunken brush and several rock piles marked by buoys on the lake’s eastern end. A black cedar swamp runs almost the entire length of the western shoreline, and the expansive floating mats of lily pads and submerged brush and branches are accessible only by boat.

The spinnerbait is hands-down the most effective hardware on Budd, working on both bass and pike. Buzzbaits, creature baits, plastic rats, popping plugs and shallow runners will also take fish.

Boats can be launched for a fee at a private marina. Make the first right past the lake onto Manor House Road and take the first right into the marina.

There are decent opportunities for largemouths and panfish for those without a boat. Budd offers approximately a half-mile of prime shoreline access beginning just past the Sand Shore Drive light and jughandle and the old swim club. The right shoulder of Route 46 widens noticeably here for parking. This stretch can be worked effectively with live shiners as well as spinnerbaits, plastic worms and lizards, and shallow running cranks. After ice out through May and again from mid-October to ice-up, pike are also caught along here, primarily on live shiners and spinnerbaits. This location is a good drop in spot for ‘yaks and canoes.

Budd is easily reached via Route 80 West to the Budd Lake/Hackettstown exit. Bear right off the exit onto Route 46 West and follow three miles. Budd will be on your right.