MERCER LAKE, NJ
You’re reading it here first: the new state record pure strain muskie is going to be caught and conquered in the 275-acre Lake Mercer.
Lake Mercer?
No doubt about it! Going out on, uh, a muskie stick? Not really, as the indicators are all there: a robust gizzard shad forage base augmented by shiners, suckers, carp and panfish, and an aggressive stocking program by the Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries. (Last September, 680 muskies averaging 8.1 inches were stocked; the year prior, 690 at eight inches.) What’s more, the stained precincts hide a wide variety of cover and structure, all of which are hospitable to the Garden State’s largest sweetwater predator. Muskies to 40 inches here don’t raise an eyebrow, and according to discussions with several regulars, including one of the park’s personnel, fish to 48 inches have been landed. That’s pretty close to the coveted “Magic 50” length. This venue’s pure strain potential certainly rivals that of the more hallowed Hopatcong, Greenwood and Mountain lakes. That it’s located within a 15- to 20-minute drive from Trenton and the heavily populated suburbs adds to the trophy fish’s close to home touch.
In addition to muskies, Mercer’s rowdy roster includes largemouth bass, channel catfish, chain pickerel, yellow perch and white perch, black and white crappies, and sunfish, not to mention carp of truly prodigious proportions. The current state record white crappie, a three-pound, 11-ounce slab, was caught here in 2009. Largemouth to five pounds are common fare, as are pickerel to 26 inches and channel kitties between eight and 12 pounds. Channels are stocked every other year. Crappies and perch to a foot long are caught here, as are palm-size sunnies.
Situated in the beautiful Mercer County Park and bordered by Old Trenton Road and Hughes Drive, the 20-foot deep Lake Mercer is easy to reach via the Turnpike, Route 130 and Route 195 main veins. There is a paved ramp that can handle bass boats, and also a drop-in spot for ‘yaks and canoes. Power is restricted to electric only. There is a marina that rents rowboats. Park hours are dawn until dusk, but an after-hours fishing permit can be purchased. It is available by calling 609-448-3694.
There is decent shoreline access around most of the lake, one in the form of a paved path that extends from the main parking area down to the dam, and it’s a matter of finding the cut-outs along the brushy shoreline cover. Figure on a good 1-1/2-mile hike to the dam. The paved path also leads in the opposite direction going to the top of the lake. Again, find the cut-outs. Across from the marina is another shoreline access spot, and paths lead to the bank along the powerlines. ‘Yaks, canoes and cartops can also be dropped in here. This spot is reached by taking Old Trenton Road, going left on Edinburg Road and then another left onto Conover Rd. Follow to the “T” and make a left onto South Post Road and follow into the parking area straight ahead. To the left is the Caspersen Rowing Center.
Every rose has a thorn, as it is said, and Mercer Lake’s is the sculling and crew crowds. More than half the lake is marked with floats for rowing courses, and it has become contentious (read: ugly) over the years, as these courses are set over prime open water muskie areas. It’s a matter of picking your spots and times. This need not be discouraging, though, as there is plenty of shoreline cover to work.
