Is that because avid trout anglers have journeyed to other locales? Or because the population of ever-popular largemouth and smallmouth bass is more in vogue at the peak of summer? My guess is the classification of this body of considerably shallow water is not conducive to hold-over trout fishing.

So Verona Park Lake is basically a "put-and-take" body of water. Ergo, interest in trout seems to wane going into the warmer, summer months. Nonetheless, anglers shouldn't dismiss this productive body of water, especially if they have kids in tow.

The shorelines at Verona Park Lake are tree-lined. But when you get to the water, the shores are mostly a combination of gravel and mud. And judging from the contour maps, this pond (or lake, if you prefer) has an average depth of about 5 feet. But contour lines indicate that depths toward the center of the pond range between 6 and 8 feet, to as much as 10.

Also, this is one of the waterways in which New Jersey's Division of Fish and Wildlife conducts one of their many youth fishing contests. Accordingly, they're not shy about releasing some really big trout for the youngsters.

But if you're over 18, that doesn't mean you can't catch them too!

The most popular baits or lures at Verona Park Lake seem to lean toward the standard red garden worm as well as mealworms and those brightly colored salmon eggs. Small spinners and spoons also do a number on the trout in this pond.

Incidentally, there is a boat livery at Verona Park Lake, but there are no boat ramp facilities for launching your own boat or cartop.

For specific directions from your location or additional information, call the park at (973) 268-3500.

SHENANDOAH LAKE
Now let's head south to one of the state's more scenic and popular trout fishing as it pertains to small ponds and lakes -- and that is Lakewood's Shenandoah Lake in Ocean County.

Shenandoah is a lengthy, sometimes narrow waterway comprised of 50 acres of water that's been described as "the Metedeconk River dammed." Depths vary from as shallow as 1 or 2 feet to 10 feet or more towards the center of the lake. In addition, the substantial structure and weed growth help stocked trout last throughout the summer months.

Well, OK, some trout last through the summer.

The lake bottom consists primarily of mud, though places could arguably be described as gravel or rocky. In addition, Shenandoah has a fish ladder that allows herring and other species to move into the lake and thus, into the headwaters of the Metedeconk River. This lake has a boat livery, a fishing pier, and handicap accessibility. There's also a small boat launch for cartoppers and small-trailered boats. Only electric trolling motors are permitted.