Best Boat Launch Spots At Budd Lake

Budd Lake is a popular spot for fishing and boating enthusiasts, with multiple boat launch sites available to the public. Located in both New Jersey and Michigan, Budd Lake offers a range of boating and fishing experiences. In New Jersey, boat ramps can be found behind Nick's Tavern and Doc's Marina, with the latter charging a fee for use. In Michigan, the Grant Street Boat Launch in Clare County provides two concrete ramps with loading docks and parking for 15 rigs. Budd Lake thus presents a range of options for those looking to get out on the water.

A pay launch on the west side of the lake

If you're looking for a pay launch on the west side of Budd Lake, head to the boat ramp behind Nick's Tavern on SR 46. This concrete ramp offers easy access and is a popular choice for boating anglers. However, it's important to note that there is a fee for using this ramp.

For those with a boat and looking to get out on the water, this launch provides a convenient entry point to Budd Lake. It is advised to bring a good supply of plastic and rubber baits if you plan to fish. The lake is quite big for an electric-only lake, so be cautious if the winds pick up.

If you're looking for specific fishing spots, head down Route 46, where you'll find an orange buoy about 100 yards out from the shoreline. This area holds fish, so it's worth casting your line around the buoy. As you continue along the same shoreline, keep an eye out for a cement building; there's a rock point extending from that structure all the way out to about 30 yards, with some concrete slabs providing additional fishing opportunities.

Additionally, the far side of the lake features a wooded backline area that is worth exploring for those seeking a more natural fishing experience. Remember to bring your own bait or purchase some from a local supplier, as the launch itself does not provide any.

A free ramp on Lake Musconetcong

If you're looking for a free boat ramp on Lake Musconetcong, you've got options! While there are two boat ramps available at Budd Lake, neither of them is free. The first, located behind Nick's Tavern on the western side of the lake, is easily accessible from SR 46 but charges a fee for usage. The second ramp is situated behind Doc's Marina along Manor House Road, just off SR 46, and also requires a fee.

So, where can you launch your boat for free? Head over to Grant Street in Clare County, Michigan. Here you'll find the Grant Street Boat Launch, which offers a fantastic alternative with two concrete ramps, loading docks, and parking for 15 rigs—all free of charge! This site is a great option for those looking to explore beautiful Lake Musconetcong without breaking the bank.

It's worth noting that while the boat launch at Grant Street is free, there may be other costs associated with boating and fishing in the area, such as fuel, bait, and equipment rentals. Additionally, it's always a good idea to check the local regulations and requirements for boating and fishing licenses before casting off.

By choosing the Grant Street Boat Launch, you'll not only save money, but you'll also have easy access to the lake and its surrounding attractions. So whether you're an experienced angler or a novice boater, this free boat ramp on Lake Musconetcong is the perfect place to start your aquatic adventures.

Boat launch at Grant Street access site

If you're looking to launch your boat at Budd Lake, one option is the Grant Street access site. This site has two concrete ramps with loading docks, as well as parking available for 15 rigs. It's located just off Route 46—to get there, take exit 26 from Route 80 and you'll pass the lake. Turn right at the end of the lake, and you'll see a bank—the boat launch is right behind it.

There is a fee to use this boat launch, typically around $15 to $20. It can be a bit tight, but there's room to manoeuvre and there are a few docks available to tie up to. If you're looking for a free launch, there's one just up the road on Lake Musconetcong behind the old theatre. However, note that this launch dumps you into a narrow channel, which could be tricky to navigate.

If you're bass fishing, you might want to try launching near the town beach at the end of the lake. Turn into the parking lot, and the ramp is about 100 feet up on the right. There are also boat ramps located behind Nick's Tavern on the western side of the lake and behind Doc's Marina along Manor House Road, both accessible from Route 46. However, these options also require a fee.

So, if you're looking for a convenient and central location to launch your boat at Budd Lake, the Grant Street access site is a great option, despite the small fee.

Boat ramp behind Nick's Tavern

If you're looking to launch your boat at Budd Lake, one option is the boat ramp behind Nick's Tavern on the western side of the lake. This ramp is easily accessible from SR 46, and while it does charge a fee, it offers a convenient way to get your boat into the water.

When you arrive at Nick's Tavern, you'll find the boat ramp located just behind the establishment. Simply follow the road behind the tavern to access the ramp. It's important to note that this ramp leads to a narrow channel, so if you're launching a larger boat, you'll need to take your time and be careful when navigating through.

The boat ramp behind Nick's Tavern provides a great opportunity for boating anglers to explore Budd Lake. The lake is known for its bass, pike, and panfish populations, and you'll often see anglers fishing along the shoreline. If you're looking for specific spots to try your luck, head down Route 46 and keep an eye out for an orange buoy about 100 yards from the shoreline. This area, with its shelf or hump, tends to hold fish.

Additionally, as you continue along the same shoreline, you'll come across a cement building with a rock point extending out for about 30 yards. This area is worth casting your line, as it has some concrete slabs that can attract fish. Keep in mind that Budd Lake is quite large for an electric-only lake, so be cautious if the winds pick up.

Overall, the boat ramp behind Nick's Tavern offers a convenient and accessible option for launching your boat at Budd Lake. Just remember to bring some cash to pay the fee, and you'll be on your way to enjoying a day of fishing and exploration on the lake.

Boat ramp behind Doc's Marina

If you're looking to launch your boat at Budd Lake, one option is the boat ramp behind Doc's Marina, located along Manor House Road. This ramp is easily accessible from SR 46—simply take the exit off Route 80, pass the lake, and turn right immediately after the lake ends. You should see a bank at the corner, and the ramp is located just behind it.

This boat ramp does come with a fee, typically around $15 to $20, which is relatively standard for private marinas and launches in the area. The ramp can be a bit small and tight, but there is room to manoeuvre and a few docks to tie up to. If you're launching a bass boat, this ramp should be sufficient, though you may want to exercise caution if your vessel is significantly larger.

For those seeking a free boat ramp, an alternative option is located just up the road on Lake Musconetcong behind the old theatre. This ramp offers a wider space and ample parking, though it may be less convenient in terms of proximity to Budd Lake.

When launching at Budd Lake, it's important to note that it is an unlimited horsepower lake, and while some sources suggest it is electric-only, this information is incorrect. Gas motors are permitted, and the lake is suitable for bass fishing, pike, and panfish.

Frequently asked questions