Greenwood Lake basics and what fish live there

Greenwood Lake straddles the New Jersey-New York border in the northwestern corner of New Jersey, roughly 45 miles from New York City. The lake is about 7 miles long and 1 mile wide at its widest point, with a maximum depth around 65 feet. It's a glacial lake with clear water and rocky shoreline in places, making it distinct from the flat, murky lakes common to central Jersey.

The lake holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, sunfish, and catfish. Largemouths are the primary draw for most anglers. Smallmouths live in deeper, rockier areas and are less predictable for casual fishing. The lake also has a population of chain pickerel that can surprise you on a bass lure—they're aggressive and fun on light tackle, though many anglers target them deliberately in spring.

Key Takeaways

  • Greenwood Lake requires a New Jersey or New York fishing license depending on which state's waters you fish, and the two states have different regulations on the same lake.
  • Bass season runs year-round, but spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are most productive for both largemouths and smallmouths.
  • Public boat launch access is available on the New Jersey side at Greenwood Lake State Park, and on the New York side at Lakeside Park; shore fishing is possible but limited by private property.
  • The lake is shallow in many areas with heavy weed growth in summer, so early morning and late evening fishing often outperforms midday, and lures that move through vegetation work better than open-water presentations.

Seasons and what to fish for when

Spring (April through May) is the strongest season. Largemouths move into shallower water to spawn, and they're aggressive on crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics worked slowly along the shoreline and around submerged wood. Water temperature climbs from the low 50s to the high 60s, and fish feed predictably in the early morning and late afternoon.

Summer (June through August) can be productive early and late in the day, but midday fishing is slow. The lake develops thick weed beds, particularly in the shallower northern end. Topwater lures at dawn and dusk produce strikes, and pitching soft plastics into weed pockets works when the sun is high. Catfish become more active at night if you're interested in switching gears.

Fall (September through October) rivals spring. Water cools, bass move back to deeper structure, and they feed aggressively in preparation for winter. Crankbaits and jerkbaits that mimic baitfish work well. Smallmouths become more catchable as the lake cools, particularly around rocky points and drop-offs on the deeper eastern side.

Winter (November through March) is slow but not impossible. Bass move to the deepest holes and feed less frequently. If you fish, focus on vertical presentations—jigging and live shiners near the deepest structure—and expect fewer fish and longer waits between bites.

Access, boat launches, and where to fish from shore

Greenwood Lake State Park on the New Jersey side offers the most straightforward public access. The park has a boat launch, parking, and picnic facilities. The launch fee varies by season and residency status; check the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection website for current rates. The park is located on Waterstone Road in West Milford, New Jersey.

On the New York side, Lakeside Park in Greenwood Lake village provides another public launch. This is a smaller facility, and parking can be tight on weekends. Both launches are suitable for small to medium recreational boats and kayaks.

Shore fishing is limited because much of the shoreline is private residential property. The state park offers some shore access along its waterfront, and a few public roads touch the water, but you'll spend most of your time looking for legal spots. Kayaking is a practical alternative if you have access to a boat launch—you can paddle into shallow bays and weed beds that are hard to reach from shore.

Regulations: New Jersey versus New York rules on the same lake

Greenwood Lake is split between two states, and each enforces its own regulations. This creates confusion, so know which state's waters you're fishing before you cast.

New Jersey side: You need a New Jersey fishing license. Largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum length and a 5-fish daily limit. Smallmouth bass have a 10-inch minimum and a 5-fish daily limit. Chain pickerel have no minimum size and no daily limit. Sunfish have no minimum and no daily limit. The lake is open year-round for bass.

New York side: You need a New York fishing license. Largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum and a 5-fish daily limit. Smallmouth bass have a 12-inch minimum and a 5-fish daily limit. Chain pickerel have no minimum and no daily limit. Sunfish have no minimum and no daily limit. Bass season runs year-round.

If you're launching from the New Jersey side and fishing primarily New Jersey waters, get a New Jersey license. If you're on the New York side or plan to fish both sides equally, get a New York license. Many anglers who fish both states carry both licenses to avoid confusion. Check the current regulations on each state's fish and wildlife website before you go, as rules can change.

What to bring and how to fish the lake effectively

Bring a medium-power spinning rod (6 to 6.5 feet) with 8- to 12-pound braided or monofilament line. Largemouths in Greenwood Lake aren't particularly line-shy, so you don't need ultralight gear. A tackle box with crankbaits (shad-pattern and crawfish-pattern in the 2- to 3-inch range), spinnerbaits (1/4 to 3/8 ounce), soft plastic worms (4 to 6 inches), and topwater plugs covers most situations.

Fish the shoreline and shallow bays in spring and early summer, working lures slowly and pausing frequently. In summer, focus on early morning and late evening, and don't skip the weed beds—they hold bass even when open water is dead. In fall, move to deeper structure and fish faster-moving lures that cover water. A depth finder is helpful if you have a boat; it shows you where the drop-offs and deeper holes are, particularly on the eastern side of the lake.

The lake is relatively small, so you can cover a lot of water in a day. Don't camp on one spot for hours. Move along the shoreline, try different depths, and adjust your lure choice based on what you see—if you're not getting strikes after 15 minutes, switch to something different.

When to avoid Greenwood Lake and what to watch for

Weekends in summer are crowded with recreational boaters and swimmers, which can make fishing difficult. If you prefer quiet water, fish on weekday mornings or in the shoulder seasons (April, May, September, October). The lake also has a lot of jet skis and speedboats, particularly on warm weekends, so early morning is your best bet for a peaceful experience.

Weed growth in mid to late summer can be heavy enough to make some areas unfishable with conventional lures. If you encounter thick vegetation, switch to weedless soft plastics or topwater, or move to a different part of the lake where weeds are lighter.

The lake can get windy in fall and spring, particularly in the afternoon. Morning fishing is calmer and often more productive anyway, so plan to be on the water early and off by midday if wind is forecast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need both a New Jersey and New York license to fish Greenwood Lake?

No. You need a license from whichever state's waters you're fishing. If you're launching from New Jersey and staying in New Jersey waters, a New Jersey license is sufficient. If you cross into New York waters, you need a New York license for those areas. Many anglers carry both to avoid confusion, but it's not required if you stay in one state's portion.

What's the best time of day to fish Greenwood Lake?

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and late evening (5 p.m. to dark) are most productive year-round. In summer, midday fishing is slow, so focus on these windows. Spring and fall allow longer productive periods, but early and late still outperform midday.

Can I fish from shore, or do I need a boat?

You can fish from shore at Greenwood Lake State Park and a few other public spots, but access is limited. A boat or kayak gives you much more flexibility and lets you reach productive areas that are inaccessible from land. If you don't have a boat, focus on the state park shoreline and ask locals about other legal shore spots.

What size bass can I keep from Greenwood Lake?

Both New Jersey and New York require a 12-inch minimum for largemouth bass. Smallmouths have a 10-inch minimum in New Jersey and a 12-inch minimum in New York. Check which state's waters you're in before you keep a fish.

Is Greenwood Lake good for beginners?

Yes. The lake is small enough to cover in a day, holds plenty of largemouths that aren't extremely selective, and has good public access. Spring and fall are forgiving seasons for learning. Summer fishing requires more skill because fish are less active during the day, so plan your first trip for April, May, September, or October.