What You'll Find at Upper Greenwood Lake

Upper Greenwood Lake is a 595-acre reservoir straddling the New Jersey-New York border in Passaic County, about 40 miles northwest of Newark. The lake holds largemouth bass, chain pickerel, sunfish, and catfish, with largemouth bass as the primary draw for most anglers. The water is relatively shallow and weedy in many sections, which creates ideal habitat for bass and pike but also means you need to pick your access point carefully depending on what you're targeting and what gear you have.

The lake sits at roughly 1,000 feet elevation in the Highlands region, so water temperature swings are noticeable between seasons. Spring and fall are the most reliable times to fish here, though summer can produce early mornings and late evenings. Winter is possible but the lake can freeze solid, which closes boat access.

Key Takeaways

  • Upper Greenwood Lake holds largemouth bass and chain pickerel year-round, with spring and fall offering the most consistent fishing.
  • Public boat launch access is at the Greenwood Lake Marina on the New Jersey side; shore fishing is limited and requires knowing which areas allow it.
  • A New Jersey fishing license is required; the lake has no special permit beyond the standard license.
  • Bass regulations include a 12-inch minimum length limit with a five-fish daily limit; pickerel have no size limit but a 10-fish daily limit.
  • The lake's shallow, weedy structure means soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures work better than deep-diving crankbaits in most areas.

Seasons and What to Expect

Spring (April through May) is when most anglers target this lake. Water temperatures climb from the low 50s to the mid-60s, and bass move shallow to spawn. Weed beds along the shoreline and around the lake's many islands become productive. Pickerel are also aggressive in spring. Expect crowds on weekends, especially around the marina.

Summer (June through August) slows the bite during midday hours. Bass move deeper and into shade, particularly around downed timber and dense weed mats. Early morning and evening sessions—before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m.—are your best windows. Water can reach the low 70s, which is warm for this region and stresses fish in shallow areas.

Fall (September through October) brings another strong bite as water cools back into the 60s and 50s. Bass feed aggressively before winter, and the weed die-off opens new areas to fish. This is often the second-best season after spring. Pickerel remain active throughout fall.

Winter (November through March) is possible but challenging. The lake can freeze, which closes boat access. Shore fishing from the few accessible points continues, but the bite is slow and requires patience. Some anglers target catfish through the ice if conditions allow.

Access and Launch Points

Greenwood Lake Marina is the primary public boat launch on the New Jersey side. It is located on Waterstone Road in West Milford and offers a concrete ramp, parking, and fuel. There is a launch fee (typically $10 to $15 per day, though this varies seasonally). The marina is open year-round during daylight hours, though winter hours may be reduced. Arrive early on weekends; the lot fills quickly in spring and fall.

Shore fishing access is limited. The lake is largely private residential property. A small public area exists near the marina, but it is crowded and not ideal for serious fishing. Some anglers fish from the New York side near Greenwood Lake village, but parking and access there are also restricted. Your best option is the boat launch if you have a small boat or kayak.

If you do not have a boat, a kayak or canoe is practical here. The lake is large enough to explore different areas, but the shallow, weedy sections mean you need to move slowly and watch for submerged obstacles. Many anglers launch kayaks from the marina parking area as well.

Regulations and Licensing

You need a New Jersey fishing license to fish Upper Greenwood Lake. A three-day tourist license, seven-day license, or annual license are all available. You can purchase one online through the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website or at most tackle shops in the area. The license covers freshwater fishing statewide.

Largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum length limit and a five-fish daily limit. Chain pickerel have no minimum size but a 10-fish daily limit. Sunfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, and others) have no size limit and a 25-fish daily limit. Catfish have no size or daily limit. These regulations are current but can change; check the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website before you go to confirm.

The lake itself has no special permit or fee beyond the launch fee at the marina and your fishing license. No tournaments or organized events require advance notice to the state, though the marina may have its own policies.

What Lures and Tactics Work Best

Soft plastic worms and creature baits are the most reliable choice for largemouth bass here. Fish them slowly around weed edges and submerged timber. Colors like green pumpkin, watermelon, and black work in most conditions. A 1/4-ounce to 3/8-ounce Texas-rigged setup handles the shallow, weedy water without constant snagging.

Spinnerbaits in 1/4-ounce to 3/8-ounce sizes are excellent for covering water and triggering strikes from both bass and pickerel. Chartreuse and white combinations work well in the stained water typical of this lake. Throw them along weed lines and around the islands.

Topwater lures produce exciting strikes, especially early and late in the day. Small poppers and walking baits in the 2- to 3-inch range work better than large baits here. Pickerel will hit topwater aggressively, so expect explosive takes.

Live bait—shiners, shad, or small bluegill—works for both bass and pickerel but is slower than lures if you want to cover water. If you prefer bait fishing, a simple slip-sinker rig with a small hook and a live shiner cast near weed beds will produce fish, especially in summer when the bite is slow.

Nearby Tackle and Services

West Milford has a few local tackle shops within 10 minutes of the lake. They stock standard bass and pickerel lures, live shiners, and fishing licenses. Call ahead to confirm hours, especially in winter. The Greenwood Lake Marina itself has limited tackle and snacks but is not a full shop.

Lodging and food are available in the Greenwood Lake village area on both the New Jersey and New York sides. Several small restaurants and inns cater to weekend visitors. If you are planning an overnight trip, book ahead during spring and fall weekends.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is fishing the deep center of the lake. Upper Greenwood Lake is shallow overall—average depth around 20 feet—and most fish hold in the shallower, weedy perimeter. Spend your time within 100 yards of shore, around islands, and in the weed beds. Deep-diving crankbaits will waste your time here.

Arriving late on weekends is another frequent problem. The marina parking lot fills by mid-morning on nice spring and fall days. If you want a launch spot, be there by 7 a.m. or plan a weekday trip instead.

Ignoring the weed mats is a third mistake. The weeds look like an obstacle, but they are where the fish live. Learn to fish in and around them with weedless rigs. If you are constantly snagging, you are probably fishing the right spots—just adjust your technique.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Upper Greenwood Lake from shore?

Technically yes, but practically it is very limited. Most of the shoreline is private residential property. A small public area near the marina exists, but it is crowded and not productive. A boat or kayak is strongly recommended to fish this lake effectively.

What is the best time of year to fish here?

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are the most reliable. Water temperatures are ideal, fish are aggressive, and the weed structure is manageable. Summer is possible but requires early morning or evening fishing. Winter is slow and the lake may freeze.

Do I need a New York license if I fish the New York side of the lake?

Yes. If you launch from or fish on the New York side, you need a New York fishing license. The lake straddles the border, so know which side you are on. Most anglers use the New Jersey side and marina, which requires only a New Jersey license.

What size boat do I need?

Any size works, but most anglers use 16- to 20-foot boats or kayaks. The lake is large enough to explore, but the shallow, weedy structure means you do not need a deep-V hull. A flat-bottomed boat or kayak is actually better for navigating the shallows safely.

Are there catfish in Upper Greenwood Lake?

Yes, channel catfish are present. They are not the primary target, but they are caught incidentally and can be targeted at night with chicken liver, cut bait, or stink baits. No size or daily limit applies to catfish here.