Largemouth Bass

Hawthorne, NJ, offers some surprisingly good largemouth bass fishing in its local ponds and reservoirs. Goffle Brook Park is a popular spot and contains a small lake that holds bass. Also consider the Passaic River in that general area. Spring (pre-spawn) and fall are prime times to target bass here. During the spring, focus on shallow, weedy areas as the water warms, using lures like spinnerbaits, shallow-diving crankbaits, and soft plastics. In the fall, as the water cools, bass will often move to deeper water near structure, so try fishing with jigs, Carolina rigs, or deep-diving crankbaits. Access to some of these spots can be limited to shoreline fishing, so be prepared to walk and scout out the best areas. Local tip: pay attention to water clarity, as the ponds can sometimes get murky after heavy rains; adjust your lure choices accordingly, opting for brighter colors or lures with more vibration.