Largemouth Bass

Highland Park, NJ, offers several spots for largemouth bass anglers to explore. The Raritan River runs nearby and provides opportunities for bass fishing, especially in the backwater areas and near structure. Additionally, some of the smaller ponds and lakes in the surrounding area can hold decent populations of bass. Spring and fall are the most productive times to fish for bass in this region. During the spring, focus on pre-spawn bass in shallow areas near spawning grounds, using lures like spinnerbaits, 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. A practical tip for fishing the Raritan is to pay attention to the tides, as they can influence bass activity and location. Also, be aware of the regulations regarding size and creel limits for bass in this region. Local anglers often have success working the riprap along the riverbanks.