Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass fishing in the Newark, NJ area might surprise you. While urban, there are pockets of surprisingly good bass habitat. The Passaic River, though industrialized, can hold bass in its calmer sections and backwaters. Branch Brook Park, with its lakes, offers accessible fishing opportunities right within the city limits. Spring and fall are the most productive times, as bass are actively feeding to prepare for spawning or winter. Early mornings and evenings are ideal. A local trick is to target areas near submerged structure like fallen trees or docks. Soft plastics, like worms and creature baits, fished slowly along the bottom can be very effective. Don't overlook topwater lures during low-light conditions. The bass in these urban waters can be surprisingly resilient and opportunistic, often growing to decent sizes due to the available forage. Be mindful of local regulations and any advisories related to water quality.