Largemouth Bass

If you're looking to tangle with largemouth bass in northern New Jersey, Oakland offers some decent freshwater opportunities. While not a trophy bass destination, the Ramapo River and its connected ponds and reservoirs hold a healthy population of largemouth. The best time to target them here is during the spring spawning season (late April to early June) and again in the fall as water temperatures cool. Focus on areas with submerged vegetation, docks, and fallen trees. The Ramapo River can be accessed from various points along Route 202, but be mindful of private property. A local tip: try using weedless soft plastics like senkos or Texas-rigged worms, as the vegetation can be thick. The largemouth in this area tend to be on the smaller side, but persistence can pay off with a few fish in the 2-4 pound range. Remember to check the current NJ fishing regulations for size and creel limits.