Largemouth Bass

If you're chasing largemouth bass in northern New Jersey, the Oradell Reservoir (also known as Lake Tappan) is a solid bet. This reservoir, managed by United Water, offers a surprisingly good bass fishery close to the NYC metro area. Spring and fall are prime times; bass are active as the water warms up in the spring, and again as it cools down in the fall. Look for them around structure like submerged trees, docks, and rocky points. Summer can be productive too, but you'll need to fish deeper and earlier in the day. A key to success here is understanding the water level fluctuations, which can impact where the fish are holding. Access is somewhat limited, with a few designated fishing areas. Check the United Water website for permits and regulations, as they are strictly enforced. The bass in Lake Tappan tend to be healthy and relatively pressured, so finesse tactics and natural-looking presentations often outfish power fishing.