Largemouth Bass

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, despite its suburban setting, holds some surprisingly good largemouth bass fishing. The lake itself is the obvious starting point, but don't overlook the smaller surrounding ponds and reservoirs in Bergen County. Spring and fall are your best bets, as the bass are most active then. During the spring spawn, target shallow weedy areas and coves. In the fall, look for baitfish schools and focus on points and drop-offs. A local trick is to use weedless rigs, as Woodcliff Lake has plenty of submerged vegetation. Also, be mindful of local regulations regarding boat size and horsepower, as there are restrictions. The bass population here is healthy, with a mix of smaller fish and the occasional lunker. Many anglers have success with crankbaits and plastic worms near the dam.