What You'll Find at Greenwood Lake

Greenwood Lake straddles the New Jersey–New York border in Passaic County, about 40 miles northwest of New York City. It's a shallow, warmwater lake—roughly 7 miles long and 2 miles wide—that holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, sunfish, and catfish. The lake averages 20 to 25 feet deep, with the deepest hole around 60 feet, which means it warms quickly in spring and summer and can stratify by mid-July.

The character of Greenwood Lake is residential and developed. Homes line much of the shoreline, and the lake has been a summer destination for decades. That development means fewer wild coves than you'd find on a remote reservoir, but it also means good public access, maintained launch ramps, and a fishing community that knows the water well. The lake is managed jointly by New Jersey and New York, and both states honor each other's fishing licenses.

Key Takeaways

  • Greenwood Lake holds largemouth and smallmouth bass year-round, with spring and fall offering the most consistent action.
  • Public boat launches operate at Lakeside Park on the New Jersey side and at Greenwood Lake State Park on the New York side, both with parking and facilities.
  • The lake warms and stratifies by mid-summer, pushing bass deeper and making early morning and evening fishing more productive than midday.
  • Chain pickerel and catfish provide alternative targets when bass are slow, and both respond well to live bait and simple presentations.

Spring and Fall: Peak Bass Seasons

Spring (April through May) is when Greenwood Lake fishes best. Water temperatures climb from the low 50s into the 60s, bass move shallow to spawn, and they feed aggressively before and after the spawn. Largemouths move into the backs of coves and along weedy shorelines; smallmouths scatter across rocky points and drop-offs. Crankbaits, soft plastics, and spinnerbaits all work, and you don't need to fish deep—most of your time should be in 4 to 10 feet of water.

Fall (September through October) mirrors spring in many ways. Water cools from the high 70s back into the 60s and 50s, bass leave the deep summer haunts and return to shallower structure, and feeding windows open up again. The difference is that fall often brings clearer water and more stable weather, which can make the fishing even more predictable than spring. Topwater lures and shallow-running crankbaits produce well in the first two hours after sunrise.

Summer: Deeper Water and Early-Morning Fishing

By July, Greenwood Lake's shallow basin means the surface water can reach 75 to 80 degrees, and bass retreat to deeper structure and cooler water. The thermocline—the layer where temperature drops sharply—usually sits between 25 and 40 feet. Largemouths hold along drop-offs and channel ledges; smallmouths scatter across deeper rocky areas. This is not the lake's easiest season, but it is fishable if you adjust your approach.

Fish early and late. The hour or two after sunrise and the hour or two before sunset are when bass move shallow to feed. Midday fishing is slow and requires patience. If you fish the deep structure during the day, use live shiners or soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom. A fish finder helps tremendously in summer because the bass are concentrated and specific—you're looking for the right depth and structure, not covering water.

Winter: Slow but Possible

Winter (December through February) is the hardest season. Water temperatures drop into the 40s, bass metabolism slows, and they hold in the deepest holes—mainly the 50- to 60-foot basin in the lake's center. Most anglers don't fish Greenwood Lake in winter, which means less pressure but also fewer reports and less local knowledge to draw on.

If you do fish winter, focus on the deepest water and fish slowly. Live shiners or small jigs worked on the bottom near the main basin are your best bet. Catfish remain active in winter and can provide more consistent action than bass. The lake rarely freezes solid enough for safe ice fishing, so boat fishing is your only option.

Public Access and Launch Ramps

Lakeside Park, on the New Jersey side near the town of Greenwood Lake, has a public boat launch, parking, and facilities. The ramp is maintained and can handle most trailer boats. There is a small fee to launch, and the lot fills on summer weekends, so arrive early if you're going on a Saturday or Sunday.

Greenwood Lake State Park, on the New York side, also has a public launch and parking. Both ramps provide access to the entire lake, so choose based on where you live or which side you want to fish first. Shore fishing is limited because of residential development, but a few spots exist near the state park and at the northern end of the lake.

What Tackle and Bait Work Best

For largemouth bass, bring crankbaits (shallow runners in spring and fall, deeper divers in summer), soft plastics (4- to 6-inch worms and creature baits), and spinnerbaits. Topwater lures work well in low light. For smallmouths, add small jigs (1/4 to 1/2 ounce), drop-shot rigs, and tubes. Both species respond to live shiners, especially in summer and winter when they're less aggressive.

Chain pickerel are aggressive and will hit most bass lures, but they also respond well to live baitfish and small swimbaits. Catfish want live shiners, cut bait (mackerel or herring), or prepared stink baits fished on the bottom at night. Sunfish are abundant and fun on light tackle—small spinners, inline spinners, and live crickets or worms all work.

Regulations and Licenses

New Jersey and New York both require a fishing license to fish Greenwood Lake. A New Jersey license covers you on the New Jersey side; a New York license covers you on the New York side. If you're fishing from a boat that crosses the state line, you need the license of the state where you launch. A one-day New Jersey license is available, as is a one-day New York license, so you can fish without committing to an annual license.

Bass size and creel limits vary slightly between states. In New Jersey, largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum and a 5-fish daily limit; smallmouth bass have a 10-inch minimum and a 5-fish daily limit. New York's limits are similar but worth confirming before you fish, as regulations can change. Check the current regulations on the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection website or the New York Department of Environmental Conservation website before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Greenwood Lake good for beginners?

Yes. The lake is shallow, has good public access, and holds plenty of fish. Bass are forgiving, and sunfish and catfish provide easy targets while you're learning. Spring and fall are the best seasons to start because the fishing is most straightforward and the weather is pleasant.

Can I fish from shore?

Shore access is limited because most of the shoreline is private residential property. Lakeside Park and Greenwood Lake State Park have small shore-fishing areas, but a boat gives you much better access to the lake's structure and fish-holding areas.

What's the best time of day to fish?

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and late evening (5 p.m. to sunset) are most productive year-round. In summer, these windows are even more important because midday fishing is slow. Overcast days and days with wind also improve your chances throughout the day.

Do I need a fish finder?

A fish finder helps in summer when bass are deep and concentrated, but it's not essential in spring and fall. If you're new to the lake, a finder speeds up the learning curve by showing you where the structure is and where fish are holding.

What's the biggest bass caught in Greenwood Lake?

Greenwood Lake produces largemouths in the 4- to 6-pound range regularly, with occasional fish pushing 7 or 8 pounds. Smallmouths typically run smaller, in the 2- to 4-pound range. The lake is not known for trophy fish, but it offers solid numbers and consistent action.