What You'll Find at Greenwood Lake

Greenwood Lake straddles the New York–New Jersey border about 40 miles northwest of New York City, and it's one of the few places in the region where you can chase both largemouth bass and pike in the same water. The lake runs roughly north-south for about 9 miles and averages 60 feet deep, with a rocky bottom in many sections and shallow weed beds along the western shore. The setting is genuinely mountain—steep wooded banks, no development on the New York side, and a quieter feel than you'd expect this close to the city.

Access is straightforward. The main public launch is at Greenwood Lake State Park on the New Jersey side, near the southern end of the lake. There's also a smaller launch at the northern end near Warwick, New York. Both have parking and are open year-round, though winter access can depend on weather and maintenance schedules—call ahead if you're going in December or January.

Key Takeaways

  • Greenwood Lake holds largemouth bass year-round and northern pike that move shallow in spring and fall, with summer requiring deeper presentations.
  • The western shore's weed beds and rocky points are the most productive zones, especially where depth changes quickly from 8 to 20 feet.
  • Public launch access is available at Greenwood Lake State Park on the New Jersey side and at the northern end near Warwick, New York.
  • The lake is open to fishing year-round, but pike season runs March through November in New Jersey and year-round in New York.

Largemouth Bass Patterns by Season

Spring (March through May) is when the lake wakes up. Bass move from deeper winter holding areas into the shallows to spawn, and you'll find them in 4 to 8 feet of water around the weed beds on the western shore and in the coves along the eastern bank. Soft plastics, crankbaits, and topwater lures all work, but early morning and late afternoon produce better than midday. Water temperature is the trigger—once it hits the mid-50s, the bite turns on.

Summer (June through August) pushes bass deeper and into shade. The weed beds still hold fish, but you need to fish the edges and the gaps between vegetation rather than casting into the thick stuff. Early morning before the sun clears the ridgeline is your best window. Many anglers switch to deeper-running crankbaits or jigs and work the 15 to 25-foot zone along the main channel that runs down the middle of the lake.

Fall (September through November) brings another shallow bite. Bass feed aggressively as water cools, and they return to the weed beds and rocky points. This is often the most consistent season—the water is clearer than summer, the air is cooler, and you can fish all day without the midday dead zone. Pike also become more active in fall, so expect to see both species in the same areas.

Winter (December through February) is slow but not impossible. Bass retreat to the deepest holes, typically 40 to 60 feet along the main channel. Jigging with live shiners or small plastics works for dedicated anglers, but the bite is sparse and weather often makes the trip not worth the effort.

Northern Pike: Spring and Fall Aggression

Pike in Greenwood Lake are a bonus rather than the main event, but they're there and they can be substantial. Spring is the prime time—pike move into the shallows to spawn right alongside the bass, and they're aggressive. Cast large swimbaits, spinnerbaits, or soft plastics in the 6 to 12-foot zone along the western weed beds. A 7-foot medium-heavy rod with 20-pound braid gives you the backbone to handle a 30-inch fish and the sensitivity to feel the take.

Fall pike fishing mirrors spring. Water cooling triggers feeding, and pike move shallow again. The same lures and depths work, and the bite can be excellent from mid-September through early November. Winter and summer pike are deep and sluggish—possible but not worth planning a trip around.

Where to Fish: Zones and Structure

The western shore from the state park north to the midpoint of the lake is the most consistent producer. Weed beds line the shallows, and the bottom drops off quickly to 20 feet and beyond. Fish the weed edges in spring and fall, and the deeper side of the weeds in summer. Rocky points and small coves break up the shoreline and concentrate both bass and pike.

The northern end near Warwick holds good structure—a mix of shallow bays and deeper channels. This area is less crowded than the southern end and can be excellent in spring when bass are spawning in the protected coves.

The main channel running down the center of the lake is where summer bass retreat. It's also where you'll find the deepest water and the most stable conditions. A GPS unit or a good map helps here—you're looking for the 40 to 60-foot zone where bass hold during the heat.

Tackle and Bait Recommendations

For bass, a 6.5 to 7-foot medium-power rod with 10 to 15-pound braid or monofilament covers most situations. Soft plastics (4 to 6 inches), crankbaits, and spinnerbaits are reliable. In spring and fall, topwater lures produce strikes in low light. For pike, step up to 20-pound braid and a medium-heavy rod—pike have sharp teeth and will cut through lighter line.

Live shiners work year-round for both species, especially in winter and summer when artificial lures slow down. You can catch shiners in the lake itself or bring them from a local bait shop. A small cast net near the launch area usually produces a few in minutes.

Regulations and Seasons

New Jersey side: Largemouth bass year-round with a 12-inch minimum and 5-fish daily limit. Northern pike March 1 through November 30, with a 24-inch minimum and 2-fish daily limit. New York side: Bass year-round (same limits as New Jersey), pike year-round with a 24-inch minimum and 2-fish daily limit.

A New Jersey fishing license covers the New Jersey side of the lake. If you launch from the New York side, you need a New York license. Both states offer short-term licenses (1-day, 7-day, annual) and can be purchased online or at tackle shops near the lake. Check the current regulations before you go—rules change and vary by state.

Getting There and Launching

Greenwood Lake State Park is on Waterwheel Road in West Milford, New Jersey, about 2 miles south of the lake's center. The launch fee is modest (varies by year), parking is ample, and the ramp is well-maintained. The northern launch near Warwick, New York, is smaller and quieter but has fewer amenities.

The lake can get crowded on weekends, especially in summer. Weekday mornings offer better conditions and fewer boats. Spring and fall weekdays are ideal—good fishing and solitude.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Greenwood Lake year-round?

Yes, the lake is open year-round for bass. Pike season in New Jersey runs March through November, but New York allows year-round pike fishing. Winter fishing is slow but legal on both sides.

What's the best time to catch pike?

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are when pike move shallow and feed aggressively. Summer and winter pike are deep and sluggish, making them difficult to target consistently.

Do I need a boat to fish Greenwood Lake?

A boat gives you access to the best structure and deeper water, but shore fishing is possible along the state park and at several public access points. The western shore has weed beds reachable from land, though a boat covers more water and finds fish faster.

What size bass and pike can I expect?

Largemouth bass typically run 1 to 3 pounds, with occasional fish to 5 pounds. Pike average 18 to 26 inches, with some reaching 30 inches or more. The lake is not known for trophy fish but offers solid numbers and consistent action.

Is there a tackle shop near the lake?

Several shops operate in West Milford and nearby towns, and most carry live bait, lures, and licenses. Ask at the state park launch for current recommendations—shops change and hours vary by season.