What You'll Find at Upper Greenwood Lake

Upper Greenwood Lake is a 595-acre impoundment that holds some of the most consistent largemouth bass and pike fishing in West Milford. The lake sits at the northern end of the Greenwood Lake chain and draws anglers year-round because the water stays relatively clean and the structure—drop-offs, weed beds, and rocky points—holds fish in predictable places. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but summer evenings and winter ice fishing both produce when you know where to look.

The lake's depth varies from shallow coves on the western shore to a main basin that drops to around 70 feet. That variation matters: bass move between shallow feeding zones and deeper structure as the season changes, and pike follow the same patterns. Unlike some New Jersey lakes that get choked with weeds by midsummer, Upper Greenwood stays navigable, which means you can actually reach the fish instead of fighting vegetation.

Key Takeaways

  • Upper Greenwood Lake holds largemouth bass and pike year-round, with spring and fall offering the most consistent action.
  • The lake has public boat launch access at the north end near the dam, with parking and a small fee.
  • Rocky points and drop-offs on the eastern shore and the main basin hold bass and pike in deeper water during summer and winter.
  • Shallow coves and weed edges on the western shore produce in spring and fall when bass move shallow to feed.
  • A New Jersey fishing license is required; the lake is open year-round, including ice fishing when conditions allow.

Access and Launch Information

The public boat launch sits at the north end of Upper Greenwood Lake, near the dam. There is a parking area with space for roughly 20 vehicles and a gravel ramp that handles small to medium boats without issue. The launch is maintained by the West Milford Parks Department, and there is a small daily fee—check current rates with the township office, as they change periodically.

If you fish from shore, the best public access is along Greenwood Lake Road on the western side, where a few pull-offs allow you to walk down to the water. The eastern shore is mostly private property, so stick to the road-accessible areas. Bank fishing works best in spring and fall when bass move into shallower water near the shoreline.

Spring and Fall: Peak Bass and Pike Season

Spring (April through May) is when Upper Greenwood Lake fishes easiest. Bass move out of deeper winter holes and hunt in shallow coves and along weed edges. Throw crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater lures along the western shore and around any visible structure. Pike are also active in spring and will chase larger baits and flashy lures—spinnerbaits and swimbaits work well if you want to target them specifically.

Fall (September through October) mirrors spring in many ways. Water cools, bass become aggressive again, and they move back into the shallows to feed before winter. The same shallow-water tactics that worked in spring will work here. Pike fishing can be exceptional in fall because the water temperature triggers feeding binges. If you have a boat, work the transition zones where shallow coves meet deeper water—that's where bass and pike stage before moving to their winter depths.

Summer and Winter: Deeper Water and Patience

Summer fishing requires a shift in thinking. Bass and pike move deeper to find cooler water, typically settling around the 20- to 40-foot range depending on the day. Fish the rocky points on the eastern shore and the main basin drop-offs. Early morning and evening produce better than midday because fish move shallower to feed when light is low. Jigging, drop-shotting, and live bait (shiners or shad) work better than topwater in summer.

Winter ice fishing is possible when the lake freezes solid enough to walk on safely—usually mid-December through February, though ice thickness varies year to year. Pike and largemouth bass remain active under the ice, and many anglers have success jigging small spoons and live shiners in 15 to 30 feet of water. Check ice thickness before venturing out, and never fish alone. The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife posts ice safety guidelines each season.

Structure and Where Bass and Pike Hold

Upper Greenwood Lake's best fishing spots are not random. The eastern shore has a series of rocky points that drop into the main basin—these are prime pike territory because pike hunt along structure edges. The western shore has shallow coves and weed beds that hold bass, especially in spring and fall. The northern end near the dam has a deeper channel that connects to Lower Greenwood Lake; this transition zone holds both species year-round.

If you have a depth finder, look for the 15- to 25-foot range where the lake bottom transitions from shallow to deep. That's where bass and pike stage between feeding and resting. Weed beds are less of a problem here than on other New Jersey lakes, but when they do appear (usually by mid-July), they concentrate fish. Work the edges rather than trying to fish through the weeds themselves.

Tackle and Bait That Works

For largemouth bass, bring crankbaits (shallow and medium-diving), soft plastics (4- to 6-inch worms and crawfish), topwater plugs, and spinnerbaits. In spring and fall, focus on shallow-water presentations. In summer, switch to jigging and drop-shotting in deeper water. Live shiners work year-round if you want to keep things simple.

Pike fishing here benefits from larger lures and baits. Spinnerbaits with willow or Colorado blades, swimbaits (6 to 8 inches), and large crankbaits all draw strikes. If you want to target pike specifically, use live shiners or herring on a simple rig with a wire leader—pike have sharp teeth and will cut through regular line. Fall and spring are best, but pike feed sporadically year-round, so don't rule them out in summer or winter.

Regulations and What You Need to Know

A valid New Jersey fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. Licenses are available through the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website or at local sporting goods stores. Upper Greenwood Lake is open year-round for fishing, including ice fishing when conditions permit.

Largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum size limit and a daily catch limit of five fish. Pike have a 24-inch minimum size limit and a daily limit of two fish. These regulations can change, so check the current New Jersey fishing digest before you go. The lake is part of the Greenwood Lake chain, which is managed as a single fishery, so regulations apply to both Upper and Lower Greenwood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Upper Greenwood Lake from shore?

Yes, but access is limited. The western shore has a few pull-offs along Greenwood Lake Road where you can walk to the water. Bank fishing works best in spring and fall when bass move shallow. The eastern shore is mostly private property, so stick to public areas.

What's the best time of year to fish here?

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are peak seasons because bass and pike move into shallow water and feed aggressively. Summer and winter are slower but still fishable if you adjust your tactics to deeper water and slower presentations.

Do I need a boat to fish Upper Greenwood Lake?

A boat helps you reach deeper structure and cover more water, especially in summer and winter. Shore fishing works in spring and fall, but you'll be limited to shallow coves and points you can reach from the bank.

Is there a size limit on bass and pike?

Yes. Largemouth bass must be at least 12 inches; pike must be at least 24 inches. Daily limits are five bass and two pike. Check the current New Jersey fishing digest to confirm these regulations haven't changed.

Can I ice fish Upper Greenwood Lake?

Yes, when the lake freezes solid enough to walk on safely—usually mid-December through February. Always check ice thickness before going out, and never fish alone. Pike and largemouth bass remain active under the ice.