New Jersey might not be known for trophy bass, with a state record of just 10 pounds set over 40 years ago.
But after consulting with local pros and doing extensive research, I’ve compiled a list of lakes and ponds, including some hidden gems, where you can consistently land bass.
Last updated: January 15th, 2025
1. Monksville Reservoir
One of my favorites, the Monksville Reservoir is a part of Long Pond Ironworks State Park in West Milford, offering 505 acres of prime bass fishing waters. With 8 miles of forest-lined shores, it provides a peaceful escape while still being accessible from NYC.
You can fish effectively from the shore or launch canoes or kayaks – either way, you’ll have access to healthy populations of both largemouth and smallmouth bass, plus walleye.
The shoreline features plenty of shallow coves where aquatic vegetation and submerged timber create perfect bass habitat.
Local anglers report consistent success using spinnerbaits and buzzbaits around the weed beds in shallow water.
2. Union Lake
At 898 acres, Union Lake stands out as Millville’s largest freshwater lake, and every local angler I’ve talked to ranks it among South Jersey’s premier bass fishing destinations.
The lake’s stellar largemouth bass population is no accident. Thanks to extensive stocking efforts over the past decade, most largemouth here measure over 12 inches, with average catch rates per hour being off-the-charts.
The smallmouth bass fishing holds its own as well.
What I particularly like about Union Lake is its year-round fishing potential. You can use spinnerbaits and lipless crankbaits in the shallow flats sheltering the pre-spawn bass in early spring.
During summer, use Texas-rigged worms in the drop-offs holding deep-water bass.
The lake is a popular location for sailboats, and canoes and kayaks are common too.
3. Salem Canal
Many tournament pros agree that Salem Canal is New Jersey’s top bass fishing destination – and for good reason.
This 12-mile stretch of dammed water in Salem County, branching off from the Delaware River, offers a productive bass habitat.
The shallow canal bed includes marshy banks, submerged vegetation, and felled tree stumps which create a hotbed of largemouth action. There have also been reports of trophy bass being caught in the canal in late fall and early spring.
One important point that I read: the water in the canal is stained and the visibility is low.
In such conditions, locals say that spinnerbaits and square bill crankbaits, along with plastic worms in black or green pumpkin shades are the most effective.
On the downside, the water contains various submerged obstructions and the canal width can narrow down to 30 feet at times. So, it’s best to get help from local anglers before launching a boat.
4. Lake Mercer
Lake Mercer is a pristine 365-acre man-made lake nestled in Mercer County Park, just 3.5 miles from Princeton Junction.
With some of the cleanest waters in New Jersey, it’s a standout destination for local anglers.
The lake’s claim to fame is its thriving largemouth bass population, with specimens typically averaging around 5 pounds.
Beyond bass, the waters teem with diverse species including muskie, sunfish, catfish, panfish, and rock bass.
The high density of gizzard shad in the lake is a major reason for its popularity as a freshwater fishing destination.
You can take advantage of the brushy shoreline for bank fishing, or opt for boats and canoes to access deeper waters.
Note: Major portions of the lake are marked with floats for rowing courses. So, pick your spot accordingly.
5. Assunpink Lake
Assunpink Lake is a 225-acre freshwater gem nestled within the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area in Monmouth County.
The area actually offers triple the fishing opportunities, as anglers can also explore two additional connected waters – Stone Tavern Lake and Rising Sun Lake.
Despite its relatively shallow depth, Assunpink lake offers plenty of open water areas that consistently produce quality bass.
The numbers back this up too – Fish and Wildlife surveys show steady improvements in catch rates since 2016, with over 80% of bass now measuring more than 12 inches.
One of the lake’s most productive areas is the vegetation-rich backwater section, where surface baits have proven especially effective. Local anglers mention finding success working plastic worms near the streambed during spring and fall migrations.
Beyond bass, the lake supports healthy populations of crappie and channel catfish.
6. Merrill Creek Reservoir
The Merrill Creek Reservoir is a 650-acre artificial lake surrounded by protected woodlands. The tranquil setting is located in central Warren County and is a popular fishing and camping destination.
Apart from smallmouth and largemouth bass, the waters also contain striped bass and a huge population of rainbow trout. But the area can get windy, so you may want to avoid heading to open waters in the middle of the lake.
Instead, locals suggest heading towards the stands of flooded timber where largemouth as heavy as 8 pounds and stripers are found.
In summer, I’ve read that using crankbaits and Senko worms can be effective.
Plenty of smallmouths are found around the rock beds. Use jigs with a moderate retrieve speed in these spots for the best results.
7. Round Valley Reservoir
Located in the Clinton Township in Hunterdon County, the Round Valley Reservoir has a surface area of around 2300 acres. The clear blue waters are surrounded by the ridges of Cushetunk Mountain, creating a fascinating scenery.
While the cold waters are a perfect habitat for the big lake trout, fishing opportunities for largemouth bass are excellent too.
The largemouth found are mostly of average size, but a recent survey also found a monster bass measuring 23.11 inches.
In summer, you may want to use a Texas-rig or a dropshot rig in the grass beds along the bank. Since the water remains clear, sight fishing for largemouth bass in the shallows is also possible.
Overall, the reservoir is a perfect destination for a multi-day fishing trip, and for exploring the Round Valley Recreation Area.
Note: There are chances of sudden storms arising from Cushetunk Ridge. So, check the weather before you make a plan.
8. Farrington Lake
Farrington Lake in Middlesex County is an often-overlooked bass fishing destination that deserves more attention.
Despite its proximity to New Jersey’s urban areas, this hidden gem harbors an impressive bass population, with local anglers reporting frequent catches in the double-digit range.
With an average depth of 6 feet, this shallow lake is particularly well-suited for bank fishing thanks to its accessible shoreline.
While predominantly a shore fishing spot, you can still launch canoes or kayaks through gaps in the vegetation.
The lake really comes alive in late spring when aquatic vegetation blankets much of the lake bed. During this period, topwater lures consistently attract largemouth bass in the 3-5 pound range.
As an added bonus, the lake receives regular trout stockings each spring.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can you catch bass in NJ?
There’s plenty of activity in NJ bass fishing ponds year-round, even though winter isn’t the ideal time.
Most fishermen prefer to hunt for bass in the lakes during the summer when the weather is more favorable.
However, some anglers mention that late fall and spring are the best seasons for bass.
Can you eat largemouth bass in NJ?
The consumption of largemouth bass in NJ should be based on the recommendations of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey Department
of Health.
There is a water body-specific advisory that limits the consumption of largemouth to reduce exposure to harmful chemical contaminants.
Where are the biggest bass in NJ?
Truth is, NJ isn’t the best destination for trophy bass. However, Union Lake, Assunpink Lake, Monksville Reservoir, and Manasquan Reservoir are some of the best fishing spots for big bass.
Final Thoughts
Admittedly, New Jersey isn’t an attractive largemouth bass spot compared to California or Georgia. But that doesn’t mean you should count it out.
With hundreds of lakes and reservoirs containing crowds of fish, there are plenty of opportunities to get bass biting in New Jersey.
In addition, there are miles of rivers and streams with easy access.
Besides, there are scenic campsites for the family, where you can grill your catch at the end of a long day of fishing.
In case you decide to go, do not forget to read our New Jersey Fishing License guide.
What is your favorite destination for bass fishing in New Jersey? Let me know in the comments!
