8 Great Fishing Spots In Bergen County

Forget the playing cards—go fish! Get outside, soak up nature and vie for the catch of the day at these destinations.

No mantel is complete without a framed picture of Dad grinning with one of the kids and a fish at the end of a line. Fishing may be a typically fatherly pastime, but Dad often has a point. This is a great way to spend some time outside, take in the weather and the wildlife and enjoy an afternoon of quiet and companionship while you exercise that all-important virtue: patience.

If you want to take Dad on a fishing trip this Sunday or to celebrate National Go Fishing Day on June 18, check out some more of our favorite fishing spots all over Bergen (and don’t forget to pick up a New Jersey fishing license before you go!):

Cooper’s Pond Park: In Bergenfield, this small and scenic lake also has a gazebo and picnic tables. Carp and green sunfish are common catches here.

Dahnert’s Lake County Park: A walking and biking path loops this lake in Garfield, where you might catch catfish or rainbow trout.

Darlington Lake at Darlington County Park: This park covers 127 acers, and largemouth bass are usually biting. The views here are also fantastic—head over to one of the lookout points!

Englewood Boat Basin: Located in Englewood Cliffs, this Hudson River fishing spot will give you striped bass, bluefish, catfish and more. You’ll also get a stunning view of the NYC skyline.

Oradell Reservoir: Formed by the Oradell Dam on the Hackensack River, you’ll find both largemouth and smallmouth bass as well as northern pike in these waters.

Overpeck Creek: This Leonia/Ridgefield Park locale continues to offer the best in any outdoor leisure you may want. Take a canoe out on the water and cast a line for largemouth bass, catfish or carp tugging at your line.

Ramapo Lake: For an abundance of pickerel and yellow perch, try this lake in Oakland. You might get lucky and hook a bass and catfish too.

Ramapo River: Whether you access this body of water from Mahwah or Oakland, you’ll find something that bites—every spring, the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife stocks the river with rainbow trout and brown trout.

Are you casting a line this weekend in Bergen? Show us all your best catches on Instagram @bergenmagnj.