Fishing at Franklin Lake, Bergen County, New Jersey

• Overview

  Franklin Lake stands in Bergen County, New Jersey. Everything around it is open valley. It runs to roughly 96 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. Around 1.4 miles of margin, front to back. Size puts it in the front rank of our Bergen County list. The closest town, Franklin Lakes, is 2.1 miles distant. Oakland follows at 2.8 miles, then Wyckoff at 2.9 miles. This one sits near enough to a boundary to be worth checking.

• Where to Fish on Franklin Lake

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Open biodiversity records for Bergen County list bluegill, pumpkinseed, brown trout, largemouth bass and common carp. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. Treat Franklin Lake as a water to read rather than to cover.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 28°F and July at about 74°F, the water has a wide range to work through. The year gives four workable seasons without severe ends. Hard water here is never dependable, so check for yourself before stepping out. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. The season on Franklin Lake rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. The nearest car park is half a mile from the water. This sits inside Franklin Swamp, so read the reserve notices first. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. If the gate is shut, Upper Blauvelt Lake at 1 mile is the nearest alternative. The position on Franklin Lake is worth confirming on the day.