Oradell Reservoir, New Jersey: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Oradell Reservoir is a Bergen County water, New Jersey side. It sits 4.9 miles in from the sea. At 605 acres this is proper open water rather than a pond. Shoreline length is close to 7.9 miles, and each section fishes a little differently. It is among the larger waters listed here for Bergen County. Supplies mean a trip to Haworth, 0.9 miles off. Emerson follows at 1.4 miles, then Harrington Park at 1.4 miles. The county line runs close by, so rules can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Oradell Reservoir

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Across Bergen County, recorded fish include bluegill, pumpkinseed, brown trout, largemouth bass and common carp. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. On Oradell Reservoir that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 75°F at the top of summer and 30°F at the bottom of winter. A lid forms in a hard winter only. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. On Oradell Reservoir the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. The nearest car park we can see is half a mile out, so expect a walk with your gear. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Where parking is tight, arriving early solves most problems. Pascack Brook at 0.8 miles is the sensible second choice. Confirm access to Oradell Reservoir locally before you travel.