Wild Duck Pond Fishing in Bergen County, New Jersey

• Overview

  The Bergen County end of New Jersey holds Wild Duck Pond. Height above sea level is 82 feet. About 3 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. The closest town, Ridgewood, is 1.2 miles distant. It is 5.6 miles to Paterson, the nearest city. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here. It sits far enough from the road to feel away from things.

• Where to Fish on Wild Duck Pond

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Reported across Bergen County: bluegill, pumpkinseed and brown trout. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. The shape of Wild Duck Pond rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 75°F and January at 29°F. The freeze here is occasional rather than annual. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. The hot months push the fishing to dawn and dusk. Wild Duck Pond runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. Public data has parking about 90 yards from the shore. There is a toilet block some 140 yards out. North Road Park runs up to the bank here, which usually means extra restrictions. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Failing this one, try Schlegel Lake, 2.1 miles away. Check the position on Wild Duck Pond before loading the car.