Fishing Lake Hopatcong

AKA: Hopatcong Reservoir

Most Popular Fish
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Lake Hopatcong Fishing Video
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Lake Hopatcong, NJ

Popular Fish Species Lake Hopatcong, NJ

Hybrid Striped Bass

Hybrid striped bass, also known as wipers, are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Lake Hopatcong. Hybrids travel in large schools, and grow to bragging size. As a hybrid of striped bass and white bass, they have great potential for spawning massive numbers and growing to large sizes. Fishing for hybrid stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and schools of hybrid striped bass are likely to be in the area. Fish finders improve your odds of locating both bait and wipers. Live bait is very very effective here, and these chubby fish can be caught year round.

Walleye

Thanks to good fisheries management by the NJDEP, New Jersey Fish and Wildlife, a healthy population of fat walleye are thriving in the waters of Lake Hopatcong again this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower and closer to shore. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, staying close by schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

Largemouth Bass

Fishing in Lake Hopatcong for largemouth bass has been good in recent years, and continues to improve. Lately the fishing has been better than usual. Big bass are thriving in Lake Hopatcong due to excellent fisheries management and plenty of cover for both baitfish and bass. When the bite is good, bass are typically shallow and aggressive. If you find them shallow and they are not tempted to bite, slow down and use smaller, lighter baits. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm Fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time fishing Lake Hopatcong on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Smallmouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, bluegill, yellow perch, hybrid striped bass, chain pickerel, muskie and tiger muskie at Lake Hopatcong in New Jersey.

Lined with boat docks and brush, Lake Hopatcong offers plenty of cover for baitfish and the wide variety of fish species residing here. The 2,700-acre lake, with over 45 miles of shoreline, is located in the north-central part of the state, at Hopatcong.

Lake Hopatcong, located in northern New Jersey, is one of the state's premier fishing destinations, known for its excellent fishing opportunities, scenic beauty, and recreational activities. With its expansive size and diverse habitat, Lake Hopatcong attracts anglers of all skill levels.

Lake Hopatcong is renowned for its vibrant bass fishery, making it a popular spot for bass fishing enthusiasts. Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are the primary targets for many anglers. The lake's structure, including weed beds, docks, and rocky areas, provides ideal habitat for bass, offering numerous opportunities for anglers to hook into these prized gamefish.

In addition to bass, Lake Hopatcong supports a variety of other fish species. Anglers can also find walleye, hybrid striped bass, pickerel, muskellunge, and several panfish species, including crappie, perch, and sunfish. The lake's diverse fishery ensures that anglers have plenty of options and a chance to reel in a variety of fish.

Lake Hopatcong's central location and recreational offerings make it a popular destination for both local anglers and visitors. Its proximity to surrounding towns also provides easy access to amenities such as restaurants, bait shops, and lodging options.

Anglers visiting Lake Hopatcong should familiarize themselves with the fishing regulations and license requirements set by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to ensure compliance with state guidelines.

Overall, Lake Hopatcong offers a combination of exceptional fishing opportunities, scenic beauty, and recreational activities. Whether you're targeting bass, exploring the lake by boat, or enjoying the nearby camping facilities, Lake Hopatcong provides a memorable experience for anglers seeking adventure and relaxation in the heart of New Jersey.

Once the ice melts in spring, fishing is off to the races. Trout stocking begins and everyone grabs a rod and reel. The lake is home to trout, bass, muskie, pike, walleye, striped bass, catfish and sunfish. Bring a boat and launch at one of several boat ramps, or rent a boat from area boat rental services. A campground is less than five miles from the lake, numerous marinas are scattered around the lake, and there are bars and restaurants accessible from the water.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Hopatcong

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Hopatcong Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Lake Hopatcong, with many anglers taking to the water to explore its vast expanse and find their favorite fishing spots. The lake is well-suited for various boating activities, including motorized boats, kayaks, and canoes. Anglers can navigate the lake's many coves, channels, and open waters to access prime fishing locations.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Bridge Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
973 663-1976

Lake's End Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, pontoon boats, canoes and kayaks
973 398-5707

Lakeview Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats and kayaks
973 663-2935

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Hopatcong State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off Lakeside Blvd, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Hopatcong Street Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Lakeside Avenue, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with limited parking.

Marinas

Bridge Marina
89 Brady Road
Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849
973 663-1976

Flash Watersports & Marina
155 State Route 181
Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849
973 663-7990

Katz's Marina
2 Thompson Lane
Andover, NJ 07821
973 663-3214

Lake's End Marina
91 Mt. Arlington Blvd
Landing, NJ 07850
973 398-5707

Lakeview Marina
2 South Beach Rd
Lake Hopatcong
973 663-2935

Lee's County Park Marina
443 Howard Blvd
Mt Arlington, NJ 07856
973 398-5199

Fishing Guides On Lake Hopatcong

Lake Hopatcong Guide Service - hybrid striped bass

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Lake Hopatcong Fishing Video

Fishing License

Click here for a New Jersey Fishing License.

While camping is not available directly on Lake Hopatcong, there are nearby camping facilities within a short drive, allowing anglers to extend their fishing trips and immerse themselves in the outdoor experience. These campgrounds provide convenient access to the lake and offer amenities such as campsites, picnic areas, and hiking trails, enhancing the overall fishing and camping experience.