Fishing Spruce Run Reservoir
AKA: Spruce Run Lake
Popular Fish Species Spruce Run Reservoir, NJ
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Spruce Run Reservoir continues to deliver great catches of largemouth bass anglers, again this year. Results by locals, and many bass fishing tournaments, attest that fishing for largemouth bass has been as good as advertised. A significant number of large bass also roam these waters for the added bonus of a potential lunker. Thorough fisheries management by the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife has maintained a quality bass fishery for some time now. Generally speaking, when the bite is good bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive. Any time you find them shallow and they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. 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 Spruce Run Reservoir on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Fishing for largemouth bass is good here is year round. Even in winter when the lake freezes over, bass can be caught while ice fishing. Smallmouth bass also reside here in good numbers.
Black Crappie Fishing
Black crappie reside in good numbers throughout Spruce Run Reservoir, and they are averaging a very good size this year. Crappie fishing is excellent and they are running in sizeable schools. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a nice bunch of crappie.
Channel Catfish Fishing
Spruce Run Reservoir, again this year, supports a healthy population of channel catfish. In Spring channel these cats migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. Night fishing for channel catfish often delivers better results than fishing during the day. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Fishing for channel catfish is often productive around any kind of structure in the area. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, bluegill, hybrid striped bass and northern pike at Spruce Run Reservoir in New Jersey.
Spruce Run Reservoir Fishing Video
Featuring great fishing for hybrid striped bass, northern pike and big bass, Spruce Run Reservoir is a 1,300-acre lake in the northwest part of the state. Spruce Run Boat Ramp allows launching of all types of boats.
Spruce Run Reservoir, located in northwestern New Jersey, is a popular destination for anglers seeking a productive and enjoyable fishing experience. The reservoir offers a diverse fishery, picturesque scenery, and a range of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy.
One of the most sought-after fish species at Spruce Run Reservoir is the hybrid striped bass. Known for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights, hybrid stripers provide anglers with an exhilarating fishing experience. The reservoir is regularly stocked with hybrid stripers, ensuring ample opportunities for anglers to hook into these hard-fighting fish.
In addition to hybrid stripers, Spruce Run Reservoir is home to other popular sportfish such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, and muskellunge. Anglers targeting bass can find success near submerged structures, weed beds, and rocky areas, while those pursuing walleye and muskellunge can focus their efforts near deeper sections of the reservoir.
Anglers visiting Spruce Run Reservoir 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, Spruce Run Reservoir offers a rewarding fishing experience with its diverse fishery and scenic landscape. Whether you're targeting hybrid stripers, exploring the reservoir by boat, or enjoying the camping facilities, Spruce Run Reservoir provides anglers with a memorable and enjoyable fishing adventure in the heart of New Jersey.
The lake has a boat-motor limit of 9.9 horsepower, so canoes, kayaks, row boats and electric-motor watercraft are ideal here. Bass, bluegill and pike anglers can cruise the 15 miles of shoreline in search of their favorite fish species. Hybrid stripers tend to school in the deeper parts of the lake, often following schools of baitfish. Visitors can rent rowboats, canoes, sailboats and motor boats for a day at the Spruce Run Boat Rental. Kayak Launch State Park allows portage of non-powered boats.
Primary fish species residing in Spruce Run Reservoir
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Spruce Run Reservoir Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is allowed on Spruce Run Reservoir, providing anglers with the opportunity to explore the expansive water body and access prime fishing locations. Anglers can bring their own boats or rent them from the onsite boat rental facility. The reservoir permits both motorized and non-motorized boats.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Flatwater Paddle at Spruce Run Boathouse
Rentals: Fishing boats, kayaks and pontoon boats
908 455-9101
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Spruce Run Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, north side, off Van Syckles Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Spruce Run Reservoir
Fish & Wildlife, List of NJ Fishing Guides
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a New Jersey Fishing License.
Camping facilities are available at Spruce Run Recreation Area, offering campsites, picnic areas, and hiking trails. This allows anglers to extend their fishing trips and immerse themselves in the outdoor experience while enjoying the beauty of the reservoir and its surroundings.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Spruce Run Recreation Area Campground - 908 638-8572
Camp Dill Campground - 908 638-6104
Jugtown Mountain Campsites - 908 735-5995
Spruce Run Reservoir NJ Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Spruce Run Reservoir
Spruce Run Recreation Area
68 Van Syckles Rd
Clinton, NJ 08809
908 638-8572
Fishing lakes in each state.
062324
Spruce Run Reservoir in NJ
NEW JERSEY
Fishing for hybrid striped bass and northern pike in northwest NJ.
