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New Jersey · Fishing
Mahwah sits in the northern corner of New Jersey where the Ramapo Mountains push up against the New York state line, and the fishing here reflects that geography.
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Mahwah sits in the northern corner of New Jersey where the Ramapo Mountains push up against the New York state line, and the fishing here reflects that geography. The Ramapo River runs through town at around 280 feet elevation, offering accessible bank and wade fishing for rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass along the Mahwah Access stretch. It is a straightforward entry point — rated easy for access — which makes it practical for anglers who want moving water without committing to a technical wade. Beyond the river, Mahwah has three lake options: Lake Vreeland, Meyers Lakes, and Bear Swamp Lake, each offering still-water fishing that tends to suit a different pace and style than the Ramapo. The area draws a mix of trout anglers in the spring stocking season and bass fishermen through the warmer months, so what you target largely depends on when you show up. None of the waters here carry a gold-medal or wild-trout designation, but for a suburban New Jersey location, the variety across four distinct fisheries in one town is genuinely useful for a day trip or weekend visit.
The Ramapo River at the Mahwah Access holds rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass. The three lakes — Lake Vreeland, Meyers Lakes, and Bear Swamp Lake — are lake fisheries, and bass are a reasonable expectation, though the specific species mix at each lake is not detailed in current listings.
Yes. New Jersey requires a valid state fishing license for anyone 16 and older fishing in fresh water. If you plan to keep trout, you also need a separate trout stamp. Pick both up through the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife before your trip.
Bear Swamp Lake
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NJ.
Ramapo River - Mahwah Access
~3 min drive
Easy
Monksville Reservoir
~12 min drive
Moderate
Lake Vreeland
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NJ.
Meyers Lakes
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NJ.
Van Gelders Pond
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NJ.
Upper Erskine Lake
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NJ.
Cupsaw Lake
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NJ.
Potash Lake
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NJ.
Upper Blauvelt Lake
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NJ.
Whites Lake
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NJ.
Rambaut Lake
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NJ.
Spring is the most productive window for trout, coinciding with New Jersey's stocking program on the Ramapo River. Smallmouth and largemouth bass fishing picks up from late spring through early fall when water temperatures are warmer. Summer midday heat can push fish into slower, deeper water, so early morning and evening hours tend to produce better results.
The Ramapo River Mahwah Access is rated easy, meaning you do not need technical gear or significant hiking to reach the water. It is a practical option for beginners, older anglers, or anyone bringing kids along for the day.
For the Ramapo River, a light to medium spinning rod works well for both trout and bass. Waders are useful but not required given the easy access rating. For the lakes, a basic bass setup with soft plastics or spinners covers most situations. Bring a New Jersey-legal landing net if you plan to practice catch and release on trout.
