Lake Hopatcong

Lake fishing New Jersey · 05:54 - 20:15

Lake Hopatcong is a lake in New Jersey. Anglers here fish mainly for Bluegill, Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass.

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Good 62% The bite right now

Top bet: Bluegill Active through the day, water near its preferred 26 degrees.

Best day to fish

Tomorrow

77%

82°

Best day

Mon

76%

82°

Tue

76%

80°

Wed

73%

79°

Thu

75%

83°

Fri

72%

84°

The bite over the next days, scored at dusk. Based on the weather forecast, so it is guidance, not guarantees.

Conditions right now

Weather

Overcast

Water temp (est.)

78°F

Air temp

79°F

Wind

4 mph

Pressure

29.96 inHg ↓ falling

Clouds

97.0%

Water temperature is an estimate based on weather and season.

Updated 2026-08-01 17:03

Best times today

Dawn 05:09–07:09 Day 07:09–19:00 Dusk 19:00–21:00

Local time at the spot, from the most likely species' daily rhythm.

Feeding times today

Waning gibbous 91% lit

Major period 02:13–04:13 Major period 14:13–16:13 Minor period 20:44–22:14 Minor period 08:12–09:42

Solunar times are a traditional guide based on the moon's position, separate from the live ranking above. Local time at the spot.

Next hours

11:00

79°

12:00

80°

13:00

81°

14:00

82°

15:00

83°

16:00

82°

17:00

82°

18:00

81°

19:00

78°

20:00

75°

21:00

74°

22:00

72°

Likely catch now (17 species)

Bluegill

Lepomis macrochirus

62%

Active through the day, water near its preferred 26 degrees.

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Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

45%

Water near its preferred 26 degrees, overcast lifts the bite.

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Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

44%

Water near its preferred 26 degrees, overcast lifts the bite.

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Muskellunge

Esox masquinongy

42%

Water near its preferred 26 degrees, overcast lifts the bite.

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Channel Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

32%

Slow during the day, water near its preferred 26 degrees, peak season, overcast lifts the bite.

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White Bass

Morone chrysops

31%

Active through the day, off season, overcast lifts the bite.

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About the fishing here

Popular catches here include Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Muskellunge, Channel Catfish and White Bass.

Bluegill fishing is usually best around May-Jul. The best windows are usually dawn, day and dusk.

A state fishing license is required to fish here. Napp ranks the species above from the live weather, water temperature, season and time of day, so the order changes through the day.

Guides for this water

Tips right now

Technique Start with a float bait for bluegill, the most likely catch right now.

Timing This is a prime window for bluegill at the day. Fish hard now.

Colour Low light: try red, yellow and bright tags for bluegill.

Lure Float bait for bluegill: Worm under a float.

Depth The water temperature suits the fish. Fish actively at normal depths and edges.

Fishing permit

A state fishing license is required to fish here. Licenses are issued by each state:

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About this water

Lake Hopatcong is the largest freshwater body in New Jersey, United States, about 4 square miles (10 km2) in area. Located 30 miles (48 km) from the Delaware River and 40 miles (64 km) from Manhattan, New York City, the lake forms part of the border between Sussex and Morris counties in the state's northern highlands region.

Read more on Wikipedia →

Map

More waters nearby

Lake Musconetcong New Jersey · 4.1 mi away Musconetcong River New Jersey · 11.9 mi away Musconetcong River New Jersey · 12.1 mi away Musconetcong River New Jersey · 12.5 mi away Jersey City Reservoir No. 3 New Jersey · 33.5 mi away Little Island New York · 35.6 mi away Downtown Manhattan Heliport New York · 36.9 mi away Spuyten Duyvil Creek New York · 37.4 mi away

Common questions

What fish can you catch at Lake Hopatcong?

Popular catches here include Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Muskellunge, Channel Catfish, White Bass, Common Carp and Blue Catfish.

Do you need a fishing license at Lake Hopatcong?

Yes. A state fishing license is required; see the link on this page for the state's rules.

When is the best time to fish Lake Hopatcong?

Bluegill fishing is usually best around May-Jul. The best windows are usually dawn, day and dusk.

What is biting at Lake Hopatcong right now?

Right now Bluegill is the most likely catch, at about 33%.