Fishing Spruce Run Reservoir, NJ

AKA: Spruce Run Lake

Boat and bank fishing

Last updated on February 6, 2026.

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Spruce Run Reservoir, NJ

Popular Fish Species

Largemouth Bass

Spruce Run Reservoir continues to deliver great largemouth bass fishing. Currently, largemouth bass are thriving due to fertile water, and plenty of cover for both baitfish and bass. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and 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 on deeper structure. Once the lake ices over, it's a good time to pursue other species.

Northern Pike

Northern pike are voracious feeders, and they have the tools necessary to catch and eat pretty much any food source in the lake. Northerns are very agile and powerful, plus they have big mouths with very sharp teeth. They are currently thriving in the cool waters of Spruce Run Reservoir. This year they are being caught in good quantity and some occasional big sizes. April and May are the best months of the year for northern pike fishing. Summer is spotty but pike can be caught all summer long. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into October. Large, flashy lures that mimic the bait which they prey on, are great lures for northerns. Effective lures include spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, particularly those with bright colors or metallic finishes to attract the pike's attention. Additionally, big flies, soft plastic swimbaits and jerkbaits can be successful, especially when retrieved erratically to mimic wounded prey. Trolling along weed edges can often entice strikes. When the lake has safe ice in winter, ice fishing for northern pike can be quite thrilling. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find northern pike holding during summer. Portable fish finders can also be a big help.

Channel Catfish

This year a healthy population of channel cats reside in the waters of Spruce Run Reservoir. They can be found all around the lake. Fishing for channel catfish is often productive around any kind of structure. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with worms, minnows or prepared catfish baits.

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Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, hybrid striped bass and northern pike at Spruce Run Reservoir in New Jersey.

Spruce Run Reservoir is a 1,290-acre lake in the northwest part of the state. This body of water is surrounded by about 15 miles of shoreline.

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