Lake Hopatcong

Photos

Overview

Lake Hopatcong is New Jersey's largest freshwater lake, at about 4 square miles, in the state's northern Highlands on the Sussex–Morris county line, about 40 miles from Manhattan. The lake took its current shape when dams in 1750 and 1831 joined the Great Pond and Little Pond. The 1831 dam was built so the lake could feed the Morris Canal. Once a grand resort destination for New Yorkers, it's now mostly a residential lake that stays busy with boaters and anglers all summer.

Fishing

Lake Hopatcong arguably has the greatest variety of gamefish of any New Jersey water, with the probable exception of the Delaware River. NJ Fish & Wildlife stocks it with trout each spring; the NJ State Park Service lists brown, rainbow and brook trout. Stocked hybrid striped bass, walleye and, more recently, muskellunge are now thriving, and abundant alewife herring are the main forage.

Species

Largemouth and smallmouth bass, hybrid striped bass, walleye, muskellunge, rainbow trout (stocked), yellow and white perch, chain pickerel, black crappie, bluegill, sunfish, rock bass, channel catfish, bullhead, carp and American eel.

Techniques

Alewife herring are the lake's main forage, so herring-imitating lures make a logical starting point for predators like hybrids, walleye and bass.

Seasons

NJ Fish & Wildlife stocks trout in spring. The NJ State Park Service describes the lake as offering excellent year-round fishing, including ice fishing for perch and pickerel in winter.

Regulations

New Jersey Fish & Wildlife freshwater seasons and size limits apply: https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/fishing/freshwater/freshwater-fishing-seasons-and-sizes/. Confirm current limits before you fish.

Licensing

A New Jersey fishing license is required for most anglers. Check NJ Fish & Wildlife for current license requirements.

Access

Hopatcong State Park, at the lake's south end in Landing, has the public boat launch. The park gate is open 8am–8pm daily, and the boat launch closes an hour before the gate. Launch fees are $12 for NJ residents and $20 for non-residents from April 1 to the Friday before Memorial Day, and from the day after Labor Day to Oct. 31. Pay at the park office or drop box. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, vehicles with boat trailers pay a doubled oversized-vehicle entry fee instead. Nearby Lake Musconetcong also has a state boat ramp.

Boat ramps & launches

Hopatcong State Park boat launch (NJ State Park Service, Landing).

Marinas & rentals

The NJ State Park Service notes that boats are available to rent at many private marinas around the lake.

Amenities

Hopatcong State Park has swimming, a large picnic area with grills, volleyball and basketball courts, a soccer field and a playground. It is a no-hunting area.

Activities

Boating of all kinds (canoes, motorboats, sailboats, personal watercraft), swimming, fishing, kayaking and picnicking at Hopatcong State Park.

Ice fishing

The NJ State Park Service notes excellent ice fishing for perch and pickerel in winter. Never assume ice is safe. Check thickness yourself and follow local guidance.

Water facts

Area about 4 sq mi (10 km²); shoreline about 70 km (USGS NHD); elevation more than 900 ft. Outlet: Musconetcong River. Borders Sussex and Morris counties.

Safety & advisories

Black bears live throughout the area, so don't feed or approach them. To report an aggressive bear, call 1-877-WARN-DEP. Wear a PFD and expect heavy boat traffic in summer.

Nearby waters

• Mt. Hope Pond · 7.7 km (NJ)
• Black River Pond · 9.6 km (NJ)
• Lake Aeroflex · 11.1 km (NJ)
• Wallkill River · 16.8 km (NJ)
• Black River · 22.4 km (NJ)
• Rockaway River · 28.1 km (NJ)

More in Sussex

• Pequest River (NJ)
• Paulins Kill (NJ)