Passaic River Pike Questions

[ALK11]

Hello everyone. I'm looking to catch my first northern pike sometime this week and trying to go out tomorrow. I figured the Passaic River would give me the best chance close to home. I've never been and have a few questions. First, I'd love it someone could recommend a publicly known location where I could bank fish? Not looking for anyone's secret spot and I understand if I get no responses to this question, but it was worth a shot. Second, is the river currently fishable? Not what the water conditions are and I don't know if the water level is too low or anything. Would I be able to wade it? Third, any recommendation for lures to use? I had planned on throwing a size 8 xrap and some 1/4 or 1/2 Oz inline spinners. Finally, I see there's some debate on leaders. I was planning on using an 18" 45 pound wire leader that I have from targeting bluefish, would that be viable? I know this is a lot of questions, but I'd appreciate any help you can give to this noob trying to catch his first pike.