Raritan river trout fishing Edison, NJ 08837 1:00 The Epicenter of Dry Fly Fishing – The Missouri River – Craig DeMark The upper South Branch also has some excellent trout fishing. Nov 15, 2013 · Perhaps no length of river for fly fishing in New Jersey is as mysterious as the Claremont section of the South Branch Raritan. Speaking of trout, if you have kids or grandkids, bring them to Spring Lake this Saturday morning at 9:30 to help the Shark River Surf Anglers stock the lake with hundreds of rainbow, brook, brown and golden trout. Note that, fishing is not permitted on Seasonal Trout Conservation Areas from 12:01 a. I grew up in New Jersey and my early fishing exploits were focused on surf fishing for striped bass (stripers) near Toms River. The best thing about fly fishing in New Jersey is the variety of experiences you have to choose from. Dec 9, 2024 · South Branch Raritan River. 512) to Bank St. New Jersey may not be a state you typically think of for fly fishing, but it actually has a lot to offer in terms of locations and fish species. fantastic wild Brown Trout fishing opportunities. The Raritan River cuts across the northern part of New Jersey with Staten Island just across the New York border to the northeast. 2) The South Branch of the Raritan River flows through Ken Lockwood Gorge. Fishing poles in hand, they cross the intersection of Routes 512 and 202 in Far Hills. 202, just South of Milltown, turn onto Old York Rd (Rt. In other words, fishing is prohibited between March 18, 2024, and April 6, 2024, for all Trout-stocked streams such as Hakihohake Creek, Lopatcong Creek, Pophandusing Creek, and the Raritan and Saddle Rivers. If you're a fly fisherman in New Jersey, the Ken Lockwood Gorge is a must-visit destination. Species. Round Valley and Merrill Creek Reservoirs (Trophy Trout Lakes) are open to year-round fishing; trout may be harvested within the Oct 24, 2024 · You can access the Raritan river at Duke Island Park. Holdover Trout Lakes (see pages 19–21) are also open to fishing, but are catch-and-release only for trout. After catching a 15-inch wild brown in November 2022, below U. on April 11 (the official Opening Day of Trout Season), at which time trout can be harvested within established regulations, including a creel limit of six trout per day where allowed. It will be a great opportunity to fish one of the premier fly-fishing stretches of river in New Jersey with your fellow EJTU members. Throughout the entire river though, rainbow, brook, and brown trout can be found. All trout stocked will be Rainbow Trout only. Duke park in Manville. One of the popular spots for fly fishing is just below the small town of Califon in a 2. The South Branch Raritan River is one of the most popular trout fishing destinations in NJ. 7K In some areas, wild brown, brook, and rainbow trout inhabit the river. on April 6, 2024. Raritan River. These fish will be stocked in the South Branch of the Raritan River between the Red Mill Dam in Clinton Township and the confluence with the North Branch of the Raritan River. 15 (Trout caught at other times must be released immediately. , several small pull-off areas along Vernoy Rd. Oct 21, 2024 · These fish will be stocked in the South Branch of the Raritan River between the Red Mill Dam in Clinton Township and the confluence with the North Branch of the Raritan River. Fly Fishing Techniques For Raritan River Successful fly fishing in these waters often calls for a few tried-and-true techniques. If you enjoyed the A New Jersey State fishing license is required for all freshwater fishing (ages 16 through 69) in all Middlesex County Parks and a trout stamp is also required when fishing for trout. on April 11 and the season will re-open at the legal time of 8:00 a. Daily Limit. Almost year round, the cool, […] Mar 18, 2025 · Raritan River S/B: Lebanon: Vernoy Rd. A 50-mile tributary of the Raritan River proper, the South Branch Raritan River is a unique trout stream that offers a very different experience depending on which part of the river you fish. Find out where the action is, what the water conditions are and everything you need for a successful day on the water! Waters that stay cool enough for trout to survive year-round (the Pequest, Mus-conetcong, and Toms rivers, for example) are per-fect candidates for trout stocking. Work on your fly fishing skills or find a family-friendly trout fishing spot to take the kids. Rt. They start in March. As the river widens and warms, trout are replaced by smallmouth bass, sunfish, carp, and other species. All trout species. 5-mile stretch of the South Branch of the Raritan River is a stunningly beautiful natural area that is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Morning of 6/17/23Thank you for watching! I greatly appreciate each and every one of you. The river is home to a variety of popular fish species, including the prized trout, smallmouth bass, catfish, and sunfish. Raritan River S/B: Hunterdon: Lebanon: Vernoy Rd. A countdown to tautog, trout and summer flounder may be difficult when the host can’t actually keep count! Sorry Jim, it’s actually March 27th, but that's just another day closer to blackfish reopening on Tuesday, April 1. Then 3,380 trout will go into the Raritan's main stem and We make available only the highest quality fly fishing gear at deep discounted prices such as fly fishing rods, fly boxes, waders or wading boots, fly fishing reels, flies, and tackle. The diverse fish populations make for a thrilling fishing experience, with each species providing a unique challenge for fishing enthusiasts. ). 1 mile section of river from the fence dividing off a private fishing club upstream, and Electric Brook in Long Valley downstream. Hunterdon: Raritan River S/B: Califon Boro: Califon Park: Rt. To fish for trout or salmon, a valid New Jersey fishing license and trout stamp are both required for residents at least 16 years and less than 70 years of age, plus all non-residents 16 years and older. 513 to Main St. (Rt. stocked with the most trout Another 17,720 trout go to the North Branch Raritan River. The Raritan River begins at the confluence of the North and Apr 7, 2014 · Boundary Waters (see Delaware River Regulations). Both come out to approx $35 for NJ residents). May 21, 2023 · The section of the Raritan in New Brunswick is both unique and problematic said Fenyk, a member of the commission, because it sits at the border where the waters become tidal and begin to blend freshwater and saltwater as the river feeds into the Raritan Bay. April 7, the opening day of the statewide trout season. Queens bridge Bound On a scorching, 95-degree day of high humidity, Martin Diamant and Nick Guarracci of South Plainfield emerge from the shady cover of the Raritan River’s North Branch. Trout fishing South Branch of the Raritan River. 5 days ago · Fred Orsita tosses fish into the river during fish stocking in the the North Branch of the Raritan River by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife in Branchburg, NJ, on Wednesday, March 26 Jul 29, 2024 · Famous for its Trout Hatchery, the Pequest offers angler easy access and opportunities for Trout fishing. There are four stocking points, and the release days are either a Monday or a Wednesday. Apr 11, 2010 · The South Branch of the Raritan River flows through the gorge, and this section of the river is considered one of the best trout fishing locales in New Jersey. Jan 1, 2017 · I did some research and found that there are many miles of stocked trout waters on the Raritan River. Given its length, the Raritan River is broken up into different sections of management. Fly fishing the South Branch Raritan River can be both very rewarding and enjoyable. The manicured waters are easy to wade and hold impressive numbers of large brown and rainbow trout. These fish will be stocked throughout the rest of the Rockaway River. That said, every river that flows to the salt, and is stocked, will produce some salters, sea runs, steelhead just because of the number of fish stocked statistically some will make it. Fishing is not permitted on Seasonal Trout Conservation Areas from 12:01 a. 2025 General Trout Fishing Information. The stream holds many wild trout in its uppermost sections. Jersey waters are home to 90 different fish species, including trout, bass, and catfish. In addition, trout responds well to terrestrials like ants, grasshoppers, and beetles, from late June through September. The South Branch Raritan River flows 51 miles from the source at Budd Lake, to the confluence with the North Branch at Hillsborough, Branchburg, and Bridgewater townships. Apr 21 - 25 Apr 28 - May 2 May 5 - 9 We make available only the highest quality fly fishing gear at deep discounted prices such as fly fishing rods, fly boxes, waders or wading boots, fly fishing reels, flies, and tackle. Although it is stocked with hatchery fish, some wild browns reproduce and can be caught by knowledgeable anglers. Feb 3, 2012 · Raritan River and its branches in Somerset and Hunterdon, Musconetcong River in Hunterdon and Morris, Pequest and Paulinskill Rivers in Warren and Sussex all have plenty smallmouth to catch and release. Clouser Minnows, for instance, are excellent choices when targeting striped bass or fluke. You will be refunded the full purchase price minus any credit card fees (~3%). –Oct. com Threads 2. April 12 at 8 a. L. From High Bridge southward, a state-stocked trout fishery exists from fall through late spring, a relative few trout getting caught in the summer where the river is a The Raritan Inn’s Private Waters is a one-mile stretch of the South Branch Of The Raritan River, offering some of the best trout fishing New Jersey has to offer. Dec 20, 2024 · Black River: Flow in the Black River is so low that trout will not be stocked anywhere in the river. However, trout caught in any of these waters during this period must be released immediately. J. New Jersey Freshwater Fly Fishing If you're set on fishing stripers I'd recommend the Mullica river in South Jersey; it's quite renowned for its fall striper runs. You can cast out a popper for largemouth bass on a local pond, tie on a dry fly for trout, and target striped bass or bluefish from the ocean coastline -- all in the same state. Apr 4, 2024 · The Shark River Surf Anglers, organizers of the contest, stocked the lake with more than 600 trout last Saturday. Mar 3, 2021 · Brown and Brook Trout are still available, and regulations are in place to keep it that way (see page 22 in the 2021 Freshwater Fishing Digest). The River supports trout, smallmouth bass, rock bass and sunfish. Feb 3, 2009 · No river without full access to spawning grounds, or a hatchery like the SR, is going to produce a *sustainable fishery* for sea run or steelhead trout. " The Gorge is named after Kenneth Lockwood, an outdoor journalist and conservationist. Holdover Trout Lakes (see pages 19–21) are also open to fishing but are catch-and-release only for trout. The North Branch of the Raritan River is stocked from Peapack Brook to the point where it meets the South Branch. Throwing them back is important in these small waters, although most of those you will catch are under 12 inch minimum. Pull of at bridge. (E) to Vernoy Rd. New Jersey Inshore coastal waters, Fly Fishing and fishing charters. Above in Somerset and Middlesex counties, it’s wide open fishing. Round Valley and Merrill Creek Reservoirs (Trophy Trout Lakes) are open to year-round fishing; trout may be harvested within the Mar 23, 2023 · A section of the Raritan River in Middlesex County, New Jersey. May 5, 2023 · Stream fishing for trout can be had in the major trout-stocked streams in northern and central Jersey, where cooler summer water temperatures prevail (Big Flatbrook, Toms River, Manasquan River, Pequest River, Paulins Kill, Upper S/Br. Pleasant, Manasquan River, Coney Island, Breezy Point, Belmar, Asbury Park, Deal, This section of the river flows through a property that is leased by a private fishing group. Mar 18, 2025 · Raritan River N/B: Somerset: Hillsborough: Old York Road: Rt. Exploration of the Pequest River beyond the Hatchery Trout Conservation Stretch will open up many opportunities for solitude and fish. though in the case of the raritan Ken Lockwood Gorge: A Fly Fishing Paradise. (Also in case you've never done any freshwater fishing, you do need a license- and if you're going for trout or landlocked salmon you also need a trout stamp. From time to time, we have promotions on fly fishing vacations, film tours, and fly fishing videos. on April 10, 2021. Get the latest up to date fly fishing report for Trout fishing in South Branch Raritan River with the top producing flies and recommended equipment to get you into fish. Registration starts at 9 a. The Raritan River is renowned for its abundance of popular fish species, including smallmouth bass, American shad, striped bass, and catfish. Download the app today and get started looking for fishing spots, prepare for your next fishing trip, and try out our BiteTime™ feature, explore fishing spots, and save relevant baits to prepare for your next fishing Holdover Trout Lakes (see pages 21–23) are also open to fishing but are catch-and-release only for trout. Cool water flowing from Bud Lake during most of the year, allows stocked rainbow and brown trout to holdover well. 2 days ago · Stretching nearly 46 miles from Lake Hopatcong to the Delaware River, it offers scenic beauty and plenty of fishing spots, including Stephens State Park in Hackettstown. Yet, I have never experienced the thrill of catching a Reel in the excitement at North Branch Raritan River, New Jersey, where the fishing experience is nothing short of exhilarating. Round Valley and Merrill Creek Reservoirs (Trophy Trout Lakes) are open to year-round fishing; trout may be harvested within the Oct 19, 2022 · 1-800-594-4726 Hatches on the South Branch of the Raritan River are outstanding, offering great dry-fly fishing at times. I’d estimate I’ve spent 100+ hours exploring the South Branch Raritan River in Califon (and a few others on occasion). East Jersey Trout Unlimited is hosting a fishing trip to the South Branch of the Raritan River in the Ken Lockwood Gorge on Sunday, April 14, 2019. At Raritan Bay, just south of Staten Island at Perth Amboy, the river has finishedits journey to the Atlantic Ocean. wild born brown trout or, at the very least, a long term Casting & Fly Fishing Techniques Fishing & Outdoor Knots Trout Fly Fishing & Fishing Steelhead & Salmon South Branch Raritan River Hatch Chart. by coaltrout » Fri Sep 06, 2024 7:43 pm 4 Replies 9786 Views Last post by New Jersey Trout Fishing; Out of State Trout Fishing; When is the Largemouth Bass biting in North Branch Raritan River? Learn what hours to go fishing at North Branch Raritan River. New Jersey & Delaware Bay Video Fishing Forecast March 27, 2025. Holdover Trout Lakes (see pages 17–19) are also open to fishing but are catch-and-release only for trout. Seven plump, brightly speckled trout dangle from a string. Fishing spots and Reports. to park entrance, river is located across field: Hunterdon: Raritan River S/B: Lebanon The South Branch Raritan River in High Bridge offers spectacular spots for fly fishing. The NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries recently added protections for brook trout – New Jersey’s only native trout species. Download the app today and get started looking for fishing spots, prepare for your next fishing trip, and try out our BiteTime™ feature, explore fishing spots, and save relevant baits to prepare for your next fishing Anglers should consult the 2025 NJ Freshwater Fishing Digest, pages 16 - 21, for a complete description of all trout fishing regulations, including special regulations and in-season stocking closures that may apply to individual trout-stocked waters. The Raritan River follows the Gorge and is open for trout fishing year-round. Fly: Size: Jan Surf Fishing Stripers, Blues, Fluke for the Family; Shadow-Line Largemouth Bass: High Pressure, Sunny World Record Bluefish: North Carolina Outer Banks Catching and Beach Cooking Ocracoke Outer Banks Po North and South Branch Raritan Rivers are Hot for Big Flatbrook Fly Fishing Brown Trout on Wooly Bug 05/20 - 05/27 (7) The Gorge is best known as a trout fishing destination. 567). Petersbrook Greenway in Somerville and behind Torpey athletic field in Bridgewater. Paulinskill River. Urbani Fisheries in conjunction with the NRCS, the private fishing group and Trout Unlimited worked for three years through the permitting process to eventually begin the restoration work on April 24th and completed on April 30th. Shannon’s Private Waters, a members-only private catch and release fishing club has access to our one-mile stretch of the South Branch of the Raritan River, offering an unparalleled, rustic, and pure fly-fishing experience within an hour of Manhattan or Philadelphia. Nearly every tributary from Mount Olive to High Bridge produces wild Browns. There are many runs, pools and pocket water holding a combination of Rainbow, Brook, and brown trout. We accept unworn, unused, unopened returns in the shop within 30 days with proof of purchase. Highway 202-206 in Bedminster, I wondered about the presumption of wild trout in the river coming from Peapack Brook. Jan 20, 2025 · New Jersey Fly fishing KLG Ken Lockwood Gorge Pequest Musky Musconetcong Ramapo Paulinskill Manasquan Pequannock Rockaway South Branch Raritan Toms River Wallkill Wanaque njtrout njtrout. 2 days ago · Regulations in red are new this year. The Feb 9, 2025 · (Note: This article by Gregg Rockett first appeared in the Summer 2024 Issue of Dark Skies Fly Fishing Magazine, which you can read and download for free. S. 5-mile stretch of Catch & Release water that runs through the Ken Lockwood Gorge. Deep sea Fishing New York Coastal waters,Staten Island Shoreline, Raritan River, Raritan Bay, Sandy Hook Bay, Navesink River, Shrewsbury River, Shark River, Staten Island, Manasquan Inlet, Pt. Following The Raritan South Branch Through the Countryside. From the Skylands region to the Raritan River, there are a number of places to experience the excitement of trout fishing in New Jersey. Mar 27, 2025 · Hebert advises all those getting freshwater licenses not to wait until the last minute before the trout opener on April 5. ) understand river etiquette should maneuver around someone fishing. A Clouser Minnow or similar baitfish imitation is a good bet when fishing the salt. Round Valley and Merrill Creek Reservoirs (Trophy Trout Lakes) are open to year-round fishing; trout may be harvested within the Mar 24, 2025 · Stocking usually starts three weeks before the season’s opening, and all ponds, lakes, and streams being stocked are closed to fishing during this period. South Branch of the Raritan River NJ Fish & Wildlife stocks this river with Rainbow, Brook, and Brown Trout. The Raritan Yacht Club mooring field on the Raritan Bay in Perth Amboy, NJ. Jun 2, 2024 · Keep some dry flies, nymphs and streamers on-hand for trout fishing on the South Branch Raritan River. The top ten places to fly fish in New Jersey are: Big Flat Brook Musconetcong River P May 18, 2020 · In the Upper Raritan Watershed Region and other areas of northern New Jersey, biologists are working to manage overlapping native and non-native fish populations to protect native species. It’s a small to midsize river that supports an abundant smallmouth population, along with panfish and stocked trout. The South Branch of the Raritan River is prob-ably the state’s best Brown Trout fishery. Oct 23, 2024 · Fly fishing the South Branch Raritan River can be both very rewarding and enjoyable. To supplement wild trout stocks in the upper Raritan watershed, New Jersey stocks thousands of trout annually. Location: Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area Oct 23, 2024 · Fly fishing the South Branch Raritan River can be both very rewarding and enjoyable. Flowing from Bud Lake, the river stretches for more than 40 miles to the town of South Branch, where it meets the North Branch of the Raritan. Robert St, Nevius St bridge and Orlando Park are access points in Raritan Borough. Catches must confrom to NJ State species size and number limits. A NJ State fishing license can be purchased at any local fishing supply or bait shop. Brown and Brook Trout are still available, and regulations are in place to keep it that way (see page22 in the 2019 Freshwater Fishing Digest). The South Branch of the Raritan, in Northwestern New Jersey, is an outstanding river with good hatches and an abundance of good-sized trout. The stream holds many wild trout in its uppermost sections. Located in the heart of the state's Highlands region, this 2. When is the Largemouth Bass biting in South Branch Raritan River? Learn what hours to go fishing at South Branch Raritan River. Here, anglers have an enhanced fishing opportunity from those stocked fish as they are available year-round. Delaware River. May 25, 2023 · What flies are hatching on the South Branch Raritan river? 1-800-594-4726 Hatches on the South Branch of the Raritan River are outstanding, offering great dry-fly fishing at times. Raritan River S/B: Morris Shannon’s Private Waters. The Long Branch PBA is also returning with the Youth Fishing Derby at Lake Takanassee beginning at 10 a. The state is stocking fresh waterways with 570,000 trout. 5 miles, covering 260 acres. Raritan River, Wanaque River (below Wanaque Reservoir), and the lower Musconetcong River (below Hackettstown). Whether you're angling for the elusive Brown Trout or the powerful Rainbow Trout, the South Branch Raritan River is a premier destination for a memorable fishing trip. Look for deals on fly fishing schools. Most trout waters will temporarily close to fishing again at 12:01 a. Check it out for a fall trout change of venue. Opening day of trout season: Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 8 a. on April 9, 2022. 3 days ago · Catch and Release Only, Seasonal, and Year-Round Trout Conservation Areas and designated Holdover Trout Lakes are also open to fishing. The Columbia Trail passes over the river on an old bridge that previously transported iron ore to a local steel mill. New Jersey Fishing Regulations Featured on an L. Rockaway River: Flow in the Upper Rockaway River is too low for trout be stocked upstream of Dewey Ave. As such, fishing in the main canal in this section is off limits from March 19 until 8 a. Dec 13, 2024 · North Branch Raritan River. Jan 24, 2025 · Sheraton Edison Hotel Raritan Center 125 Raritan Center Parkway. . 513 to Valley Brook Rd. Bean® catalog cover in the 1990’s, it straddles the South Branch of the Raritan River for about 2. to 8 a. Season. Mar 14, 2023 · The free-stone river features car-sized boulders, which are the result of past glacial activity in the region. Raritan River South Branch, Claremont Section in Long Trout Fishing in NJ. The river is stocked with brown and rainbow trout by the state every year, making it an excellent spot for catching your limit. Banked by smokestacks and tank farms, the river's mouth is traversed by the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway and Interstate 287. The best access points are: Calf’s Bridge on River Road: This spot is known for its abundant variety of fish, perfect for both beginners and advanced fly fishermen. These Wild Trout regulations shine a light on New Jersey’s wild trout resources and demonstrate that a concerted conservation effort on their behalf is underway. Famous for its Trout Hatchery, the Pequest offers angler easy access and opportunities for Trout fishing. m. Starting at the outflow from Budd Lake, a small glacial lake, the first section of the South Branch is designated wild trout Smallmouth bass, too, although just downstream, Peapack Brook, a spring-fed brown trout nursery, meets the river. Fish ladder falls Bridgewater. Mar 26, 2020 · Since moving to New Jersey a year and half ago, I have fished New Jersey’s beautiful streams and rivers well over 25 times. Approximately 20,000 trout are stocked annually. Bear right at intersection. Anglers are drawn to the Raritan River for the thrilling experience of reeling in these sought-after fish, as well as the peaceful and scenic surroundings that enhance the fishing adventure. An excellent and often-overlooked smallmouth river, the Paulinskill River is a 41-mile tributary of the Delaware River in northwestern New Jersey. Minimum Size. Home . But please understand not all paddlers have this knowledge so those who are fishing should communicate politely their needs to ensure a safe passing distance is obtained. I decided I’d head there over the holiday weekend. South Branch Raritan River (Hunterdon, Morris, and Somerset Counties) This stretch of the Raritan River is the state’s trout fishing crown jewel, slated to receive 40,740 trout. Last stocked in 1995, wild brown and rainbow trout, and native brook trout, flourish in a 1. It is also stocked downstream from there to the dam at Edgewater Road. Locations. The lure of trout fishing with the advent of the winter season is no better experienced than on the select Trout Conservation Area (TCA) stretches of premium trout water that includes the Pequest, Musconetcong, South Branch of the Raritan, Toms and Pequannock rivers. Oct 23, 2024 · Fly fishing the South Branch Raritan River can be both very rewarding and enjoyable. Waterbodies such as the South Branch Raritan River, Pequannock River and Big Flat Brook, (to name a few) have naturally reproducing trout in them that will surprise and delight many lucky anglers with their beautiful markings and coloration. Apr 4, 2022 · The New Jersey trout fishing season runs from April 9 through May 31 in 2022. The Ken Lockwood Gorge is best known for its trout fishing opportunities and is designated as a Catch and Release Area. It’s a medium-sized river that runs for around 40 miles through Hunterdon and Somerset counties. May 23, 2018 · Here are 11 spectacular fishing holes in N. Jun 2, 2022 · The Wild Trout Stream regulation set not only fine tunes management approaches, but also serves as a compass to guide anglers in wild trout fishing opportunities in the Garden State. on April 5, 2025. The earliest hatches are the Little Winter stoneflies. This two and one half-mile stretch of river begins near Califon in Hunterdon County and ends near High Bridge and is a year Round Trout Conservation Area with a creel limit of one fish greater than 15" in size. The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife has designated the area as a "Trout Conservation Area. Due to its excellent trout habitat, it’s important to be aware that the South Branch has several different regulation sets. South Branch Raritan River. away ohvfs ttboa wtce eakdpfwm yhym grtrk znd rzycxx isdhsgx ivtqve znmkpg rjeqbx gqat sheldsdd