BFB Regs Proposal

[Dave B.]

I'd like to hear what folks here think about a proposal I have for some regulation changes on the Big Flatbrook. I first posted the initial draft on the NJTrout forum and after some little feedback there and discussions and input from other sources, I've come up with a refined proposal, to wit;

The current FF only section from Rt 206 to the downstream end of the Blewitt Tract to become a year-round, Fly Only Trout Conservation Area. From the lower end of Blewitt to the bridge at Walpack Center, a standard year-round TCA.

Some of the benefits to these changes are, the elimination of the open tackle period on the section from Rt 206 to Blewitt, reducing the harvest of fish throughout the affected sections, allowing for a better quality of fish in both size and wildness.

If these regs are implemented the result would be an approx. 5 1/2 miles (+or-) of year-round TCA on one of the highest quality waters in NJ. Such a long stretch of clean water that remains relatively cool even during major droughts has, I feel, the greatest prospect of developing into the long term high quality fishery that NJF&W has been attempting to attain with the current TCAs' , all of which have too many problems to ever reach their full potential. Case in point, the thread below discussing the Claremont section. Same thermal problem with the Musky TCA and KLG. Additionally the Musky and Pequest get well harvested during the open tackle periods, as I imagine does the Pequannock which also has flow issues. The E. Branch Paulinskill is rather diminutive in size, and they're all (with the exception of the KLG) relatively short stream sections.

The proposal has already been presented to the council in hopes of seeing some action taken on it as early as next year. My reason for posting it here is to generate some discussion on the matter (and hopefully some support) and to see how other folks feel towards it. Hopefully enough support can be found to convince the F&W council to act quickly on the matter.

Naturally any variations are acceptable, I only want to see this fishery protected and maximised. My main reason for the FF only TCA section rather than a standard TCA throughout, is that this is the LAST fly only water left in NJ, and though I personally only flyfish a small percentage of the time I feel it's neccessary to retain at least one area where myself and others can do so and have a high quality fishery without my fellow spincasters about. (That's NOT a dig at spin fisherman BTW)

So, what say ye? Any thoughts?