BFB flyfish only

[leadhead]

Was at the Big Flatbrook, three bridges area on wends. I thought this was fly only, but saw a spin-fisher and the garbage that goes w/ the bait-fishers. I fished there alot last season and thought I saw "fly only" signs and never saw anyone other than a flyfisher. Did this change or was I mistaken?

Also, as I was getting ready to leave there was a guy in the pool by the lot, he was getting some hits, and there was alot of surface action, he told me I should get my pole. It is a pretty small pool but I could't resist. I still wasn't having any luck but the other guy finally landed one, packed up, cut his fly off his leader, gave it to me, wished me luck, and left. I thought that was pretty cool.


leadhead

 

[JeffK]

The first week of the season there are no gear restrictions (except in the Blewett Tract). It is a compromise to the general fishing public similar to the seasonal TCAs.

That said, there have been some poaching issues last summer and fall.

 

[Pete]

It depends on exactly where the spinfisher was located.

As I understand it, Three bridges Road is the downstream border of the 1/2 mile Blewitt Tract, (Flyfishing only year round). The rest of the flyfishing section of the BFB, has the gear restrictions relaxed between 8:00 AM April 7 and April 16 at 5:00 AM.
~~~~~Edit~~~~~~
I guess Jeff was posting while I was looking up the regs and typing.

 

[podobed45]

hey guys...Me and my friend were thinking about heading to the big flat brook tomorrow (saturday)....we've never been, we usually fish north jersey and some parts of pa...

in general, how is the fishing....how is the water, rough...calm, deep pools, small pockets, rapids, etc....

and how crowded do some of the better fly fishing sections get?


if you guys can help, much appreciated.

 

[podobed45]

also guys, sorry to pile on the questions...but i've been researching this for our trip, and cant get a good map...

i know it is in or goes through sussex county, we live in Warren county, so its north of us...but what are some towns that it goes through, and or roads if you could be so generous....i'm having trouble finding my road atlas

 

[Karel]

I am planning to go to the BFB tomorrow as well, for the first time ever. From what I understand, the flyfishing section starts where 206 crosses over and 4miles downstream. I have read that the river has a good trout population all the way down to the Delaware (we'll see). Maybe I will see you guys tomorrow. If you want, send me a PM if you want to hook up.

Karel

 

[JeffK]

There are no towns on the Flat Brook (maybe the remains of Walpack) - that's what makes it special. It is the most undeveloped watershed in Northern NJ. It is popular though. Look at Google maps to see the roads. Most people come up Rte 206 and turn left on Rte 560/Dingmans Rd. About a mile south of 206 you cross the Flat Brook at Schafer's Bridge. Go up or down on the dirt roads that follow the Flat Brook to find the fishing spots - this is all WMA land. When you get to Layton, turn on 615 south which follows the Flat Brook all the way to the Delaware. Good spots in the Fly Zone are across from the rifle range, the first left goes to Three Bridges, the second left to Roy Bridge - the lower end of the fly fishing area.

The fishing is good the whole way with only a short private area below Walpack WMA.

From Warren Co you go on the Old Mine Rd through Millbrook to get to the Flat Brook. To get to Millbrook you either go over Millbrook Rd from Blairstown, or up Old Mine Road from the Delaware Water Gap, depending on where you live.

Good Luck.

 

[podobed45]

There are no towns on the Flat Brook (maybe the remains of Walpack) - that's what makes it special. It is the most undeveloped watershed in Northern NJ. It is popular though. Look at Google maps to see the roads. Most people come up Rte 206 and turn left on Rte 560/Dingmans Rd. About a mile south of 206 you cross the Flat Brook at Schafer's Bridge. Go up or down on the dirt roads that follow the Flat Brook to find the fishing spots - this is all WMA land. When you get to Layton, turn on 615 south which follows the Flat Brook all the way to the Delaware. Good spots in the Fly Zone are across from the rifle range, the first left goes to Three Bridges, the second left to Roy Bridge - the lower end of the fly fishing area.

The fishing is good the whole way with only a short private area below Walpack WMA.

From Warren Co you go on the Old Mine Rd through Millbrook to get to the Flat Brook. To get to Millbrook you either go over Millbrook Rd from Blairstown, or up Old Mine Road from the Delaware Water Gap, depending on where you live.

Good Luck.

much appreciated...i have some good reference points and figured out a map ....karel, if we meet up, it'd probably be chance since we'll both be wandering all over, looking for signs and water, haha

look for two 20' something kids, 6'2 240 ish, one will have a shaved head...lol, other than that, good luck to you as well

 

[blue dun]

The BFB fly fish only section allows the spining rods the first week of the season. As of today they are out. It used to be they were allowed to fish there the first 2 weeks. If it were up to me they wouldn't be allowed on the entire Flat Brook.

 

[podobed45]

hey, just got back from the bfb....caught some real nice pockets, got a bunch of fish...took some pics, ill upload tom. time to eaat

 

[Karel]

I was out there Saturday, it was a reality check for me... I thought I figured it all out in terms of fly fishing for trout, being that my average in KLG over the last year has been just under 1 trout for each hour fished. However, the BFB taught me that it ain't so! Hooked the same trout twice and lost it twice... I guess I shouldn't mention that I hooked it both times while I was retrieving my line! Those kinda fishing days remind me not to take success for granted.

One thing that once more solidified that I am a pure catch and release guy was seeing some fisherman (mostly hardware guys, but also fly fisher!) having a full stringer of live fish dragging behind them. Not only hurts it that they keep all the fish they catch, but it seems they do not understand the concept of not letting a creature unnecessarily suffer. It just made me very sad.

I will be going back though, just to see if I can figure out that stream.

 

[rckrego]

Are there any areas on the BFB to specifically avoid? Especially as a fly fisher?

 

[jack1266]

What are you looking to avoid? People, bears, spin fishermen? The only spot I stay away from is just below the Roy bridge where the FFO water ends. It tends to get crowded.

 

[rckrego]

I'm trying to avoid the crowds, and preferably people with stringers.

 

[BIGBOW]

Its pretty easy to stay clear of crowds on the BFB, especially since there are so many access spots. Just look for parking w/out any cars. Most of the river is easy to reach from the roads that run along it . I'll be there in 2 weeks for the weekend and can't wait. Enjoy!

 

[blue dun]

The first week of the season there are no gear restrictions (except in the Blewett Tract). It is a compromise to the general fishing public similar to the seasonal TCAs.

That said, there have been some poaching issues last summer and fall.

Unforunatly the DFW does this to sell more fishing licenses. If it were up to me all trout fishing would br fly fishing only.

 

[blue dun]

I want to try the streach between Flatbrookville and the Deleware. Has anyone fished that streach? I am thinking where it enters into the Deleware should be an interesting mixed bag of fish.