Delaware or Raritan?

[Karel]

I really want to get into some QUALITY smallmouth action this weekend... I was fishing for the last couple of weeks the North Branch Raritan and got only small smallies... So, if you had to pick, where would you go this Saturday or Sunday? Thank you all for your help!
Karel

 

[Fly Ty R]

Neither. Susquehanna.

 

[JeffK]

I would try the Delaware. From South Orange head out Rte 80 and then 46 East (more like south actually). Anywhere to pull off by the river down to King Coles Grove will be OK. Work the rapids and riffles this time of year, especially during the day. Some smallies will chase minnows at the heads and tails of pools in the evening, but most will be looking for helgrammites and crayfish in the rapids during the day. Can also head out 78 and go up or down, but its all smaller roads. However, get a Warren or Hunterdon Co map and explore and you will get to some neat spots.

In the rapids, look for the break where the rocks go from having a light silt covering to where they are covered with a dark, short weed; you should see a color change on the bottom. (BTW - those silt covered rocks are slippery - be careful)

 

[Karel]

That sounds like an excellent idea - I never went to the Delaware just because it is such a huge river and you can get somewhat overwhelmed (like on the big rivers in the west). will let you know how I made out; I hope I will get some action! This year I am dedicating to smallies and try to figure out their ins and outs. So far I know what DOESN'T work... it's still fun though!
Karel

 

[smittin]

The delaware is fishing great right now

I live near trenton I don't know where you plan to fish but just look at some of the other posts.(and you can hit some small stripers here as well)

 

[davethetrout]

river got muddy last night! No fishing this morning, streamers this evening...just got back!

 

[smittin]

Oh yeah that sucks

I hope it doesn't take to long to get back to normal.

 

[davethetrout]

4-5 days minimal, I was just down there checking it out. Really muddy!!!

 

[Karel]

I kinda figured this morning looking at the news with the floodings in Central Jersey and the USGS readings. Went to NB Raritan instead, just 2 small smallies. went then another hour to the SBR below Clinton and started slamming them... they went after streamers, poppers, dry flies and jumped to to catch damsel flies "in-flight". Trying to think where to go tomorrow...

 

[smittin]

Yo Dave

How bout it, every time the D starts fishing real good near us we get storms. Mother earth keeps on hitting us from behind.

 

[JeffK]

I hit the Delaware around Columbia and it was OK. I think much of the muddy water is coming from the Lehigh.

 

[davethetrout]

Its like chocolate milk here..only a little high but thick with mud!

 

[Karel]

How are the levels now on the big D? I think I'll hit it tomorrow morning before it get's too hot. I am reading all the USGS station levels on the Delaware, but I really don't know how much is "too much" in terms of cfs to be safe to wade. I guess I will get an idea when I go there and compare later with flows reported.

 

[JeffK]

Should be OK. I will likely hit it in the afternoon when I have free time.

 

[davethetrout]

Fished it all morning with only minimal success..lavels are really low and clear. Fish were only in a few shadows and were all small. Tough fishing but I lost a few pounds sweating! Water is like hot bath water..I am not in a hurry to go back till it rains again! Good luck if you try it?!
Dave

 

[jholland]

Smallies

Karel,
I like to fish the Lamington off Rt 78 near Burnt Mills Road. A couple of good spots and decent numbers of fish although most aren't real big . I catch smaller fish on the North Branch. On the South Branch, try around the Flemington area down to Three Bridges as an alternative to the Delaware. Some nice fish down there. Work away from obvious roadside areas. The confluence of the North and South Branches looks great although I would think you'd need at least a canoe, pontoon, or kayak. Dukes Island is also a hotspot but perhaps earlier in the season. The Big D is still king but it has its moods (highwater, etc.). As some of the recent posts have indicated Schoolie Stripers are always a possibility on the Big D. That along with the average size of the fish and a real shot at a trophy makes it number one.

 

[JeffK]

Fished this afternoon 7/30/06 in the Delaware at the Northampton County Park at Doe Hollow, PA. Plenty of little smallies, a few nicer ones, some huge bluegill and rock bass, and a bonus walleye. This is in the middle of the afternoon mostly in the riffles. Water was a touch high and slightly off color. Wanted to wade in Foul Rift, but didn't feel comfortable in that crazy area at this level.

The flood damage was incredible. The PA shore was eroded down to bedrock the whole way. Made it easy to walk along the shore, but it doesn't look good. The bare shale rock is slippery as an eel in the soft water.

 

[Karel]

I fished today the South Branch Raritan again, with better success - it seems that each day I go out there I learn more about smallies which I can take advantage of the next time. Someone on these forums said he used white sparkle buggers, well, I tied some it is definitively the choice no. 1 for me! After I was done with the SBR, I drove up to rte 46 and pulled off a parking long for truck trailers and walked down stream where some riffles entered a bigger pool. Since it was the first time in the big D, I certainly was overwhelmed where to start (and it was HOTTT!). Anyway, suddenly I had a nice tug and I was able, after three nice jumps, to land my biggest smallie so far (16", about 1 pounds I guess). I really would like to get into the big D more often, but access and how to fish it is my problem right now. I guess one thing will lead to the next and experience will teach me. However, I am always open to feedback. Thank you all for your contributions! Karel

 

[sandfly]

none of the above, try the schullkill river, its been producing large bass the last few years..lots of 12 to 24" as well.

 

[Karel]

I was just checking out maps re/access on the big D. By just looking at maps, it seems that access is far better on the PA side than on the NJ side. Is that correct?

 

[davethetrout]

yes,for wading!

 

[Karel]

Will give it another try on the big D this weekend, both Saturday and Sunday. Hope I will find some good wading access. Anyone having good experience north of the Gap?

 

[rckrego]

Anybody have some suggestions for wading the D for smallies this summer in the trenton to frenchtown stretch? Tried the PA side of bull's island last year, but with no success. Looking for a few good spots. thanks.

Also, any suggestions for the raritan river system? SBR, NBR, black river? Saw the posts about the fleminton area. I live 20 minutes away and can't wait to try it out once the trout fishing slows down.