Looking to get to the pequannock river

[GetInMahBellay]

Hey everyone,
Today im looking to get to the pequannock river for the first time to get my line wet (and hopefully catch some fish) and I was wondering where the wild trout area begins and ends, I was having trouble finding out where and I was just wondering, also I was looking to fish near route 23 and noticed a lot of different streams. Are all these streams part of the pequannock and do they all contain trout?
Thanks,
any help is appreciated

 

[Pete]

You really should get (or download) a copy of the fishing regulations...

The locations of the special regulations areas, and the regulations are included.

The "Guide" is available free at most tackle shops.
It can be downloaded from NJDEP Division of Fish & Wildlife - 2010 Freshwater Fishing Issue of the Fish and Wildlife DIGEST

 

[Rusty Spinner]

The regs for the Pequannock just changed on Jan. 1 so you will need to know where the new TCA is located versus general regulations versus the WTS regs. Pete gave you the proper link. Good luck!

 

[mbwmn]

I think if you're using a fly rod (w/ flies) and release everything caught you're covered anywhere in the state until the spring stocking closure?

that was easy.

 

[Pete]

The portion of the river owned by Newark, is subject to additional restrictions, permits, and fees, that aren't in the "Guide".

See: Newark Watershed

It appears that some of the information on their website hadn't been updated since 2008, so it may be wise to contact them.

 

[KAfly]

Hi,
I tried hard to find Appelt Park but my Google does not show this Park at all. Any help available?
Thanks, Karsten

 

[PRomano]

Hi,
I tried hard to find Appelt Park but my Google does not show this Park at all. Any help available?
Thanks, Karsten

Karsten,

Take exit 53 off route 287. Head north on Paterson Hamburg Turnpike about 100 yards and the park is on your right. The TCA starts at the railroad bridge downstream from the park. Artificial lures only, 1 fish limit, 15 inch minimum length. As of next weekend its catch and release until opening day.

 

[JUSTYN]

Goood luck fishing the pequannock now. I live on it have almost an acre yard and the river is above the bank water almost at my house.

 

[KAfly]

Thanks a lot, maybe I will wait until the water is back where it belongs.

 

[blue dun]

Karsten,

Take exit 53 off route 287. Head north on Paterson Hamburg Turnpike about 100 yards and the park is on your right. The TCA starts at the railroad bridge downstream from the park. Artificial lures only, 1 fish limit, 15 inch minimum length. As of next weekend its catch and release until opening day.

As you may know they changed it this year because there was limited places to park in the old area upstream from RT23. While there are more places to park with the new streach most of it involves parking in shopping center parking lots. As mentioned above X53 off 287 will take you to Aplelt park if you make a left on Hamburg tpk. If you make a right it will take you down to some of these strip malls where you can park. The strip malls will start with Mikes Feed farm. There is an abandoned building Sutters Mill that used to be a strip club. That also has a parking lot along the river, but it is clearly posted.

I have scouted out this new area just from my truck. I didn't see any inviting holes.

 

[PRomano]

Update on this post. It's much easier to get to the Pequannock now.
You can access the river from either Hamburg Turnpike or route 23. The river is actually on the highways so you can't miss it!

And believe it or not its still scheduled to get stocked soon! :nose-picking:

 

[jimmy229oz]

Do you need the Newark Watershed permit to fish this portion of the river?

 

[PRomano]

Do you need the Newark Watershed permit to fish this portion of the river?

From Smoke Rise south... NO. Just your NJ license.

 

[GARYB]

I saw the new TCA regs, I was hoping it was from Rt 23 down to the RR bridge. From what I've fished below it was mostly slow water and mostly behind stores, etc, not
really appealing. They should just make the section all year around TCA, but that's a dream.
The meaties would howl!!!!!!!!

 

[Stonefly]

No problem getting to the river it's running right through the center of town!

 

[NJpatbee]

I noticed that there is a new WTS section in addition to the Newark Watershed property - sounds like progress.

 

[PRomano]

I noticed that there is a new WTS section in addition to the Newark Watershed property - sounds like progress.

Its the old seasonal TCA section. Parking is limited and the terrain is brutal in places.

Funny thing is, access (parking) is limited at the new location also. At least the new TCA can be float stocked and the hold over rate is excellent.

 

[NJpatbee]

Over 20 miles of TP (Trout Production) water, very impressive. I know there is the Pequannock River Coalition and I hope the river is getting the attention it deserves.

 

[GetInMahBellay]

Over 20 miles of TP (Trout Production) water, very impressive. I know there is the Pequannock River Coalition and I hope the river is getting the attention it deserves.

Ahah im guessing i just missed those 20 miles! I'll have to try this new TCA as soon as the water level goes down:down: Anyone know the stocking dates or is it on the website I cant find anything i want to find on that website:crap:

 

[Pete]

Ahah im guessing i just missed those 20 miles! I'll have to try this new TCA as soon as the water level goes down:down: Anyone know the stocking dates or is it on the website I cant find anything i want to find on that website:crap:

Since the Pequannock isn't closed on "in season" stocking dates, the dates aren't published.

Speculation:
Based on the closed dates for the nearby Ramapo and Wanaque, I'm guessing Thursdays or Fridays.

 

[NJpatbee]

Ahah im guessing i just missed those 20 miles! I'll have to try this new TCA as soon as the water level goes down:down: Anyone know the stocking dates or is it on the website I cant find anything i want to find on that website:crap:

What the State says:

Source to Hamburg
Turnpike bridge in Pompton Lakes Boro
Counties: SU,MR,PA
M,P 20.98 miles TP X X S 2001 SS

It has my interest!​

 

[porterskill]

Over 20 miles of TP (Trout Production) water, very impressive. I know there is the Pequannock River Coalition and I hope the river is getting the attention it deserves.

the city of newark makes it almost impossible to do what is needed with the water releases.when the watch dog ross kushner can no longer badger newark about their abuse of the river it will go back to the same old and most of his work will go down the drain.

 

[NJpatbee]

the city of newark makes it almost impossible to do what is needed with the water releases.when the watch dog ross kushner can no longer badger newark about their abuse of the river it will go back to the same old and most of his work will go down the drain.

I am not familiar with the PR Coalition - how large is it and is it basically a one man show?

 

[PRomano]

I am not familiar with the PR Coalition - how large is it and is it basically a one man show?

This is their website. The Pequannock River Coalition Dedicated to preserving the Pequannock River


I guess I should give Ross a call and see what he's about. Maybe he can assist me with making the Pequannock a year round TCA.

 

[Pete]

Since the Pequannock isn't closed on "in season" stocking dates, the dates aren't published.

Speculation:
Based on the closed dates for the nearby Ramapo and Wanaque, I'm guessing Thursdays or Fridays.

I was wrong on all counts see:
NJDEP Division of Fish & Wildlife - 2010 Spring Trout Stocking Schedules

I hope you're not one of those truck chasers.
Standing under the bridge holding out your net is considered poor form. :down:

 

[blue dun]

I checked the stocking signs today by the Waterfall apts. The signs that are up are from 2008. Perhaps they didn't even stock there last year.

 

[GARYB]

I don't really like the pequannock when they stock, too many local bait fisherman.
I fish for the wild browns that are spread throughout the river. Mostly 6" to 10",
but they fight and jump better than the stockies. They only stock rainbows and
brookies, so if you catch a brown it's wild and should be let go.

 

[blue dun]

Do you need the Newark Watershed permit to fish this portion of the river?

NO you do not

 

[sheisty]

I can't wait for the winter when my boot print is the only other around. Pequannock is a good fishery despite the flows and I hope it remains as such and perhaps gets even better with proper flows.