New Guy Intro/Advice Sought

[Greased Line Swinger]

Hi,
I started fly fishing 5 or 6 years ago, but I'm new to fly fishing for trout. I got my first taste of it a few weeks ago on the West Branch of the Ausable River in the Adirondacks. I managed to catch a few on dry flies in fast pocket water, and now I'm hooked. It's all I've been able to think about.

My problem is I'm clueless about trout fishing in Jersey. I live in South Jersey so I'm not familiar with any streams or rivers. I've only seen the list of TCA's and WTS in the NJ Freshwater digest. I have an idea of what's close (relatively speaking) to me and want to hit the water. Are dry flies an option in NJ this time of year? What are some productive flies for this time of year? After Irene, how long will it take these little streams and rivers to clean up and become fishable again? Any help or advice will be much appreciated.

 

[WBDluver]

Well i dont live in your neck of the woods, so i cant help, but i just wanted to say welcome

 

[G Lech]

Hi,
I started fly fishing 5 or 6 years ago, but I'm new to fly fishing for trout. I got my first taste of it a few weeks ago on the West Branch of the Ausable River in the Adirondacks. I managed to catch a few on dry flies in fast pocket water, and now I'm hooked. It's all I've been able to think about.

My problem is I'm clueless about trout fishing in Jersey. I live in South Jersey so I'm not familiar with any streams or rivers. I've only seen the list of TCA's and WTS in the NJ Freshwater digest. I have an idea of what's close (relatively speaking) to me and want to hit the water. Are dry flies an option in NJ this time of year? What are some productive flies for this time of year? After Irene, how long will it take these little streams and rivers to clean up and become fishable again? Any help or advice will be much appreciated.

How far south we talking? What are your experiences with the sport? There might be some good fishing right by you.

 

[Greased Line Swinger]

Thanks for welcome, guys.

G Lech, I live in Camden County, near Haddonfield. Besides the Adirondack experience I mentioned, my fly fishing experience has been in saltwater fishing for stripers, blues, weaks in back bay tidal creeks, inlets, surf, jetties; fly fishing the Delaware for smallies; fly casting poppers/bugs and streamers for lmb.

 

[G Lech]

Thanks for welcome, guys.

G Lech, I live in Camden County, near Haddonfield. Besides the Adirondack experience I mentioned, my fly fishing experience has been in saltwater fishing for stripers, blues, weaks in back bay tidal creeks, inlets, surf, jetties; fly fishing the Delaware for smallies; fly casting poppers/bugs and streamers for lmb.

Well there might be some ponds in your area you can catch some bass and panfish. As for trout fishing give the streams a few more days and the south branch will fish. Dry flies will work if nothing is hatch fish a generic pattern like a royal wulff over the faster water. Stop by shannons fly shop in califon N.J. They will get you in the right direction.

 

[Andy B]

Hi Greased Line Swinger. I live in Mount Laurel (Rancocas Woods section) in Burlington county. Give me a PM and so we can talk. Also my chapter of TU Ray Neirle will give you lot's of helps and numerous places to fish in PA and North Jersey.

Sincerely
Andy B

 

[JeffK]

In NJ the upper South Branch from the gorge to Bartley has the best wild/holdover fishing in NJ. The Pequest TCA is good all year because the hatchery outfall and a bunch of springs moderate the temps. It gets crowded, especially right by the parking lot - but if you walk you will be rewarded. The lower end of the Musconetcong is cooler and closer to South Jersey.

PA, Lehigh Valley limestoners and some Poconos streams have a long season.

Plenty of little wild trout trickles - but you have to find them on your own. In April, May and October any of the stocked streams will hold fish.

The hurricane clobbered NJ's trout streams. The little trickles are back now - major streams might take two weeks.

 

[Greased Line Swinger]

Jeff,
How far down the Musconetcong are you talking about? All the way to the confluence with the D? and how far up?

 

[JeffK]

From Warren Glen all the way down to the Delaware is good. At the mouth of the Muskie in Reigelsville you may find any fish that swims in NJ, except maybe lake trout.

The next stream up, the Pohatcong is a local favorite, but the lowest couple of miles is now a private club.

 

[The_Sib]

GLS

Also consult the gauge heights and flows to estimate whether or not these Jersey Rivers and streams are near their normal flows.

USGS Real-Time Data for New Jersey_ Streamflow

 

[dcabarle]

I could have sworn I replied to this thread! Am I going nuts? Is my old age starting to decieve me? I haven't even received my AARP card yet. First my eyes (which Macfly jinxed me a few years ago with) and now my memory is jogged.

 

[CMoser]

Once the levels are back down and cleared a bit, try beetles and ants or small nymphs 16-22 on any of the stockie creeks. I live in Hamilton. It takes me about 1.25 hrs to get to the KLG, another 10-15 to fish the Musky above washington. When I go, I fish from sun-up to sun-down.