Post trout season at the Gorge

[DJ]

Never made it to the gorge during trout season and from the sound of it......... i didn't miss much but poaching and crowded water. Just curious, anyone do any bass or panfishing on the gorge? I figured with all the trout fisherman I should do well since the bass and panfish are not targeted? Anyone know about warmwater KLG action post June 1st? Fly suggestions?

 

[NJFred]

DJ... If you're interested in warm water species in the South Branch I wouldn't fish the Gorge. Stick the water downstream of High Bridge. It's a lot more productive.

Black and Brown Woolies have been the ticket for me. I've caught good size smallies along with some nice Rock Bass and some rising sunfish I mistook for trout. Some of the larger ones I've hooked were quite fun with super aggresive takes on dry flies (hoppers).

 

[Dave B.]

DJ, NJFred's advice is right on the money. One thing I'ld like to add, the area between Clinton and Flemington is often good for smallies on dries during mid-morning hatches during June into early July. Nice sized water, easy and confortable to fish, little to no other anglers and usually a fair number of trout left over for variety.
Only drawback at present is the incessant rain. Once the stream settles down you should have plenty of fun.

 

[DJ]

Thanks fellas, I appreciate the feed back. I'll probably get out there around the 14th of June so look out for a report.

 

[sqerl]

DJ...

try not to be on the water when I'm around.

Spent many summer days on the South Branch last year fishing for Sunnies and Bass... Never caught any small mouth but did catch rock bass and aggressive sunfish. Some good sized dace can be had too.....

Enjoy!

 

[Scott]

Biggest smallie I've caught was in the SBR just north of Flemington, a 4# 20" one.