Suggestions for a Regional Fishing Trip

[pmjasper]

Hi guys. Well starting back fly fishing in NJ has been an adventure so far and when I read different posts people state that while productive, NJ is not on par with some of the Catskill and Pennsylvania trout streams in the region. I was just wondering, if I were to set up a trip, for a weekend what might be a good stream to put some time in on (ex. Spring Creek, PA/Conectiquot, LI/ Beaverkill, NY/ Etc.)? Thanks. BTW, I reside in Hamburg, northern NJ.

 

[JeffK]

Lot of choices. At this time of year I wouldn't head North, except for maybe the Great Lakes tribs. Also, NYS trout season ended Oct 15, so you need to go to special regs areas until April 1. Check the rules!

Catskills: E Branch and West Branch tailwaters and Beaverkill and Willowemoc freestones. Not every spot is open - check rules carefully.

Connecticut is overlooked. Housatonic is a big river in a really scenic, upscale valley. Farmington is a good tailwater.

PA has the Centre County area limestoners like Spring Creek, the Little J, Fishing Ck, etc and is a good trip for wild tough trout.

Another good limestone belt is below Harrisburg with Yellow Breeches, Letort, Big Spring, Falling Spring. etc. Once again fussy limestoner trout.

The Lake Ontario tribs are cooling down and the salmon runs are winding down, but the crowds are thinning down and steelies are coming in. Salmon R is the big name. If the waters get high try the smaller tribs, but this year the main river is the better bet.

Lake Erie tribs in NYS and PA are the hot spots for steelies lately, but it is a long drive.

Poconos are closer - Bushkill, Brodhead and a bunch of smaller streams.

Adirondacks are a little further and are colder, so I would wait to late spring for a trip up there. Lots and lots of water of all types with all types of fish up there.

 

[pmjasper]

Good information Jeff. Thank you.

One thing I should have clarified though, I wasn't looking at heading anywhere now per say but possibly in the spring or summer next year. I'm not looking for tough fishing as I've had a hard enough time trying to hook up here in NJ. However, just looking for a nice getaway on a stream where I can get some action or some larger fish.

 

[tompg]

In that case, just keep going to Roscoe.

 

[pmjasper]

Only went up to Roscoe once and really didn't fish much. I had jigs and the guy I fished with had worms. It was mid summer and he caught 5 while surprise, surprise, I got skunked. Guess that's another area I'll have to figure out on where and how to fish it.

 

[JeffK]

Mid summer isn't the greatest time to hit the Roscoe area. Late spring is better. I love fishing jigs, but in my experience they are best is cold water when the water is below about 45 to 48F. When the fish are more active break out the fly rod.

All those places are good. In late spring everything is good and the more adventuresome might try places off the standard list. Less crowds and you may find the hot spot - but you also risk a skunking. West side of Hudson in NYS, Madison Co NYS, West Canada Ck, central NYS spring creeks are examples of places most don't fish, but can be good if you hit it right.