White Perch in South NJ

[PinelandsGillie]

Just moved to deep south NJ near the Tuckahoe and Mullica watersheds, pretty far from southeastern PA streams and NJ skylands streams I try to make it out to as much as I can. Started saltwater fly fishing for the first time this year, didnt make it up to IBSP or land any stripers or weakies but caught and released some nice big American Shad. With striper season over I was wondering if any of you guys ever went out to catch perch on the fly rod, I have tied some pink and white bucktails and pink crazy charlies, thinking of getting some grass shrimp and taking the kids out (i have five boys) with spinning gear to catch some. My family doesnt eat meat except for fish so it would be nice to catch a bunch of perch. I heard you can catch them as early as January in collins cove in the Mullica but I dont own a boat nor dare to bring my kids out on some river ice. Anybody on hear fly fish south jersey tidal creeks?

 

[Thursthouse]

I caught a bunch down in a tidal river in the egg harbor area (albeit on spinning tackle and blood worms). High tide was the key for that particular river. Lot of work cleaning and preparing them, as the ones I was catching were smaller, but tasted delicious fried up.

 

[PinelandsGillie]

yeh i grew up along the bass river in NJ which runs into the Mullicaused to catch a bunch with my dad in the spring on grubs

 

[trico mike]

Try manahawkin wma in early march. Usually the full moon brings them into the impoundments. You can also catch them in the creeks. Any small flashy flies work well. The kids can do good with small pieces of worms.

 

[PinelandsGillie]

cool, your talking about those big cedar lakes off the parkway that the warren grove cedar creeks run into? I always wanted to check that out over there. Do they spawn in that area? I heard the lower bank bridge on the Mullica is another hotspot for them in the spring.

 

[trico mike]

I'm talking about the impoundments that are on the way to lbi if you take the back way. I think you are thinking of Stafford forge,good pickeral fishing there.

 

[PinelandsGillie]

just looked on a map and i see what you mean, I should check it out sometime thanks man!