Greetings, fellow freshwater anglers! Are you as tired of winter as I am? I know it’s actually spring already, but the truth is that it’s mid-February as I write this and the temperature is 28-degrees. Furthermore, many anglers probably have not lifted a rod since the last fall-stocked trout they caught in October, and I’d hazard a guess that some of these anglers haven’t even lifted themselves off of the couch!
Hopefully, some anglers got out on one of the warm sunny weekend days we had over the winter, because Jersey’s streams held and still hold plenty of trout leftover from last year. Regardless, this will all change on April 11 at 8 a.m. when the 2009 New Jersey trout fishing season opens. Never mind what the calendar says, Opening Day is the true first day of spring, and possibly the first good excuse to get off that couch to go fish on one of New Jersey’s many trout stocked streams and lakes.
As in recent years past, the Pequest Hatchery up in Buttzville will supply our streams with approximately 600,000 brown, rainbow and brook trout over the course of the 2009 spring fishing season. A majority of these fish, which average about 10 1/2 inches, will be liberated in plenty of time for Opening Day. But don’t jump the gun. Remember that most stocked waters will close to fishing on March 23 and won’t reopen until 8 a.m. on April 11. This includes seasonal and year round trout conservation areas, as well as designated holdover trout lakes. Exceptions include Farrington Lake, Lake Hopatcong, Lake Shenandoah, Prospertown Lake and Swartswood Lake. While these waterways remain open to fishing, any trout caught must be released immediately. After April 15, bass too on these lakes as well as all other lakes in the state, must be released, but more on that later.
Once the season kicks off, we’ll be able to keep six trout that are 9-inches long or greater, right up until June 1, when the limit drops to 4 fish. Although many anglers hang up their waders at this point, there are still loads of fish to be caught. In fact, some of the most prolific hatches will occur in late spring. Fly anglers will also find themselves fishing in relative solitude, especially if they are lucky enough to fish on a week day.
Speaking of fly-anglers, many start the season using nymph’s like the Hare’s Ear or Pheasant Tail, but it’s hard to beat a black Woolly Bugger dragged through some of the deeper holes. Savvy fly-fishers will also keep their eyes open for dry fly activity, which could include BWO’s, Grannom Caddis and little black stoneflies.
By and large, the majority of anglers on Opening Day will opt to use bait, like garden worms, salmon eggs, and Berkley PowerBait for trout. All are effective, but the anglers who consistently fill their limits are the ones who are prepared to fish all three, in addition to in-line spinners such as Rooster Tails, Mepp’s and Panther Martins. Spinner choice is usually dependent on stream conditions. If the water is low, slow and clear, opt for a smaller spinner in a subdued color, while high, fast and or off-colored conditions call for large spinners with chartreuse bodies and over-sized blades.
Where to fish is really a matter of personal choice since the state is pretty well stocked from top to bottom. Early in the season, lakes, streams and rivers are primarily stocked with brook and rainbow trout. Naturally, the northwest corner of the state will receive the most attention and fish, since these streams flow clear and cold for most of the year. Traditional favorites are the Musconetcong, Pequest, Big Flatbrook and the South Branch of the Raritan River, but Central Jersey anglers will catch more than their share of fish at the Manasquan and Metedeconk River.
While I’ve only mentioned streams, there are numerous lakes that are also stocked and certainly worthy of any angler’s attention. For a full list of these impoundments be sure to logon to www.nifishandwildlife.com. Two reservoirs, which will also draw lots of attention, are Round Valley and Merrill Creek since they offer sizable populations of lake trout. Be sure to read the regulations carefully since the rules differ for each location.
It’s all about the bass too
Of course, it’s really not all about the trout. Spring in New Jersey is when all of our freshwater favorites shake off their coldwater slumbers and really start to bite in earnest. Largemouth and smallmouth bass, for example, will readily take slow moving spinnerbaits, jerk-baits and rubber worms. Keep an eye on the water temperature and fish in the warmer spots. While bass will bite year round, most anglers really start experiencing success after the water hits 50 degrees.
One thing early season bassers’ should keep in mind is that the season will close from April 15 through June 15 to allow the bass to spawn in peace and ensure good fishing for generations to come. Fishing is still allowed, but it is catch and release only. Tournament anglers hate this, but it truly is one of the best ideas the State has ever had. This author’s favorite early season hotspots would be Lake Assunpink, Parvin Lake and Lake Musconetcong. The shallow nature of these lakes allows them to warm quickly, sending bass to the spawning beds sooner than on most lakes.
One thing spring bassers’ should keep their eyes peeled for is long, alligator-like fish that follow their lures right to the boat and then linger just long enough for the lure to be thrashed around in a frantic figure-eight motion. Of course I’m talking about muskellunge and pike, which are very active in mid-March through April. Fish over 20-pounds can be caught by attaching a short trace of wire between the main line and any large swimming plug or oversized spinnerbait. Three of the best places to try for a shot at these toothy bruisers are Greenwood Lake, Spruce Run Reservoir and Mercer Lake.
The Big D
Finally, the denizens of the Delaware will also awaken and provide some truly great fishing. In addition to large and smallmouth bass, this also includes walleye, striped bass and shad. Delaware River anglers who are after stripers, and plan on using bait, must fish with non-offset circle hooks when using a number two hook or larger hook. This regulation applies from the Calhoun St. Bridge in Trenton down to the Commodore Barry Bridge in Bridgeport, from April 1 through May 30. Also, anglers should note that all walleye fishing state-wide is catch and release only through April 30.
And last, but not at all least, American shad fishing will start up in late March and really get hot and heavy in April depending on water conditions. Flutter spoons, shad darts and flies will all take their share of fish. Call the shad hotline to find out where the main body of fish is on the river. The hotline number for the latest Shad updates on the Delaware River is 610-954-0578 or 610-954-0577. It is updated daily during the shad run.
It's all about the trout!