New Jersey Fly Fishing
Is Fly Fishing popular in New Jersey?
Fly fishing is a popular sport in New Jersey, with a long history of fly fishing in the state. The state is home to a variety of freshwater rivers, streams, and lakes that provide excellent fly fishing opportunities, particularly for trout and bass.
New Jersey has many fly fishing clubs and organizations, such as the New Jersey State Council of Trout Unlimited and the Fly Fishers Club of Orange. These groups offer education, conservation, and advocacy for fly fishing and its related activities.
The state also has a number of excellent fly fishing shops, such as Shannon's Fly & Tackle Shop in Califon and The Sporting Gentleman in Glen Mills, which offer a variety of equipment, gear, and guidance for fly anglers of all levels.
Overall, fly fishing in New Jersey is a popular and well-supported sport with a dedicated community of anglers and resources.
What are the top targeted species for anglers in New Jersey?
Trout - New Jersey has a number of streams and rivers that are home to wild and stocked trout, including brown, rainbow, and brook trout. Some popular trout streams in the state include the South Branch of the Raritan River, the Musconetcong River, and the Paulinskill River.
Smallmouth bass - Smallmouth bass are a popular target for fly anglers in New Jersey, particularly in the Delaware River and its tributaries, such as the Musconetcong River and the Paulinskill River.
Striped bass - Striped bass are a migratory species that can be found in New Jersey's coastal waters and in some of the state's larger rivers, such as the Delaware and Raritan Rivers. They can provide an exciting and challenging target for fly anglers.
Bluefish - Bluefish are another migratory species that are found in New Jersey's coastal waters, particularly in the summer months. They are known for their strong fight and can be a thrilling target for fly anglers.
Panfish - New Jersey has a number of ponds and lakes that are home to a variety of panfish species, including bluegill, pumpkinseed, and crappie. These fish can be a great target for fly anglers, particularly those who enjoy fishing with smaller flies.
Overall, New Jersey offers a wide variety of fly fishing opportunities and species to target, making it a great destination for fly anglers of all levels.
5 popular spots to fly fish in New Jersey
New Jersey has a variety of excellent fly fishing destinations, including rivers, streams, and lakes. Here are some of the popular places to fly fish in New Jersey:
The South Branch of the Raritan River - The South Branch of the Raritan River is a popular destination for fly anglers in New Jersey, particularly for trout fishing. The river is stocked with rainbow and brown trout, and also has a population of wild trout.
The Musconetcong River - The Musconetcong River is another popular destination for trout fishing in New Jersey. It is a beautiful river with plenty of riffles and pools that provide excellent habitat for trout.
The Delaware River - The Delaware River is a large and diverse river that offers excellent fly fishing opportunities for a variety of species, including smallmouth bass, striped bass, and shad. There are a number of access points along the river that make it easy for fly anglers to find a good spot to fish.
Round Valley Reservoir - Round Valley Reservoir is a popular destination for fly anglers in New Jersey, particularly for warmwater species such as smallmouth bass and panfish. The lake is known for its clear water and scenic beauty.
Pequest River - The Pequest River is a beautiful and popular destination for fly fishing in New Jersey. The river is stocked with rainbow and brown trout, and also has a population of wild trout. It is also home to the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center, which is open to the public and offers a variety of educational programs and exhibits.
These are just a few of the many excellent fly fishing destinations in New Jersey. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, there is plenty to explore and discover in the Garden State.
What are Fly Fishing regulations for New Jersey?
In New Jersey, the Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Division of Fish and Wildlife manages and enforces fishing regulations, including those for fly fishing. Here are some of the general fly fishing regulations that apply in New Jersey:
Fishing License - Anyone over the age of 16 must have a valid New Jersey fishing license to fish in the state. Licenses can be purchased online, at a local retailer, or at an NJDEP office.
Fishing Limits - There are daily and possession limits for each species of fish that can be caught in New Jersey. The limits vary depending on the species and the location, so it's important to check the regulations for the specific body of water you plan to fish.
Seasons and Closures - Some waters in New Jersey have specific fishing seasons or closures to protect spawning fish populations. It's important to check the regulations for the body of water you plan to fish to make sure it is open and to know the fishing season.
Special Fishing Regulations - Some waters have special regulations that may limit the types of lures, bait, or techniques that can be used, as well as catch-and-release requirements for certain species.
Trout Stamp - Anyone fishing for trout in New Jersey must purchase a trout stamp in addition to their fishing license.
Barbless Hooks - In most waters in New Jersey, the use of barbed hooks is prohibited when fishing for trout.
Catch and Release - Catch-and-release fishing is encouraged in New Jersey to protect fish populations and ensure the sustainability of the state's fisheries.
It's important for fly anglers to be familiar with the specific regulations for the waters they plan to fish in New Jersey, as these can vary depending on the location and the species being targeted. The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife website provides up-to-date information on fishing regulations, as well as detailed maps and other resources for anglers.
Popular Fly Shops in New Jersey
South Branch Outfitters: Located in Clinton, South Branch Outfitters is a full-service fly shop that offers guided trips, equipment rentals, and fly tying classes. They carry a wide selection of fly fishing gear from top brands, including rods, reels, waders, and more.
Streams of Dreams Fly Shop: Located in Upper Saddle River, Streams of Dreams Fly Shop is a family-owned and operated fly shop that has been in business for over 25 years. They offer a wide range of fly fishing gear, as well as classes and guided trips. They specialize in fly tying materials and offer a vast selection of hooks, feathers, and other fly tying supplies.
Tight Lines Fly Fishing: Located in Parsippany, Tight Lines Fly Fishing is a premier fly shop in northern New Jersey. They carry a large selection of fly fishing gear from top brands, including rods, reels, waders, and more. They also offer fly tying materials and classes, as well as guided trips and casting lessons.
Golden Stone Outfitters: Located in Bedminster, Golden Stone Outfitters is a full-service fly shop that offers guided trips, equipment rentals, and fly tying materials. They specialize in fly fishing for trout and carry a wide selection of gear from top brands. They also offer fly tying classes and fly fishing workshops.
Tackle U.S.: Located in Red Bank, Tackle U.S. is a fly fishing and tackle shop that offers a wide range of gear for fly anglers, including rods, reels, and accessories. They also carry a selection of fly tying materials, and offer classes and workshops. In addition to fly fishing gear, they also carry conventional tackle and equipment for other types of fishing.
All of these fly shops offer a wide range of gear and services for fly anglers of all levels, from beginners to experienced anglers. They also offer a wealth of knowledge and expertise on fly fishing in New Jersey and beyond, and can help anglers plan their trips and find the gear they need to be successful on the water.
What is the History of Fly Fishing in New Jersey?
Fly fishing has a long and storied history in New Jersey, with many notable events and figures associated with the sport. One of the earliest and most influential organizations in the fly fishing community, the Isaac Walton League of America, had its first chapter founded in New Jersey in 1923. Since then, it has become one of the most influential groups in fly fishing and conservation, working to protect natural resources and promote sustainable angling practices.
The Raritan River, which runs through central New Jersey, has been a popular destination for fly fishing for many years. It was one of the first rivers in the country to be designated as a wild and scenic river, and has been the focus of numerous conservation efforts over the years. The river is home to a variety of fish species, including brown trout, smallmouth bass, and American shad.
Russel J. Blessing, a New Jersey native, was one of the most notable fly fishermen of the mid-20th century. He was a founding member of the Atlantic Salmon Federation and a prolific writer on the subject of fly fishing. His book "Trout Streams of Pennsylvania and New Jersey" remains a popular resource for fly anglers in the region.
The Musconetcong River, which runs through northwestern New Jersey, is another popular destination for fly fishing. Like the Raritan, it has been the focus of numerous conservation efforts over the years and is home to a thriving population of wild brown trout.
New Jersey is also known for its tradition of bamboo rod making, which dates back to the early 20th century. The state is home to a number of prominent bamboo rod makers, including H.L. Leonard and R.L. Winston, who have played a significant role in shaping the history of the sport.
Today, New Jersey continues to be a popular destination for fly anglers, with a variety of streams, rivers, and lakes offering excellent opportunities to catch a wide range of fish species. Whether it's the storied history of the Raritan or the rich tradition of bamboo rod making, there's something special about fly fishing in the Garden State.
