South Branch of the Raritan River Key
River Report:
http://www.njtrout.com/
Water Flow Key:
I am relating this to the USGS gauging station
in
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nj/nwis/uv/?site_no=01396500&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060
Relating water flows in cubic feet per
second to fishing on
Less than 50 cubic feet per second
These are the low summertime flows. It is best to fish in the early morning and then again in the evening. Some sections of the water can really heat up. Fish can be caught provided that you adapt to the situations. Sight nymph fishing to visible trout or dry fly fishing with long fine leaders is a must during these flows. Most trout will be found in the pools and nears cold-water influences. Be cautious, even though the majority of the trout are stocked, at these flows they can become quite wary.
50-100 cubic feet per second
These are still low flows, however, fishing can be very good. The trout will begin to spread around and will take up feeding lanes in the riffles. There is also a fair amount of dry fly fishing at these flows. The trout tend to look up during these flows. Trout can be taken on a dry fly and dropper rig if fished in the some of the faster runs and pocket water.
100-150 cubic feet per second
The river really starts to change at this level. It changes for the better! There is more water, the trout really spread around and distribute themselves evenly. You can catch fish almost anywhere in the river. Nymph fishing with an indicator during these flows can be really productive as well. Also, with the higher water streamers can be a good bet. Good dry fly fishing can still be had at these flows.
150-200 cubic feet per second
These are my favorite flows for fishing the South Branch. The trout are not as put down by angling pressure. This makes for excellent fishing. The trout will feed all day during these flows. These are the perfect flows for fishing the pocket water sections of the river.
You can still find decent dry fly fishing in the river’s slower sections.
200-300 cubic feet per second
This usually means higher stained water. Fish
will respond well to streamers during this flow. If you were to fish
nymphs make you are fishing the edges. You will find that the
majority of the trout will move to the edges to seek refuge from the
current. Use bright colored flies, such as eggs,
300-400 cubic feet per second
these are very high flows. Only the hardcore
guys will fish it at this level. You can still have productive days.
Fish the edges and back eddies. The fish will be piled in there. Be
sure to fish brighter streamers and nymphs, such as eggs and