The Lopat: I knew it well.

First fished it or, should I say first saw fish in it, back in 83. Stopped in that liquor store on the way to visit someone. Noticing what looked to be a stream flowing behind the building and being a fisherman I had to walk over and at least take a look. Located in a urban area and full of garbage such as shopping carts, pallets, auto axles and other stuff initially, I was turned off but, the water was so clear and cold, for such a hot day. Then, I saw what was without a doubt, a brown trout holding in the current just behind some debris.

Not living in the area and never having been to the town before I didn't know anything about the Lopatcong but I sure was going to learn... to be continued.

This rain and ensuing flood should clear out everything except for the tires and shopping carts ;)

My visits to the area and thus the stream continued on a regular basis through the 80's up until 2001 but only four times since then. During those years I fished it, sometimes once a month, year round and, learned much about the trout, bugs, stream and locals.

The wild trout there are browns and a unique type in coloration, spotting and behavior. While they display the typical colors associated with spring creek or limestone Salmo Trutta they have a higher frequency of black spots - notably on the back - with a remarkably similar pattern on each fish also, more intense red spots and tinges, especially on the upper and edge of the caudal, the adipose, pelvic and anal fins. Of course diet and water chemistry have a lot to do with coloration but not spot patterns as they are influenced by geology and genetics.

Browns are known to be wary but these fish aren’t as spooky as one would expect and tend to return to feeding and/or resting stations rather quickly after being disturbed. This probably is due to conditioning from living in an urban setting where people are nearly always around.

Apparently there are at least three varieties of brown present:

1) Residents
2) Delaware spawners
3) Delaware refugee stocked fish

All are easily discernible from each other. As far as size goes, ‘average’ adult fish run about 9-11” but there are a few much bigger specimens where you’d expect them to be and in the late fall some surprising spawners up from the big D.

The stream is also stocked but now only with brook trout from the Pequest hatchery. Any rainbows are either fish that somehow got mixed in with the brookies or Delaware refugees. The brookies have not and are not reproducing and by summer are usually gone. Some rainbows holdover multiple years and can get quite large.

Prior to the complete removal of the old lock dam there was a large pool behind the lumberyard that was frequented by – sometimes confrontational - bait fishing locals. Now – or at least since removal – few people fish the stream for stocked trout now or that's what I'm told.

To be continued…

Most typical aquatic insects found in the Midatlantic states are present in the stream but LBS, SUPLHURS, TRICOS and BWO are the most abundant species. Shrimp are also numerous in some sections, mostly upstream of the liquor store.

While the trout – browns - are not very shy they can be quite selective, unless you’re using sizes less than #18. A Hares ear nymph, no matter what’s hatching is the most effective pattern, fished with no weight and a long tippet. Streamers in shades of grey are the ticket during the fall, winter and when trying to entice a lunker out from a tight spot. Grey Ghost and Muddler Minnow always worked for me, especially during low light conditions.

Water temps. are not an issue except of course during hot summer afternoons. Interestingly a long duration drought makes the water colder though, as expected, there’s much less of it.

Now, onto the biggest problem on/for the stream: The Sewage treatment plant. Some years the discharge seemed innocuous others, it was just about raw with toilet paper bits and stank so bad I could not enter the ‘gorge’ because of the vomit reflex. There are some really nice pools down there, when the water is clean. I have no doubt the discharge, some years, far exceeds regulatory standards and creates a plume that blocks migration in/out of the big D. First noticed this back in 85.

With additional stream bed improvements, strict regulation of the STP and special regs. (no more stocking, no bait and a 9” size minimum) it could be a real gem.

I have heard a lot of good things about that stream. I imagine that the major spring comes into the stream above the "liquor" store that you mentioned?

What's the deal with the STP? Why isn't the waste being treated consistently?

"I imagine that the major spring comes into the stream above the "liquor" store that you mentioned?".

Not really. Below the RRT (Rail Road Tressle) the stream changes.

"What's the deal with the STP? Why isn't the waste being treated consistently?".

Don't know for sure, can only guess. It's far from where I live and I'm busy with other things.

Seeing a 'regular' poster here mention fishing the stream on a regular basis I just thought I'd post some of my knowledge about it.

Thanks.

Quote:

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The stream is also stocked but now only with brook trout from the Pequest hatchery. Any rainbows are either fish that somehow got mixed in with the brookies or Delaware refugees. The brookies have not and are not reproducing and by summer are usually gone. Some rainbows holdover multiple years and can get quite large.

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In recent years I can say with all certainty that rainbows are theonly type of fish being placed during the put and take season. In the past though brookies were definately stocked here, almost exclusively.

As far as the STP, plans are to move the discharge directly into the Delaware, surveys have been done and I assume work will begin shortly.

"As far as the STP, plans are to move the discharge directly into the Delaware, surveys have been done and I assume work will begin shortly.".

WOW! That's geat news. in a way. I say that because if the STP was up to or exceeding NJDEP standards (on a ocnsistent basis) discharge would BENEFIT the stream. However, since it's often not, directing the outflow into the big D is better.

Anywhere I can find details about this? ie: Who's involved, when, how ect.?

Thanks.

Not sure, you could contact the Phillipsburg Sewer Authority. The reason I know about it is that I was fishing down here when they were surveying.

[quote author=Hookerman link=topic=4207.msg33315#msg33315 date=1268869349]
"I imagine that the major spring comes into the stream above the "liquor" store that you mentioned?".

Not really. Below the RRT (Rail Road Tressle) the stream changes.
[/quote]
The gradient steadily increases through this section. The spring does have a minor effect on water temps, dropping them a few degrees during the summer months. There are a few more that are hidden further upstream.