Garden State Trout

Took a trip to the Pequest yesterday and it was LOADED with people by the hatchery and south. Took a ride down to Buttsville and found guys drifting salmon eggs.

Needless to say I struck out, could not get a handle on where the fish were or it was really hammered there.

Any tips on areas from Hot Dog Johnnys down? You can DM me if you want.

MUCH THANKS in advance all!

darn, yea that's what ive been hearing. More people out fishing lately, and less spots to fish now with parks closed; makes it a battle of beating people to the river.
You're best bet would be to fish a part of river that isnt easily accessed. Such as a stretch of river that isnt next to any roadside pull-offs for a mile or so. at least this way you'll be spread out from other anglers.

fish the last stretch of the river before it dumps into the Delaware. Also the gorge is nice but you have to walk the river to get to it . Really nice place & solitude

Pequest is usually loaded with people in a normal year, can't imagine now with people having nothing else to do.

With that much pressure the fishing can be tough to dial in. I've had luck using flies that are different than what the fish regularly see.

Drossi wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 24, 2020 12:41 pm

Pequest is usually loaded with people in a normal year, can't imagine now with people having nothing else to do.

With that much pressure the fishing can be tough to dial in. I've had luck using flies that are different than what the fish regularly see.

I dont fish the hatchery area this time of the year. To many meat hunters there decimating trout that normally would be a no kill area.......

The pequest is like the gorge to me.....I will ONLY fish it in the winter when most ppl are hiding in the warmth....the mouth is a gr8 suggestion tho.....could mean multi species madness

Fishybig wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 24, 2020 4:26 pm

The pequest is like the gorge to me.....I will ONLY fish it in the winter when most ppl are hiding in the warmth....the mouth is a gr8 suggestion tho.....could mean multi species madness

Agreed. I fish it during the winter months or in atrocious weather.

Fishybig wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 24, 2020 4:26 pm

The pequest is like the gorge to me.....I will ONLY fish it in the winter when most ppl are hiding in the warmth....the mouth is a gr8 suggestion tho.....could mean multi species madness

Imo the Musky Gorge is more scenic & productive

Going to try your idea Troutman and hit the lower part next time.

It is good to get out and walk to new spots and fish too..

Thanks all

Agree there are more people out or at least crammed into less fishing space. Was off on Wednesday so I poked around the SB and found cars at all the pullouts. Same thing the day before at the Muddesquan down by me.