AndyS
05-20-2025, 05:55 PM
River dropped below 1000 CFS that makes it wadable but still a struggle at 500 CFS. Water holding in the 66* to 68* water temp. Fish must have spread out on the main stem but I did manage 2 stocked trout and a small SMB on the "shale flats" at Duke Island Park. We hit Roberts St and that was slow also. Headed over to the North Branch at North Branch Park/ 4-H grounds and Ken got a pick of some chunky SMB, I got a stocked trout. River edges on main stem are choked with baitfish. Saw 2 big water snakes as well as a bald eagle. Seeing more fly-fishermen on the main stem lately. Over the next few weeks the N and lower S branch will lose their trout "look" and transition into more of a bass "look" as bottom vegetation increases and the water warms up. Trout will seek thermal refuge for the summer. North branch is tough to access but is a great stream to float a kayak or canoe on. Still not sure why Somerset County Parks has both Finderne wetlands and Petersbrook Greenway shut down, animal encounter ? eagles fledging ? Very little has been said, they could have worded the sign differently to say either park or trails closed, not sure if they can technically shut down the Raritan river.