South Branch 4/7

[Cuz]

Fished near Stanton with slim results. Two nice keepers and two rainbows around 10" which I released. Then I moved to the pump house area where it was dirty water and got a big fat skunk. A policeman told me that area was a big bust opening day. That was the same thing that went on there last year.

When the water reaches 45 degrees plus and the sulpher flies appear the area is like a bluefish school busting bait on top. I watched a fly rodder catch over fifty trout one afternoon last year on the same stretch of water. Really kool to watch.
I hope we don't get much more rain from now on so the waters have time to recede and clear up.

[AndyS]

Puttin your time in, just a matter of time till you hit pay dirt, keep us posted.

[Dave B.]

Part of the problem down below Clinton is that they're still dumping water out of Spruce Run Res. Not sure why since it's not near full, only thing I can think of is they're trying to maintain a 'void' in the capacity in anticipation of some heavy spring rains to avoid flooding potential. Whatever the reason as of right now they're dumping 173cfs which is having a big impact on the flow below Clinton.

[EJS]

Part of the problem down below Clinton is that they're still dumping water out of Spruce Run Res. Not sure why since it's not near full, only thing I can think of is they're trying to maintain a 'void' in the capacity in anticipation of some heavy spring rains to avoid flooding potential. Whatever the reason as of right now they're dumping 173cfs which is having a big impact on the flow below Clinton.

Dave, thanks for the info!

[EJS]

Fished near Stanton with slim results. Two nice keepers and two rainbows around 10" which I released. Then I moved to the pump house area where it was dirty water and got a big fat skunk. A policeman told me that area was a big bust opening day. That was the same thing that went on there last year.

When the water reaches 45 degrees plus and the sulpher flies appear the area is like a bluefish school busting bait on top. I watched a fly rodder catch over fifty trout one afternoon last year on the same stretch of water. Really kool to watch.
I hope we don't get much more rain from now on so the waters have time to recede and clear up.

I traditionally fished that area, from the pumping station down stream to the camp ground on opening day. I haven't seen results coming from that stretch on opening day in 3 years. I moved much farther down stream to the Hunterdon/Somerset county border, with much better results on opening days.

[Dave B.]

Dave, thanks for the info!

No problem. You can keep tabs on it yourself here... http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nj/nwis/uv/?site_no=01396800&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060,62614

Also since this water is coming from somewhat deep in the res it's likely to remain colder longer than most other streams until they stop releasing.