D&R Canal and New Brunswick Fishing

[itisdillon]

Hi folks,

I have been lurking for a couple weeks, popping in every now and then to see what is going on. I really think you guys a hell of a community here. I moved to New Brunswick a few months ago and have fished the D&R Canal around the Landing Lane Bridge / Route 18 Bridge a few times. I love being able to bike around as if I were a kid again and find spots along this waterway. I am looking to get more into it now that I have a little more free time. Unfortunately, I have yet to have any luck. But, I am not discourage; plan on trying different set ups / different times / different spots.

My question for the forums are what is in the canal side and what is in the raritan side? In April, before opening day, I saw the Raritan side stocked with trout in morning. But, someone told me this past weekend when I was fishing that it is too warm to trout now. And the water would be too brackish for bass. I guess I am looking for some info as I am new to the area so I can better prepare my attack.

Thanks!
D

[Fishinfire]

Welcome D,

As far as the Canal goes, if you want to catch it, its probably in there! Here are some to start with: sunnies (multi species), crappie, large mouth, smallmouth, pickeral, muskie, catfish (again multi species) , walleye, perch, carp, eels, etc.

See you out there!

[buzzbaiter]

Its tough because there is no shallow water. It almost immediately drops to around 6 to 8 feet. That plus all the bushes/trees along it make casting a nightmare. Its better by canoe or kayak but if not, just find openings and cast towards any sort of cover like a log or tree. Some decent bass and pickerel in there.

Interesting history. Imagine digging all that by hand???

Construction of the D&R Canal began in 1830. Laborers - the majority of whom are believed to have been migratory Irish immigrants - were hired to dig, mostly by hand, the main canal and its feeder. The main canal was 44 miles long, 75 feet wide and 7 feet deep.

[AndyS]

Welcome to the site !! You will be amazed what swims in the Raritan river.

[shucker]

I've seen or caught just about everything out of both rivers except a sturgeon...I would not be surprised if one was in there either as they are out in raritan bay.

[Skunk City]

I've seen or caught just about everything out of both rivers except a sturgeon...I would not be surprised if one was in there either as they are out in raritan bay.

A friend of a friend spotted one while fishing the Hackensack River a couple years ago.