Lower Raritan River

[Camren]

Hi Guys,
Just starting to explore the river and trying to get some bearings. At what point does the lower raritan become brackish and or tidal?

I'm trying to target smallmouth on the fly and trying to figure out the best area to fish/kayak.

Thanks!

[Jigman13]

Right around New Brunswick

[Camren]

Thanks! Is my assumption that the lower section of the river is better for smallies accurate?

[AndyS]

I have seen smallmouth almost to the tide line at Landing Lane bridge.
The shale flats all through Bound Brook to Piscataway hold fish.

[thmyorke1]

Ive only headed down past riverside park/the 287 bridge a few times. You might hook some small stripers since it seems the big ones have moved out (?)

Personally ive never seen a smallie past there, but know they're there somewhere. A nice sized carp I saw once.

It gets very flat around that part of the river, geologically (or hydrologically...) I dont know why, and finding holes that smallies would like to rest in seems difficult. I bet if you do find one however, it'll be the only one far around, and ACTION PACKED!

Be careful if you're wading since it can get slippery on the river floor. Id appreciate hearing a report that far down, even if it's just a lil fish.

Also look out for blue crabs and longnose ga- I mean... needlefish! :D

[Camren]

Thanks guys!

I was actually referring to the lower section of the raritan in general (not just around the tidal zone) vs the other branches for smallies.

Fresh water fishing, especially chasing smallies in a river is pretty new to me. I have many years in the salt, so stating off in a fishery that's new to me is something I haven't done in a while but it is exciting.

With that said, if anyone ever feels like chasing smallies on the fly by wading or by kayak I'm always open to fishing with new people! Probably going to head out sometime next weekend.

[Jigman13]

Pay attn to water levels and clarity. It's a big river too obviously so be prepared to run and gun.

[thmyorke1]

Oh then in general the main stem is good anywhere. Any accessible location will have a good spot within a good wade. Some spots are better than others, some areas have multiple spots in proximity, etc.

Duke island headgates is typically bad around this time from my experience. Something to do with high pressure since its the most popular spot? Just went there today and made out with one lmb, talked to others and they caught jack. Proceeded to the south branch after and caught quantity and quality in less time compared to it.

So go to less pressured spots is a good guideline