Raritan River Gauge height

[tjc76]

Hello everyone,

I'm looking to fly fish the Raritan main stem from my canoe, primarily targeting smallies.

I have very limited experience on the Raritan, and am looking for input as to which gauges people reference, and at what gauge heights is the river too low to float, and what gauge height is too high to safely float.

Thanks, tight lines,

TJC76

[thmyorke1]

Hello everyone,

I'm looking to fly fish the Raritan main stem from my canoe, primarily targeting smallies.

I have very limited experience on the Raritan, and am looking for input as to which gauges people reference, and at what gauge heights is the river too low to float, and what gauge height is too high to safely float.

Thanks, tight lines,

TJC76

I look at the manville one. Normal flow is just above 4 feet.

[AndyS]

http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=phi&gage=bdkn4

https://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?01400500

[tjc76]

Thanks. I know where to find the gauges. Just asking from experience on the river in your opinions, what is too high to float safely, and what is too low, meaning lots of portage. Thanks

[Camren]

Hello

I'm in a similar scenario as you... new to the river and fly fishing for smallies out of a kayak.

I'm obsessed with researching conditions and patterning them.

The problem I find with the main stem, in my limited experience, is that there are so many variables it really takes time on the river to gauge what flow rate or level is good, bad, or indifferent.

For example, recently a flow gauge not too far up river from my float was almost 50% lower than average. There was one section of my float that was creeping up on too fast for my comfort level and I'm an experienced kayaker.

Another example is that same gauge was more then double its average. I was fishing much closer to it on this particular trip and it was a very easy paddle/fish.

My best advice is to go and check out some spots by wade fishing (if you haven't already) and make note of the flow of the closest gauge. This will give you a base line.

Tight lines and good luck!

[AndyS]

The graph chart is the easiest to read. 16 is LOW. 17 and 18 is nice. 19 it starts getting hairy, at 20 and 21 the river is probably blown out

http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=phi&gage=bdkn4

[tjc76]

Thank you gentlemen. Tight Lines