Any Big Catfish in North NJ?

[MudCat08]

I have caught some medium bullheads and a 3 pound channel cat out of my local pond, but am searching for something bigger than that.

Are there any Areas in North NJ that hold big channel cats, bullheads or white catfish? anyone ever catch a flathead catfish this far north? Looking to find a big catfish for sport and then let er go.

Also if anyone fishes for good clean catfish to eat, where are you guys finding those? most of our rivers here are/used to be super dirty.

[iraevski]

Originally Posted by MudCat08

I have caught some medium bullheads and a 3 pound channel cat out of my local pond, but am searching for something bigger than that.

Are there any Areas in North NJ that hold big channel cats, bullheads or white catfish? anyone ever catch a flathead catfish this far north? Looking to find a big catfish for sport and then let er go.

Also if anyone fishes for good clean catfish to eat, where are you guys finding those? most of our rivers here are/used to be super dirty.

i think round valley holds some decent size catfish. it is also a very clean lake so i would not hesitate to eat fish from there.
i am not a catfish fisherman though so never targeted them at RV.

[MudCat08]

Thanks guys, I actually wanted to try both places but did not know if they had good sized catfish. Might still be able to make a trip down there before fall is over. Definitely not eating stuff out of the Raritan but it should be good fun fighting them

[Andrushkin33]

You can try Spruce Run as well. Last night had a vey good luck with white ones. Nice, clean and decent size. Biggest was between 4 and 6lbs. Come to think of it, it was a first time I actually seen a cat trying to shake the hook in deep waters, so originally I thought it was a hybrid. Seen them do that in shallows never in deep water.

Bullheads, channel cat and white cat are all there and I am pretty sure there are bigger ones lurking.

Andre

[MudCat08]

Originally Posted by Andrushkin33

You can try Spruce Run as well. Last night had a vey good luck with white ones. Nice, clean and decent size. Biggest was between 4 and 6lbs. Come to think of it, it was a first time I actually seen a cat trying to shake the hook in deep waters, so originally I thought it was a hybrid. Seen them do that in shallows never in deep water.

Bullheads, channel cat and white cat are all there and I am pretty sure there are bigger ones lurking.

Andre

Is Spruce Run and Round Valley open after sundown? That's when the cats really get into the bait haha. I usually fished 10pm till 2am late nights in the summer but recently have been doing from sundown till around 9 or 10pm and still catching cats near me.

[Andrushkin33]

Originally Posted by MudCat08

Is Spruce Run and Round Valley open after sundown? That's when the cats really get into the bait haha. I usually fished 10pm till 2am late nights in the summer but recently have been doing from sundown till around 9 or 10pm and still catching cats near me.

The boat launch in both places open after sundown. I been able to get into the park area in Round Valley and until last night in Spruce Run even though sign states it closes at 6pm. Last night Spruce Run park entrance was closed but the exit was left open. Could of went through there but did not want to push my luck. Usually fish from 8pm till midnight with fishing picking up after 9pm lately. I pretty much target only the white cat. Love the meat all other are getting released back. Chicken livers work their magic but do not be surprised if you go through half a dozen of small ones before a nice one comes through.

Andre

[iraevski]

Originally Posted by Andrushkin33

You can try Spruce Run as well. Last night had a vey good luck with white ones. Nice, clean and decent size. Biggest was between 4 and 6lbs. Come to think of it, it was a first time I actually seen a cat trying to shake the hook in deep waters, so originally I thought it was a hybrid. Seen them do that in shallows never in deep water.

Bullheads, channel cat and white cat are all there and I am pretty sure there are bigger ones lurking.

Andre

Andre, what kind of rig are you using on catfish? i haven't fished for cats in ages, would like to try again. i guess chicken livers seem to be the bait of choice, just wondering about the rig, hooks, line, etc.

[Andrushkin33]

Originally Posted by iraevski

Andre, what kind of rig are you using on catfish? i haven't fished for cats in ages, would like to try again. i guess chicken livers seem to be the bait of choice, just wondering about the rig, hooks, line, etc.

Slip sinker rig for the bottom is rig of choice for me at least. As for the hook I use size 6 circle hook. Just a suggestion when fishing with livers get some small string or a rubber band to secure the liver to the hook and to ensure it stays on. As far as the line goes I just use 12lbs strength line. You know they are not like trout and not line shy.

Andre

[zmerchant7]

Originally Posted by iraevski

i think round valley holds some decent size catfish. it is also a very clean lake so i would not hesitate to eat fish from there.
i am not a catfish fisherman though so never targeted them at RV.

I catfish at Round Valley all the time in the Summer. Channel cats usually average 5-6 pounds, with a few 10+ in the mix. I know a 18-lb Channel was caught out of there about a week and a half ago.