Opening Day NJ Trout Opinions ?

[Predator]

I did some exploring of the Allamuchy area this past winter and discovered Saxton Falls. Not a soul in sight or even a fish. lol… So when I got home I googled Saxton Falls and saw the pictures of fishermen standing side by side. Wow, that's insane. I said to myself, id take the fish less day over that scene any day. It's a beautiful place though and I will hit it again in the future. Also the river I plan on fishing Saturday looked un fishable as of yesterday. A rip roaring mud bath is all I saw. No chance in catching trout for me if conditions remain as is. It's still early in the week though.

[Eskimo]

Originally Posted by Predator

I did some exploring of the Allamuchy area this past winter and discovered Saxton Falls. Not a soul in sight or even a fish. lol… So when I got home I googled Saxton Falls and saw the pictures of fishermen standing side by side. Wow, that's insane...

Meh, it's typical for an area where stockies congregate on opening day.
I've seen small pools on the Big Flatbrook a lot more crowded than that weeks and months after opening day.

[buzzbaiter]

I haven't been out on OD since high school about 30 years ago. Fishing to me is and always will be a solo sport and not some social event. Worst day of the year for those who enjoy peaceful fishing alone. That's why I'll be over in Pa on some remote mountain stream miles from the madness.

[Predator]

a circle jerk…lol

[buzzbaiter]

That dam should be torn down as it no longer of any use other than piling up mud behind it. However its considered historic so it will stay in place.

[ithaca10]

Opening day of trout season in NJ is a tradition for us. I'm glad everyone thinks it's crowded so stay home or go to PA or NY. Try walking 100 yds up or downstream from the bridge or the stocking sign and you'll have the river to yourself.

Yes Saxton Falls is insane and always has been for the last sixty yrs that i can remember. Many yrs ago who was governor at the time would come up to wet a line at Saxton Falls.

[Jenger]

I don't think i'll be out OD, ill see if I can get some weekdays in next week

[Michael82929]

I dont fish opening day anymore.. actually its opening day of baseball so that will have me tied up.

Pops is on a sussex county run this am. If he told me what was true, trucks were light with what was going in the water this week.

Word of advice - I would reset expectatons for trout season this season and just be happy to get out and catch some fish. Not as many making their way into the water.

Promote catch and release this yr, the streams will need every fish available if you want to enjoy May, June and early July.

[UglyStick]

The older I get, the more and more I hate the crowds on opening day but it's a tradition so I still put up with it. It's also the day I see 100x times more violations than any other day of the year with respect to licenses, size and especially limits. I wish they had more CO's even if just for this 1 day.

Still haven't decided where to go since the rivers were raging when I scouted this past Sunday but I'll probably end up back at my usual spot on Big Flat Brook. Good luck to everyone...

[Polelock]

More rain on the way Thursday and Friday....I will make the call on Friday where we go..river, pond, or lake...