Any Big Catfish in North NJ?

[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

[briansnat]

I've seen some 15 - 20 lb channels come out of West Fayson Lake, so I assume any area lake that has a population of channels is capable of producing some big ones.

[briansnat]

Originally Posted by Andrushkin33

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

I think they may lock the gate to the main launch at RV at some point in the night, because whenever I camp there they always write down the combination in case we need to get out.

[Andrushkin33]

Originally Posted by briansnat

I think they may lock the gate to the main launch at RV at some point in the night, because whenever I camp there they always write down the combination in case we need to get out.

Interesting. You talking about the launch at Rangers Cove? I stayed out there till 2am the latest and only had cops passing by but never was the gate locked. But I have not been out there in last 2 weeks so I am not sure how it is now.

Andre

[iraevski]

Originally Posted by briansnat

I think they may lock the gate to the main launch at RV at some point in the night, because whenever I camp there they always write down the combination in case we need to get out.

the campers launch closes after 8pm in the summer. that is why you need the lock combo if you want to leave during the night when you are camping. the main fisherman's launch (close to the swimming/dam area) never closes, they don't have a gate and you can launch 24/7

[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.