New to South Branch Raritan River

[Pdog]

Welcome to Mount Olive!

I’ve lived here about 5 years now and have reintroduced myself to fishing in the last 2-3 years so still learning the area myself. I’m more of a lake guy and spend lots of time on Hopatcong but plan on branching out to some new lakes this year. I’m an Ohio raised walleye guy at heart but enjoy chasing anything that swims. Give me a yell if your ever interested in going out on the lake.

Steve

[Billfish715]

This may help if you want to fish on the South Branch. If not, a short trip by car up Route 46 towards Hackettstown will put you on the Musconetcong for the trout and SMB that are there. Your new location will put you very close to many popular fishing spots in the headwaters or upper stretches of some historic trout waters. Draw a circle on a map with your house in the center out to a distance you want to travel then get out in your car and explore. You won't be disappointed with what you'll find.

Route 80 will take you to western N.J. trout waters and the Delaware. 206 south will take you to the Black River, South Branch and North Branch as well as many small brooks and streams. You're in a great area. Get out and see if any place interests you. Now is a good time to look. Find the trout stocking signs and with the foliage off the trees, you can see more of the streams and ponds and lakes. Bring along your trout rod and whatever baits or lures you like to use. There are still trout to catch. Shake off your cabin fever, go for a ride and give it a try.

[Hookmanski]

That rod should be fine for smallies! I've caught some decent sized smallies out of the south branch with my 4'6" UL and 4lb mono. That being said, if you were going to go bigger, for the price you can go wrong with an Ugly Stick Elite. I just got one, it's a 6'6" Medium and it's awesome. I think its going to be my main smallie rod from here on out. I paired it up with a 1000 sienna i got from a secret santa and its great. I grew up near the south branch, its a great body of water. Agreed with some of the other guys here, your area will probably hold mostly trout, but Budd Lake has everything. Follow the river downstream and you'll find the smallies. Enjoy the new area! Ton's of interesting water to fish up that way.

[TheAnaconda]

Originally Posted by Billfish715

This may help if you want to fish on the South Branch. If not, a short trip by car up Route 46 towards Hackettstown will put you on the Musconetcong for the trout and SMB that are there. Your new location will put you very close to many popular fishing spots in the headwaters or upper stretches of some historic trout waters. Draw a circle on a map with your house in the center out to a distance you want to travel then get out in your car and explore. You won't be disappointed with what you'll find.

Route 80 will take you to western N.J. trout waters and the Delaware. 206 south will take you to the Black River, South Branch and North Branch as well as many small brooks and streams. You're in a great area. Get out and see if any place interests you. Now is a good time to look. Find the trout stocking signs and with the foliage off the trees, you can see more of the streams and ponds and lakes. Bring along your trout rod and whatever baits or lures you like to use. There are still trout to catch. Shake off your cabin fever, go for a ride and give it a try.

So looking at the map and new trout regulations, looks like artificial only, 3 hook points, no barbs etc, for the entire length north of lake solitude? I assume even though these new regulations are “trout” regulations they apply to any fishing done here, even for larger species?

[bigfishy]

Originally Posted by TheAnaconda

So looking at the map and new trout regulations, looks like artificial only, 3 hook points, no barbs etc, for the entire length north of lake solitude? I assume even though these new regulations are “trout” regulations they apply to any fishing done here, even for larger species?

Youassume correct!!They mite not ticket ya if ur thwowin a lure the size of the trout? good luck if you venture out

[TheAnaconda]

Originally Posted by Pdog

Welcome to Mount Olive!

I’ve lived here about 5 years now and have reintroduced myself to fishing in the last 2-3 years so still learning the area myself. I’m more of a lake guy and spend lots of time on Hopatcong but plan on branching out to some new lakes this year. I’m an Ohio raised walleye guy at heart but enjoy chasing anything that swims. Give me a yell if your ever interested in going out on the lake.

Steve

Careful, I may just take you up on that offer!

Have you fished Budd Lake often or just stick to Hopatcong?

[Pdog]

Originally Posted by TheAnaconda

Careful, I may just take you up on that offer!

Have you fished Budd Lake often or just stick to Hopatcong?

I’ve just fished it from shore at the beach area before I got a boat. Have only had the boat on Hopatcongs so faras I was getting comfortable operating it and trying to learn the lake some at the same time. Hoping to branch out to some different lakes this year.

[ultimatepredator]

Budd lake has some shore access. Get out and wander around. See what you can find. Like someone said, now is a great time to get out and look around without the green on the trees.

Also, keep an eye out for a cheap kayak or canoe. That would open up a whole new world of fishing opportunities for you.