South branch 7/19/25:

[AndyS]

Haven't floated the lower South branch in quite some time and I'm trying not to waste any time getting out there with the new ride. Had planned Rockafellows to Blackpoint but when when we saw others launching at Rockafellows we quickly moved to a plan B and went to Three Bridges to launch. We didn't feel like playing leap frog with others today. As I was prepping the canoe my friend makes a cast and hooks up on his first cast, I'm thinking, well if that ain't the kiss of death !
I have floated the North branch, South branch and main stem many many times over the years but today was just amazing, did the stars and planets align correctly ??? When we got to Blackpoint we were stymied on what to do next not expecting the float to be so short, BUT in that time we caught and released more than our fair share. We opted not to start another float but instead went back to the "Bound Brook flats" to wet wade. It was hard to pass up on such ideal conditions on a summer day, low clouds and light drizzle.
The "flats" did not meet expectations so we flipped over all the cards and departed for home.

Disclaimer: those fish I am holding were not caught by me but my friend in the front seat. It's actually easier for me to handle the fish, it makes for a quicker release. I have done this on float trips in NY, I just take a photo with the guide holding the fish, just makes it easier all around. I did catch my fair share today, just nothing really photo worthy.

Not sure of the water temp or CFS but the water was gin clear.
I see this fishery getting better with each passing year and I have to credit it to the 10 years of pulling garbage out of the lower South branch. When you peel hundreds and hundreds of tires off the river bottom it changes all the dynamics, same can be said for the North branch and main stem Raritan.
Saw 3 bald eagles on the SB, 1 adult and 2 juvenile, loads of Kingfishers also. Saw an Osprey in Bound Brook.

[Dclark2]

What SCUMBAG would throw tires in a river or stream in NJ ? IF I ever seen that they would have 4 more to throw over................

[AndyS]

The tires we pull out of the rivers are 30 to 40 years old, back in the day that is how you disposed of used tires. I see very very few "new" tires in the river, maybe from some punk who got tires off Tire Rack and didn't want to spend the 10 bux disposal fee, but for the most part these tires have been in the river for a very long time. No one ever took the time to pull them out although we have hundreds if not thousands of environmental groups standing around "looking" at climate change and asking for donations.

[Nucks]

Originally Posted by AndyS

The tires we pull out of the rivers are 30 to 40 years old, back in the day that is how you disposed of used tires. I see very very few "new" tires in the river, maybe from some punk who got tires off Tire Rack and didn't want to spend the 10 bux disposal fee, but for the most part these tires have been in the river for a very long time. No one ever took the time to pull them out although we have hundreds if not thousands of environmental groups standing around "looking" at climate change and asking for donations.

Taking these tires out definitely is an improvement. In some marine areas, covering creosoted pilings with plastic film has helped herring populations and consequently salmon populations. It's cheap and easy to do.