Musconetcong River, 5/20, Bloomsbury

[Doug Vitale]

I hit a remote stretch of the Musconetcong from 3:00 - 8:00 yesterday. I struggled finding good fishing spots because there was a lot of shallow water. I lost a fairly large fish in a pool (I didn't see what it was). Finally after getting the skunk for a couple of hours, I found a nice section of the river that was deep.

I was fishing with Rooster Tails and Mepps spinners. I could see the trout chasing the lure, but they wouldn't take it. I switched over to my combination worm/hot pink salmon egg bait, and it was fish on. I got six trout in half an hour. I would have stayed but it was getting dark and I had to get out of the woods quick.

On my way back to the car, I heard a big splash and I cast a Panther Martin to where I saw the ripples. After two casts I got a nice sized brown, about 1.5 pounds. The other six fish were all rainbows (two of them were 2 lb. fatties) and they didn't want to be bothered by lures.

I'd like to point out that where I was fishing was miles away from the nearest stocking points. It just goes to show you that the fish migrate away from where you see the "trout stocked" signs. Many fishermen won't bother fishing any streams or rivers that don't have these signs posted. Most of them won't fish more than 500 feet from where they park their cars, either.

[tjc76]

Beautiful fish Doug! Way to get after 'em.

[Tony Cav]

Great report and beautiful fish.

[Capt. Lou]

Nice fish Doug , you were due for a decent day! One day we have to hook up & go after some big girls my way! Leave your Dad alias butterworm king home , he won't be able to stand the excitement !

[Sigma1073]

Nice report and well done on the fish! I completely agree with you on getting away from stocking signs. One of the most enjoyable aspects of trout fishing is the exploration part that sometimes pays off big. I usually learn more when I fish this way and leave happy even if fishing was a bust. Not to mention getting away from the shoulder to shoulder fisherman makes the trip much more enjoyable.

[Cuz]

Nice story, Son. Love the color on that rainbow trout you took the picture of. I'm so happy you are getting back into the swing of fishing. And I like the exploring new waters adventure you did. It's kool to take in the outdoors. Either with your eyes or your heart. Enjoy it while you are still young and mobile. You'll never regret it either. Let me know when you want to challenge your old Dad again. You need to redeem the 13-1 whooping you got last time we fished! Love, Dad