Wading Suggestions !!

[Mikew36]

Hey guys, just got a pair of chest high waders for Christmas and i want to go out and try them this weekend because of the awesome weather we are supposed to be getting !

I live in Totowa, so my question to you guys is, are there any areas of the passaic that is a consistent 2-3 feet deep for a couple of miles, or another nearby creek/river you think is should hit? I'd like to target pike or trout.

Thanks !!

[Jigman13]

I'd avoid wading the Passaic. Some steep banks and incredibly soft muddy bottom can end in catastrophe. You're better off and a lot safer fishing the river's banks...

Hit one of the big 3 and I'm sure you'll get some trout!

[gwl2oneida]

Delaware generally has a nice river stone base. Use polarized glasses to help you see the bottom, and a walking stick as well.

[briansnat]

If you don't want to venture too far from Totowa, try the Rockaway. Grace Lord Park in Boonton and a few other spots in Boonton, and Boonton Twp are fine for wading. Or the Ramapo in Mahwah. Another fine river to wade. There is good access to the Ramapo at a number of points, including Ramapo Valley county reservation, and where most bridges cross the river. There is also state land off Glen Gray Rd that runs along the river.

I think both were stocked with trout this fall.

[Chrisper4694]

Agreed, don't wade the Passaic! Haha I've tried it. Scared the crap out of me when I started slipping into deeper water and sinking in the mud everywhere. Get a kayak if you want to do the Passaic or shore fish it.

[The Birdman]

If you want to wade for pike try the pompon river at riverside park (off 23 on farming dale road). not too deep there.

if you want trout go to ramapo reservation off 202 walk to the river, and head upstream- it is perfect for wading and will have some trout left.

[Mikew36]

Thanks all !! Didnt get a chance to get out this weekend, other priorities got the better of me :-/....I think the rockaway in Boonton will be my first try. Trying to get some trout on the fly for the first time. Let you all know how it goes !

[Mikew36]

If you don't want to venture too far from Totowa, try the Rockaway. Grace Lord Park in Boonton and a few other spots in Boonton, and Boonton Twp are fine for wading. Or the Ramapo in Mahwah. Another fine river to wade. There is good access to the Ramapo at a number of points, including Ramapo Valley county reservation, and where most bridges cross the river. There is also state land off Glen Gray Rd that runs along the river.

I think both were stocked with trout this fall.

Hey Brian,

How's the access in Tourne Park in Boonton? If i don't do well in Grace Lord, is that a good fallback?

Thanks !

[Mikew36]

If you want to wade for pike try the pompon river at riverside park (off 23 on farming dale road). not too deep there.

if you want trout go to ramapo reservation off 202 walk to the river, and head upstream- it is perfect for wading and will have some trout left.

Thanks Bird i'll give that a try too !

[briansnat]

Hey Brian,

How's the access in Tourne Park in Boonton? If i don't do well in Grace Lord, is that a good fallback?

Thanks !

I never fished there, but there is access by the dam on Powerville Rd (near junction w/ CR 624.) which is just up the road from Grace Lord and a good fallback spot. It where I go if I get the skunk at Grace Lord.

[Mikew36]

I never fished there, but there is access by the dam on Powerville Rd (near junction w/ CR 624.) which is just up the road from Grace Lord and a good fallback spot. It where I go if I get the skunk at Grace Lord.

Cool and thanks,

Just one more question, just checked out google maps near that damn, where do you park and do you fish the top of the dam or the bottom?

Thanks!

[Doug Vitale]

my question to you guys is, are there any areas of the passaic that is a consistent 2-3 feet deep for a couple of miles, or another nearby creek/river you think is should hit? I'd like to target pike or trout.

I'll be a voice of dissent and recommend that you do go wading in the Passaic River...as long as it's the Passaic in Basking Ridge. No pike there; you'd have to settle for pickerel.

Closer to Totowa, you have several streams to choose from.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3e/Passaicwatershedmap.png

[briansnat]

Cool and thanks,

Just one more question, just checked out google maps near that damn, where do you park and do you fish the top of the dam or the bottom?

Thanks!

mostly below the dam, but they stock above and below. Wading above is not an option however. plenty of parking next to the dam, it is a small park

[Mikew36]

Hey guys, Was able to get out on 1/2/15 for about 5 hours on the Rockaway. Waded up and down Grace Lord, struck out but enjoyed some beautiful sights. Then tried my luck at Powerville dam struck out there as well but i had a great time.

I want to thank you guys for your tips and insight, i can see now why caution is needed when wading, i stumbled a few times but my cat-like reflexes kept me upright. Can't wait for spring to get me some trout! till then, i'll be practicing my fly casting!!

Thanks again!!

[briansnat]

Hey guys, Was able to get out on 1/2/15 for about 5 hours on the Rockaway. Waded up and down Grace Lord, struck out but enjoyed some beautiful sights. Then tried my luck at Powerville dam struck out there as well but i had a great time.

I want to thank you guys for your tips and insight, i can see now why caution is needed when wading, i stumbled a few times but my cat-like reflexes kept me upright. Can't wait for spring to get me some trout! till then, i'll be practicing my fly casting!!

Thanks again!!

Isn't the damage in Grace Lord from hurricane Irene amazing? The whole hillside went into the river, trees and all.

[Mikew36]

Isn't the damage in Grace Lord from hurricane Irene amazing? The whole hillside went into the river, trees and all.

There were still rocks, and chunks of dirt falling into the river about 10ft from me, probably scared all the fish away !