Rahway River - Early Morning Dog Walkin/Bassin'

[logs22]

Since my local ponds in the Cranford area are all but dried up and haven't been giving me much love anyway I have been focusing my efforts recently on the Rahway River. The fact that Its only about 3 blocks from my house (in three different directions) also adds to the draw.

Recently I have been taking my pole with me when I walk my dog in the morning, there is a nice wooded area nearby that I can let him off his leash and fish for 15 minutes or so while he wanders nearby. I Caught the two LMB pictured below this morning in about ten minutes and have had similar success at this spot (also pictured below - any Cranford/Kenilworth locals recognize...?) my past three outings.

They might not be the biggest fish but it sure was a great way to start my Tuesday. I just hope my wife never discovers my posts on this board or I will cease to get credit for the 'chore' of walking our pooch every morning at 6:30 am....

[Skunk City]

Nice report! Not many coming out of the Rahway. That looks like a nice hole in the 2nd picture. Oh yeah, nice French Bulldog! Been my favorite breed since I was young :D.

[thomaskgrosvenor]

Good time management. Looking at the map there seems to be some nice patches of the Rahway River at some different parks to try out. Using Google maps and its earth view sometimes gives some idea as to whether or not an area is fishable.

I did not have much luck fishing in Union County. I tried Echo Lake and had no luck. I went to the Watchung Reservation to fish Lake Surprise and was certainly surprised to see that most of the lake was dried up due to delays in dam construction/repairs (there was still some muddy water left and saw a fellow catch a catfish), and I tried Watchung Lake which only had a small allowable fishable area. I did not see Best Lake which is connected by Stony Brook, though, because I was actually trying to find the Watchung Reservation which I eventually found. (I still don't use GPS in the car, maybe someday).

[logs22]

Good time management. Looking at the map there seems to be some nice patches of the Rahway River at some different parks to try out. Using Google maps and its earth view sometimes gives some idea as to whether or not an area is fishable.

Try using the satellite map view on Zilllow app instead of Google. Images must have been taken during winter because no leaves on trees so you can see bodies of water much better, especially smaller rivers that might otherwise be completely hidden by foliage (aka most of Rahway from Nomahegan in Cranford until Springfield). PM me if you want some ponds in Union county near where you have tried that have been fairly reliable for me this summer. My little hole on the Rahway though is too small and too productive For me to share, sorry:-) If you don't mind lots of scary large snakes and a mile hike through mosquito infested swampland, there are some pretty good holes where Rahway runs through back woods of Lenape park. Haven't been back there since spring though so cannot attest to how things are now.

[Suntzu]

Very familiar with that spot
Used to hold one or two really nice bass and a few crappie

[logs22]

Very familiar with that spot
Used to hold one or two really nice bass and a few crappie

I figured there would be at least one other Cranford local or someone who grew up here that would recognize it, one of the most picturesque stretches of the river in my oppinion. The tree that doubles as a bridge for me (and the dog when am bold enough to carry him over) is just about the only good thing Sandy gave the town.

Just a great spot all around, and not just for anglers, apparently some of the local kids are also aspiring farmers because the past three years come September I have stumbled upon some unique "crops" looking ready for harvest. Hey, as long as they arent leaving trash around i say live and let live.

[Chris1129]

Def know that area….usually park and walk in at the other end by the dam. Took my kids there in July to catch sunnies, and surprisingly they hooked up with three bass on worms with a bobber! Go figure!