Too late for central NJ trout?
 

Help, please.

I've never caught a trout before and was hoping to get that off my list shortly. Seems like the local water may be too low and warm. Am I off base? I'm in the S. Brunswick area.

If not, where should I be looking? I don't want your spots, but the general area of a body of water would be a great help.

I don't have a boat. Have waders, though.

Re: Too late for central NJ trout?
 

If your willing to drive, the paulinskill, Wanaque, and peaquanock rivers hold wild Browns year round. Some stocked rainbows make it year round too. Never been down towards you, but I'm sure theirs some deep holes
Most of the spots aren't so secret for trout, state posts signs in front of stocked bodies of water

Re: Too late for central NJ trout?
 

Big Flatbook.

Re: Too late for central NJ trout?
 

Paulinskill is still like fishing in a barrel!

Re: Too late for central NJ trout?
 

I caught my first stream trout at India Brook in Mendham's India Brook Park when I was a kid over 20 years ago. It's closer to the Brunswicks than the streams mentioned above. It's a small brook that is running low because it hasn't rained much this spring. But you should be able to get one spin fishing with either 2 or 4lb test. Has both wild & stocked fish.

Another good spot is the South Branch of the Raritan River in Califon between the Vernoy Rd bridge and Hoffmann's Crossing Rd bridge. Also closer to the Brunswicks that the streams mentioned above. The river is heavily stocked and there are also wild trout there too. You could also stop at Shannon's on Main St. there if you like. It is primarily a fly shop, but they do sell some spinning gear and bait. If you tell them that you are looking to catch your first trout they will help you make sure you are setup properly. The guys there are very nice.

Re: Too late for central NJ trout?
 

Ken lockwood gorge or any of the trout conservation areas would be a best bet if your spinning throw some small rapalas and for fly dry flys are a blast this time of year

Re: Too late for central NJ trout?
 

As of a week ago I was still pulling trout out of the Rahway, particularly at the bottom of dams/falls where the water is somewhat deep and oxygenated.

Re: Too late for central NJ trout?
 

They holdover in places some people wouldn't think to look! Cold springs, constant shade, a cold rain helps keep the water cooler in spots! I catch Trout all year round, even in July and August! That's mostly on accident when I'm fishing for live bait! They're out there for the taking if your looking for them!

GOOD LUCK and TIGHT LINEZ!!!

Re: Too late for central NJ trout?
 

Just no power bait or live/scented baits in the TCAs. The Wanaque TCA is a block from me, and the ranger got two people right after opening day. Decent fine, and leaves all the wild Browns to me(to take their picture)