Passaic River 6/24

[Skunk City]

Had some free time this AM so my buddy and I launched the kayaks headed fished the river for a little pre-lunch Pike. Started with topwater and had one big blowup by a laydown but no hookup. Nada on the topwater, so I switched over to my new go-to lure, a green/pink/yellow Flatfish. Quickly hit the first fish, then a second that I didn't get a photo of. Kept tossing the Flatfish and got a follow and aggressive boatside strike from a slightly bigger Pike. I barely had any line left before my barrel swivel hit, but I attempted a figure 8 and ALMOST hooked up. The Pike swiped again, then tailsmacked my lure before shooting off into his old tire and empty Majorska bottle Mecca. My buddy landed one as well, also on a Flatfish. Sun started kicking our a$$, so we were off the water by noon. Talked to a couple guys bowfishing for carp too and doing well. Water levels are as low as I've seen them this year with tons of visible structure. Time to get out and do some scouting boys.

[Fishon1982]

Nice pikes

[AndyS]

Amazes me how that water NEVER clears up

Nice fish boyz !!

[flyboy1]

I can see that you were fishing the Dundee lake area..... My stomping ground for giant Pike and Smallies....

[Skunk City]

Originally Posted by flyboy1

I can see that you were fishing the Dundee lake area..... My stomping ground for giant Pike and Smallies....

I've put a TON of time in the kayak in that area and its just starting to produce for me. Figures, since my other spots have slowed down hard lately. I've never had a problem with Smallies up there, but never luck with Pike til recently. That's fishing though I guess?

[FASTEDDIE29]

Nice report and nice PIKE! Great job!!!

[flyboy1]

Originally Posted by Skunk City

I've put a TON of time in the kayak in that area and its just starting to produce for me. Figures, since my other spots have slowed down hard lately. I've never had a problem with Smallies up there, but never luck with Pike til recently. That's fishing though I guess?

The big giant Pike action wont pick up again until late August through October when the water starts to cool down again... so be patient... Until then its pretty good smallie action especially in the middle of the Dundee lake by the Pipe line where all the wood and tree debris has gathered....

[danyeo]

Where can you launch a yak or Canoe in that area?

I hit the Passaic in Chatham yesterday and was getting NOTHING in Senko's and other lures. Threw on a Hula Poppa with a fly tied on the hook with 12 inches of 4lb mono and caught about 15 fish. A bunch of Rock bass, Crappie, various panfish and 2 Smallmouths around 12 inches. Nothing big but fun nontheless.

Makes me feel like an idiot spending money on lures when a simple fly just kills them.

[bronzeback]

Nice!!

[Skunk City]

Originally Posted by danyeo

Where can you launch a yak or Canoe in that area?

I hit the Passaic in Chatham yesterday and was getting NOTHING in Senko's and other lures. Threw on a Hula Poppa with a fly tied on the hook with 12 inches of 4lb mono and caught about 15 fish. A bunch of Rock bass, Crappie, various panfish and 2 Smallmouths around 12 inches. Nothing big but fun nontheless.

Makes me feel like an idiot spending money on lures when a simple fly just kills them.

There is a nice boat launch across from Elmwood Park HS. PM me and ill fill you in on an alternate launch.

Usually senkos are my #1 bass bait, so if they're not working, somethings up with the spot or the conditions. I don't really target bass on the River much anymore, so all the ones I've caught this year (a lot lol) have been on bigger lures or big live shiners...Largemouth and Smallmouth. Keep fishing hard and don't be afraid to explore different areas.