rahway river float - NJFishing.com Your Best Online Source for Fishing Information in New Jersey

phil · #1 07-25-2016, 11:46 AM

floated the rahway yesterday with the littleman. its becoming a pretty solid weekend tradition as long as the water isnt too high. Highlight was when he fell asleep and snored for almost 2 hours. there are still some trout in the same spots they schooled up in the spring, not sure on the why or the how but they are there eating something just not anything I throw at em. I saw some fat pig bass cruising, as soon as you see them they scatter or follow the boat like a dog. it was kind of weird. Seriously thinking about bring the gopro next time for underwater shots. I had a 4' UL rod with 4# mono and all really light stuff for sunnies. next time I go out im not messing around, braid with fluro, senkos and frogs.

we spent 10 minutes at the end moving some rocks around to create a little launching/landing area for the yak. ive still never seen a crawfish but I know they are in there. Anyone have any tips for catching em? I have a trap, baited it with locally caught fresh fish and left it for 2 days a few weeks ago. Must not be putting it in the right spot. Moving water or still? Shallow or deep? I assume they move around a lot? Maybe not I don’t know. Best bait from what ive read is whatever you can catch and cut up right there.

also, these reusable "mosquito repelling" bracelets that smell like citronella and lavender and all kinds of weird stuff work awesome. I don't know why, but we made it the whole day without a single skeeter bite.

kcritch · #2 07-25-2016, 12:00 PM

HAHAHA...that's a great pic of the little guy sleeping while your catching...awesome. Great times shared with the kids for sure. Nicely Done.

logs22 · #3 07-25-2016, 01:08 PM

I always see giant crayfish around the dam separating Nomahegan from the river. They hang out on the rocks at the bottom as well as perched to the top and backside of the dam itself. I caught a couple thinking I would use for bait by using the tip of my pole to fling them onto dry land and then I scooped them into a container. These were some massive crayfish, you can't miss them at night a good flashlight.

I also see a lot on the top of the dam by north Union Ave/Gray's and in the spillways on either side of the dam (when they are closed).

bunker dunker · #4 07-25-2016, 01:15 PM

those are awesome moments Dad,good for you.cherish them as the grow so fast.

phil · #5 07-25-2016, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by logs22

I always see giant crayfish around the dam separating Nomahegan from the river. They hang out on the rocks at the bottom as well as perched to the top and backside of the dam itself. I caught a couple thinking I would use for bait by using the tip of my pole to fling them onto dry land and then I scooped them into a container. These were some massive crayfish, you can't miss them at night a good flashlight.

I also see a lot on the top of the dam by north Union Ave/Gray's and in the spillways on either side of the dam (when they are closed).

good info thanks. im focusing on my hood on the south side between the railroad bridge and parkway. I don't wanna have to actually drive to check the trap.

TheDreamCatchers · #6 07-25-2016, 02:11 PM

Do trout holdover year round in the Rahway? The Rahway has it's own TU Chapter so it must.

phil · #7 07-25-2016, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDreamCatchers

Do trout holdover year round in the Rahway? The Rahway has it's own TU Chapter so it must.

there's probably a few that survive the summer, but the river is so dammed up and sectioned off that there is no real "breeding" population that I know of

FASTEDDIE29 · #8 07-25-2016, 02:50 PM

Cool report dude! I'm sure the kid had a blast! Good to see you enjoying our local waters! Plenty of Crayfish in that river. I took a ride through Rahway this morning to check out the tidal stretch! Carp every where as well as Blue Claws and assorted turtles! Lots of crazy things have been caught on that river down where the tides are in control! Used to catch Smallies below Milton Lake 30+ years ago. Unfortunately they're all gone now!

Love to see the kids on the fish!

phil · #9 08-22-2016, 03:05 PM

speaking of crazy things in the river, here's something that kind of surprised me when I flipped a rock. ive seen a few small ones but they swim away so fast when I turn the rock over I question myself, was that an eel? nah no way cant be. then I flip a rock and this bastid just sits there looking at me, scooped him right into the net, plop into the bucket. son comes over freaking out, wants to hold it so I say sure, just grab it they don't have teeth or fins, you're good to go, just like a big worm LOL. well, anyone who has ever fished eels knows the dance they do, picture a 4 year old boy in the middle of the river trying to hold an eel with both hands farking hilarious I wish I had my gopro.