Musky Monday

[Billfish715]

I fished the Musky today in the Hackettstown stretch virtually by myself from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M. I covered quite a bit of real estate, much of which was off the beaten track. The water was clear and slightly high but the stocked brookies didn't seem to mind. A little extra shot was necessary and a knowledge of the stream was essential. Some of the fish were a short distance from the stocking points although a few were set up in the feeding lanes farther downstream. I managed a five person limit of very healthy fish all of which were released.

The flow was much faster than the South Branch which is just over the hill. The South Branch in Long Valley looked like it was at early May levels. My advice to those of you who like some elbow room is to fish a few days "after" the stocking dates. There's plenty of fish left and you don't have to feel squeezed and crowded by the 5 o'clock army or the morning madness. You'll have time to explore a little and learn some spots just a little up or down stream that might be a second or third choice when your primary hole is crowded.

[AndyS]

Fishing during the week is a great way to beat the weekend warrior crowds.

You caught ALOT of fish, great report !

[Billfish715]

Catching fish sometimes depends on your local knowledge. I've fished that stretch of the Musky for over 40 years and when one spot is crowded or not producing, I simply move to another without moving my car. Some of the spots require different techniques too, if you want to get a tug or two on your line. Fishing under a log, or along an edge, or under an undercut or a fast riffle or behind a rock might mean changing your weights or adjusting your drift. Knowledge of the stream means alot. Many fishermen swear there's nothing in a stretch they just fished only to find someone come right behind them with a different bait or lure and bail them. It's happened to me.

Finally, getting off the beaten track can make a big difference in your catch. A short walk of a fifty yards might open up a whole new stream to you that you never knew. Get away from the stocking points and discover more of what you're looking for.........trout.