Upper Passaic "Jungle" fishing...

[buzzbaiter]

Hit a section of the PR well beyond the pike fest going on downriver. This section is very much like the Amazon with its neck high weeds and constant assault from mosquitoes. River is only about 30-35' feet here, stained almost red and pretty shallow. Snags galore but very few deep spots. Fairly cool water around 65F or so. Redbreast sunnies rule the roost here. Caught dozens of them.
One half submerged tree root wad midstream coughed up 8 crappies which was cool. Some small largies, two chainsides and one Redfin Pickerel. Missed one decent largie of about 15-16". Lot of effort for a bunch of dinks but at least nobody else crazy enough to walk around back there

Did stop by a spot further downriver closer to Gillette but river was a mess from carp. River looks great with lots of logs and midstream snags. Water levels good but the water is yoo-hoo. No signs of any other fish. Packed it in after that.

Lastly cannot recommend enough my Insect Blocker shirt. Its treated with Permethrin and so far, so good. I've tested in the worst areas - Passaic bottomlands - and its passed the test each time. 5 hours in the "jungle" yesterday and no bites. They were still all around me buzzing in my ear but you learn to ignore it. Def worst year we've had for them I've seen.