South Branch Of the Raritan River

[randyg]

I have gone out trout fishing every year since I could remember with my father, not only on the opening day but also on Tuesday's stockings and every weekend in April, May, and some of June. We usually fish the stretch behind the old lipton tea factory before The Falls. I have seen drastic changes in the fishing over the years. For instance when I was younger, we got there at 4 am and were met by a handful of other guys and we all ran to get equipment at our favorite spots. In those days you caught your limit in about an hour or two of fishing. In the last 5 years we have gotten to the hole to see nobody around. We would fish for 3 hours with one rainbow to show for it. With that said, I have seen a big increase in productivity later in the year like in mid to late May. I was wondering if anybody else has seen this and if anyone has an explanation. I know major storms can wash them down a ways and muddy water can be difficult to fish but this hasn't been the case all the years because I talk to other guys who fish the same day with the same conditions and do well.

I am not saying that I have to catch fish to enjoy fishing. In all honesty, I'll probably still go to this same spot simply because it's in complete privacy and allows for a relaxing experience.

Has anyone else seen this trend of fishing?