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.