Acess to the Rahway River

[Webstersigam]

Hey guys, I was listening to a few guys talk the other day at my local watering hole and they were talking about taking some decent cats out of the Rahway around the Cranford Canoe Club. I for the life of me can't figure out the acess points. Anyone have any insight?

[catfishonthelake]

You can access the Rahway by the old trap and skeet range on Kenilworth Blvd., near the Mill on Lincoln in Cranford and I think there is even some access right at the canoe club in Cranford. There's plenty of access on that river. Use Google Maps.

[Webstersigam]

Thanks Catfish.....I'm really looking forward to running into you somewhere in Union County one of these days. By the way, is the rahway a shoreline place to fish or do you suggest I breakout the old hip wadders?

[catfishonthelake]

You shouldn't need the waders man. I can't think of too many places where it's not wide enough to cast across the whole river. Plus, I think it's pretty much a mud/muck bottom in most parts, so you may find yourself in some trouble if you wade. If you're looking for kitties, I'd definitely check out the big pool below the dam near the trap and skeet range on Kenilworth Blvd. I've only fished for carp there, but it's deep, slow moving water and I would think that if there's any decent cats in there that would be a good place to find them. Let me know how you do. I've never fished for cats in the Rahway, but if I see you post pics of a few decent channels that could change quick. BTW, Warinanco Park in Elizabeth has some fatty kitties too, but a lot of times you have to weed through a ton of TINY bullheads to get them. Try sunnies if you go there, the livers may be more trouble with all the turtles and small fish.

[Jigman13]

FWIW, I've caught cats in Milton Lake in Rahway on small floating rebels/rapalas up to 20 inches. Surprised the hell out of me--that's for sure. And there's also some hawg largemouths in the lake in Rahway Park. They're spooky but catchable...

[Billfish715]

There's lots of access to the river in Cranford. Only a few spots are trout stocked. If it's catfish you want then the U.C. ponds are your best bet. There is access in Winfield below the parkway or Clark above Jackson's Dam. Also, there's the area in Rahway Park. In that area and just off Raritan Road in Clark/Cranford, there is a small backwater pond above the falls by the Parkway which holds lots of catfish.....or at least it used to. If you're traveling from Clark on Raritan Road, just before you get to the Parkway overpass, there's a small parking area on the left. If you're near the trap range, then you're near a small pond in Kenilworth. From Route 22 East, turn right just past Home Depot, by the White Castle and follow that road to the park on the left. It has carp, cats and more. Also, when you're on 22, pull into the Dick's parking lot and drive around to the back of the parking lot and look around. Don't let the fence fool you. There is access. These spots are all part of the Rahway River drainage. One last sleeper is at the end of Broad Street (Westfield). Lenape Park is accessed by crossing Springfield Avenue and staying on that residential street to the end. The pond is straight ahead. The outflow continues toward the trap range and the Rahway River.

[Jay1111]

Originally Posted by Billfish715

There's lots of access to the river in Cranford. Only a few spots are trout stocked. If it's catfish you want then the U.C. ponds are your best bet. There is access in Winfield below the parkway or Clark above Jackson's Dam. Also, there's the area in Rahway Park. In that area and just off Raritan Road in Clark/Cranford, there is a small backwater pond above the falls by the Parkway which holds lots of catfish.....or at least it used to. If you're traveling from Clark on Raritan Road, just before you get to the Parkway overpass, there's a small parking area on the left. If you're near the trap range, then you're near a small pond in Kenilworth. From Route 22 East, turn right just past Home Depot, by the White Castle and follow that road to the park on the left. It has carp, cats and more. Also, when you're on 22, pull into the Dick's parking lot and drive around to the back of the parking lot and look around. Don't let the fence fool you. There is access. These spots are all part of the Rahway River drainage. One last sleeper is at the end of Broad Street (Westfield). Lenape Park is accessed by crossing Springfield Avenue and staying on that residential street to the end. The pond is straight ahead. The outflow continues toward the trap range and the Rahway River.

Yesterday I went behind the Target next to Dick's. I have seen some small fish. Have you ever fished there? Can you catch something bigger? Carp, bass, trout? This particular body of water has two functions. Now you can't see it but years ago when they just built the Target, the sewage canals where visible. I think the water there is typical sewage. Sad to say but true.

[River Renegade]

There's plenty of spots to fish at the Rahway river, anywhere from Winfield park to Cranford/Kenilworth are great spots for bass, cats etc. Good luck on you're trip there!