Passaic River Question

[briansnat]

Originally Posted by JimmyMas

I was driving route 80 east today I think I went over the Passaic like three times then again further down rt 46 east. I never see anyone fishing down there. Is there access points near 80/46? Looks good. Then when you're get neat rt 21 there's a tidal section of river. What's it called and does anyone fish it.

I grew up fishing the section along Route 21 in Passaic and Clifton. We called it polluted.

As far as access points, I doubt many here will share theirs. I've only fished the Passaic a few times since my childhood so I don't know it well enough to have mental bookmarks of a bunch of access points, but one spot with easy access is on Two Bridges Rd in Fairfield. I used to fish for carp there when I lived in Caldwell. There is parking right between the two bridges and a well worn path along the river. There are ways to get to the river through Great Piece Meadow (which may be what you are seeing from Rt 80), but you may want to wear knee high, water proof boots in wet seasons. Another spot, if you don't mind a wet and muddy walk, is via West Essex Park in West Caldwell. I never fished in these two locations but I've been geocaching back there and was able to reach the river.

Beyond that, Google maps and satellite photos should give you a good starting point. Pick out a few that look good and gas up the car, toss in your rod and check them out.