South Branch 2014

[Billfish715]

Was anyone planning to fish the upper part of the South Branch? I somehow missed seeing the trout allocation listing for the South Branch. Wow! No stocking from Budd Lake to Lake Solitude including the Ken Lockwood Gorge! If anyone was planning to fish for freshly stocked trout in that stretch, you'll have to content yourself with fishing for holdover fall trout and any natives that are left. Stocking will start from High Bridge downstream. I can't believe they won't release any of the rainbows in the upper SB like they are in the rest of the major streams. Lots of opening day traditions will be changed this year.

[AndyS]

Never say never, the fly shop up there collecting funds to buy fish and stock that stretch.

[Billfish715]

The town of Califon really turns itself out for the opening of trout season. There are often three generations of family members standing side by side on the banks or in the stream waiting for the 8 o'clock start. What a shame if that tradition is broken! By the way, I seem to remember that the state bought or traded for trout from out of state when they had hatchery problems at the Hayford facility back in the day. What can you tell us about the contributions to the stocking fund? Maybe TU will be able to donate something along with the private donations.

[Sigma1073]

The areas that are being removed from the stocking schedule are being reposted by the state to keep folks informed. Hopefully that will turn people on to other areas and force them to explore a little. For me exploring is half the fun because you never know what you will find.

[Mikey topaz]

Hit the klg yesterday fished the upper end workin evrey ripple and pool ended up with nothing didnt even see any fish, and yes it is upsetting they are not gonna stock that oortion of the south branch but its for the good to protect the fish and there will plenty of other places well stocked for opening day!

[shucker]

It will be stocked just not by the state with much nicer fish

[Polelock]

[Capt. Lou]

I never fished that stretch much, did donate to Shannon's to aid in their stocking efforts ! If enough get on board I'm sure with our combined efforts trout fishing will be enjoyed in that part of the SB !!

[briansnat]

I think these non stocked waters will be a blessing for those of us who abhor crowds.

The bucket brigade and the opening day types who only fish on that day will probably seek out the stocked waters, leaving these unstocked stretches relatively empty.

I've never once gone out on opening day in my life due to my distaste for crowds, but I may actually do it this year because I think a lot of the crowds are going to move to the lower Passaic, Hackensack and lower Raritan where big numbers of fish are going in. There should still be plenty of holdovers from the fall for the rest of us.