Union County Pickerel

[catfishonthelake]

Originally Posted by phil

pretty sure this was about surprise lake, they shocked and moved all the fish to nomahegan/best/seeleys a couple years ago. that dam project was supposed to be like 1 year, in classic NJ fashion its probably going WAAAAAY overbudget and years beyond the deadline.

Yeah, it was about Surprise. It was always good for some very early spring pickerel action, although the pickerel were very very small. You're probably right, we won't see it back in action anytime soon.

[Matt A.]

surprise used to be so good, sad to see it in this condition. I have personally seen a 28" pickerel and a 16" crappie pulled from there. ironically right from that deep section near the dam. the fact that you had to walk all the way down probably reduced fishing pressure. i hope they stock it to help get it back on its feet once they fill it up.

[Billfish715]

There was a generous benefactor who stocked the lake the last time it was drained to remove the mats of Lilly pads and their enormous root systems. It will be some time before the fish population gets back to a healthy level even after it gets refilled.

[Fishinfire]

I keep telling you people there are no fish in the D&R Canal!! I would stay far far away from it!

[TheDreamCatchers]

Thank you! I will avoid Seelys and Milton but will try the upper part of Surprise that is still there, and possibly the Green brook. I also have heard there are some in the ponds along the Rahway.