North Branch Raritan 8/3/14:

[AndyS]

My longest North Branch float to date, from Far Hills to the confluence. Part clean up mission, part fishing trip. Below where the Lamington comes in there are some really DEEP holes. Got some quality smallmouth, they were so hungry they were hitting the jig as soon as hit the water. Once hooked they went ballistic. I know there are some huge smallmouth in the river and saw plenty of 10 and 15lb. carp also. Don't be afraid of the North Branch, plenty of fish to be had. As I got lower near the confluence I saw huge bait balls, 10ft. x 10ft, looked like peanut bunker but shiny. Bait balls so thick I could not see the bottom, my guess, Gizzard Shad. Sorry Wilson, no room in the front seat today. I have to go back and finish up from North Branch Park to the confluence.

[AndyS]

..........a few more

[Eskimo]

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Good work and nice pics.

That's not that far from where I live. I should give that river a try some day. I just don't look forward to trying to paddle upriver back to my car.


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[flatcreek]

Andy, what's the limit on tires and what do you use for bait. I don't know about the limit but it looks like that canoe is at it's. Great report Andy and great work you do, it amazes me what you find in the rivers.:

[bigfishy]

Creek chubs....See em every yr.on both rivers...not usually this late....
Been makin a big comeback the last 5 yrs..

[njfisherman1975]

There used to be a slob of a rainbow that hung around by that waterfall in your last picture! I have fished off of that small waterfall and caught trout...smallmouth and largemouth bass near there...

[shucker]

Originally Posted by AndyS

My longest North Branch float to date, from Far Hills to the confluence. Part clean up mission, part fishing trip. Below where the Lamington comes in there are some really DEEP holes. Got some quality smallmouth, they were so hungry they were hitting the jig as soon as hit the water. Once hooked they went ballistic. I know there are some huge smallmouth in the river and saw plenty of 10 and 15lb. carp also. Don't be afraid of the North Branch, plenty of fish to be had. As I got lower near the confluence I saw huge bait balls, 10ft. x 10ft, looked like peanut bunker but shiny. Bait balls so thick I could not see the bottom, my guess, Gizzard Shad. Sorry Wilson, no room in the front seat today. I have to go back and finish up from North Branch Park to the confluence.

Yes the river is jammed with gizzard shad ...I was snaggin them and livelining them for short stripes at the fish ladder last nite.

[Jigman13]

Nice work, Andy!

[FASTEDDIE29]

Well done Cap'n!!! There are no words to describe the dedication you have when it comes to cleaning up our rivers. Your the man, PERIOD!!!!