Pequest River Question

[Capspath83]

Hey everyone,

Just so I know before I go, I went to my LTS yesterday and was advised that the Pequest is Fly Fishing only. I have tried to confirm this by looking at NJDEP sites and googling it, and all I could find is sites about fly fishing the river, nothing about using spinner rods at all. I just want to confirm that spinner fisherman have a right to the river as well, as long as I am using trout magnets and inline spinners with no scent I will be fine.

I was advised by someone on here in separate post that I should be aware of the fly fisherman in this river since they don't like spinner fisherman.

Also, would it be best for me to find an access point above the hatchery? i read its less crowded up there towards Belvidere (Orchard Street Bridge) and the fish are more bountiful.

Also, what are the regulations for the Belvidere stretch. I know by the Hatchery, its 1 fish 15+". Is Belvidere 4 fish at 9" and i can use any bait to catch them or the same 1 at 15+"?

Sorry for all of the stupid questions, I am just trying to get more acquainted with fresh water fishing as I am a total beginner.

Thanks for your help!!

[Wilson]

TCA area by the Hatchery is artificial's only.

Fly fishermen (not all) can be a little uppity in the TCA area.
I have had some tell me to leave and take my spinning rod with me.


Belvidere is ok for bait and the limit is 4 at 9" if you find that many!

[Capspath83]

Originally Posted by Wilson

TCA area by the Hatchery is artificial's only.

Fly fishermen (not all) can be a little uppity in the TCA area.
I have had some tell me to leave and take my spinning rod with me.


Belvidere is ok for bait and the limit is 4 at 9" if you find that many!

Great to know! Thanks Wilson. I figured as much. Thanks for confirming. I will try my luck in Belvidere and move my way towards the hatchery.

By the way, I must say, this site is great! I appreciate everyones feedback on all of my questions and I know I will be a frequent user.

[Ash]

Originally Posted by Wilson

TCA area by the Hatchery is artificial's only.

I have had some tell me to leave and take my spinning rod with me.

Seriously? I'd probably respond with an extended middle finger and a slew of profanity.

[Lard Almighty]

Originally Posted by Ash

Seriously? I'd probably respond with an extended middle finger and a slew of profanity.

Wilson seems to be one of the few calm-headed souls who doesn't get his knickers in a twist over stocked trout.

[Wilson]

Originally Posted by Lard Almighty

Wilson seems to be one of the few calm-headed souls who doesn't get his knickers in a twist over stocked trout.

Wilson is the guy that hooks fish 3 feet away from the fly guy standing up to his chest in the best hole in the river

[SaltLife1980]

Ive had a few fights that almost came to blows with the fly fishermen there.

[devildogski]

came across several of these people too I laugh than when I do leave I make sure I walk down the middle of the river through all the good deep holes

[FASTEDDIE29]

I haven't fished the Pequest TCA and others in years! I've walked them all and find the fish else where. Especially in the colder months! I actually walked so far on the Pequest 16 years ago that I had to try and hitch hike to get a ride back to where I was parked! That river has some beautiful fish up and down! Hope you find em! I never got the ride I was looking for, lol! Pretty sure I slept in my Explorer that night!

[Delawareriver]

Yep have fished the tca several times. Sure I caught fish there but had guys walking every where and guys standing in the middle of the hole. Drive a mile or two either way and have plenty of fish to yourself