Tuesday, April 1, 2014

The Headwaters of the Passaic Report

April showers bring May Flowers, or an annoying Emergency Flood Notification on your IPhone. Rain, or even possible flooding won't stop us from fishing. However when fishing during these wet conditions, your choice of streams to fish narrows. You need to hit the smaller, lower flowing streams, but this is tricky while most streams are closed for stocking. Bryson and I are situated in central NJ, while Douglas and Rob are in PA, so our choice of streams is much different. For Bryson and I, there is only one place that is worth the drive and our time in these trying times. The Headwaters of the Passaic in Bernardsville, NJ seems to be the best option when streams are closed to stocking or heavy rains rise the water levels.

Our favorite point of access to the stream is through the Audubon Center on Chestnut Ave, Bernardsville, NJ. Park in the visitor’s parking lot, during operating hours of course, and go in the gift store and let the people at the front desk know you are fishing. They give you a sheet you have to fill out before and after you fish. This may seem as an annoying task to some, but in reality they are just trying to insure safety and collect info on the stream.

Once you’re ready to go, head to the stream. There are a variety of trails that lead to the stream, however the further down the stream you go the bigger the fish are. If you work up from the lower edge of the property, close to the road, you will find some deeper runs, compared to the rest of the stream, and some deep pools. As you get further up the water turns into shallow runs and small plunge pools. If you want to cover the park from bottom to top, you will need about two to two and a half hours to fish it well. You will finish at a big, deep pool at the top end of the park. This pool is known as flat rock, because there is a huge rock in the middle of it. This spot is a popular swimming hole, but if you hit when the park is free of visitors, you have the opportunity to catch a large wild brown or rainbow. Considering the average fish is about 6-7 inches and a big fish is around 12, expect not much bigger than an 18-inch fish from flat rock. Here is a sampling of some of the stream's fish:

This is on the smaller end of what you will be catching, but as you move up through the park expect more fish like this.

This about the average sized fish in the lower portions of the stream

This is one of the larger wild bows that can be found outside of the Audubon Center.

If you want to fish there after park hours there are plenty of other places. However some parts are secret, but if you drive along Chestnut Ave into Harding I am sure you will find some great spots. All these spots have pull offs, but the stream may be a way off the road.

Flies for this stream are pretty straight forward. Frenchies, Pheasant Tail's, Quill Nymphs, etc. work well. In terms of dries, BWOs and Caddis Patterns work well. Both Bryson and I fish the water with 2 and 3 weight rods, all 7 foot or under. Approach the river with caution, careful not to spook the fish. Just because it is a small stream, doesn't mean you can't tight-line nymph. Modify your leader to work with a small rod and you will do just fine. Dry dropper works well too. 

If you are in NJ try and keep your sanity till the streams open again. If you have the time try and make it out to the Headwaters of the Passaic, you won't regret it.

Tight-lines Everyone - Alex Rundella  






1 comment:

  1. Hey Alex....My name is Matt, founder of Eat My Fly Outfitters. Gonna send you guys some apparel (talked to Doug already). I live right in Bedminster. Email me if you guys every want to meet up and fish. I'm on the water almost daily. Looking forward to hearing from you. Eatmyflyoutfitters@gmail.com

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