New Jersey Fishing Report for 1-8-2015

We’re entering the slowest time of the year for fishing in New Jersey. Besides tog and ling, saltwater options have mostly dried up, and the latest cold snap has put skim ice on many of the freshwaters throughout the state.

The Delaware River had been producing some decent smallmouth fishing until cold temperatures shut down the smallie bite and left chunks of ice floating down river.

Fishermen who are able to find open water are experiencing top-notch crappie fishing reported the crew at Harry’s Army Navy in Robbinsville. These panfish are suckers for small jigs or live fathead minnows.  Crappies group up this time of year, so if you find one, you can be sure there are many more nearby.

Some of the moving waters in Northern New Jersey are producing decent trout fishing. The waters are cold, and the trout are sluggish, but targeting deeper, slower pools can be the ticket to finding winter trout.

Earlier in the week, the headboats got out for tog and did relatively well.  The Tuesday pool winner on the Norma K III was about 10 pounds, and most fishermen returned to the dock with a couple keepers.

Striper fishing is pretty much a wrap.  With the backwaters closed and the surf quiet, fishermen will be putting the striper gear away until March 1 when the backwaters reopen.

Best Bets for the Weekend

Party boat tog fishing is your best shot at action this weekend unless you can find some nearby open water and a big school of crappies or perch.

Another great pastime during the winter months are the sportsman’s shows. The first of the year is the Garden State Outdoor Sports Show in Edison this weekend. On The Water will be there giving away a Bomber Lure with each subscription to the magazine.