Thursday was the first time in a few months I saw the word “blitz” being thrown around in reference to the recent fishing. The striper fishing is improving by the day, keeper tog are being caught, and freshwater fishing is on fire.
The fishing has picked up dramatically since the full moon reported Pete of Parker Pete’s Sportfishing, especially in Raritan Bay. Pete said there are good numbers of bass offshore that are beginning to move in now.
Flounder are being caught in the Navesink according to the report from Giglios. Bloodworms are the best bet. Shore fisherman are doing well working the Raritan Bay beaches with clams and plugs. There are some fish being caught in the ocean as well, but not as many and not as big as in the bay. Rumors of bluefish had also reached Giglio’s.
Larry at the Newark Sinker Company said Tsunami Swim Shads have been the ticket to the Raritan Bay stripers. Most of the fish have been shorts, but fish up to 15 pounds have been reported. Liberty Island has been one of the hot spots for boat fishermen reported Larry. From shore, clams are working best.
Larry also mentioned that the trout fishing in the ponds has been very good, and the stream fishing is improving as the water levels drop after last week’s rains.
Timmy at Tackle and Field said fishermen are taking advantage of the good catch and release walleye fishing before the season opens on May 1. Largemouth bass fishing is picking up as the water approaches 50 degrees. Right now jerkbaits are the best bet.
Shad fishing is firing up in the Delaware. Big numbers are moving through with some large roe in the mix. Fish are already being caught all the way up to the Delaware Water Gap.
Round Valley is fishing very well according to the report from Behre Bait and Tackle. During a tournament last Sunday, 80 lake trout and 40 rainbow trout were caught by fishermen trolling. The lakers are hanging deep, making downriggers or wire line the key to catching. Rainbow trout are feeding throughout the water column.
At Spruce Run Reservoir, the crappie are biting very well, and pike and largemouth bass are perking up as the waters warm.
The Shark River Surf Angler’s Kids Trout Derby was a big success last weekend, with dozens of happy kids enjoying great fishing. The winning fish was a monster 10-plus-pound brown taken by David Pyskaty.
Fishing Forecast for Northern New Jersey
We’re entering the time of year when there are so many options that is can be difficult to narrow it down. As if the stripers, winter flounder, and tog weren’t enough to occupy fishermen on the saltwater side, rumors of bluefish are providing yet another option.
The best bet for early blues is going to be in the warmest available water, which, right now, is in Raritan Bay. Topwaters and metals will be all you need to see if the blues are there, but chunking bunker is another good option that is just as likely to turn up some keeper stripers.
On the freshwater side, once again, you have your pick. The shad run is in full swing, and the Round Valley lakers are on the feed. The streams and ponds have been stocked with hungry trout, and bass, pike, and crappie are biting well.
Of course, more striped bass are flooding into the Raritan every day, and over the weekend, it’s a safe bet that some 20-plus pounders will be taken. Swim shads are your best bet, but chunked bunker is a good option as well. If those fail, try trolling mojos or bunker spoons. You can get a great rundown on the Raritan Bay spring fishery in the April Issue of On The Water, available at tackle shops now.