Fishing Season: Open all year. Check NJ Fish and Wildlife Digest for Spring Stocking closure dates

South Branch Raritan River - NJ

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Temperature 40°

Temp:

40°

Water Temp:

49

Rise Form Guides/Ramsey Outdoor's Tip of the Week

Only go up top if the trout are eating steady.

Directions open in app

Map of South Branch Raritan River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 4/19/24

Rivers are full, groundwater too. We are trending towards better flows but one good rain will blow everything out again...

Techniques & Tips as of 4/19/24

Your perfected style of nymphing or streamers. Closer to dry fly o'clock though..

Local Species Available Open all year. Check NJ Fish and Wildlife Digest for Spring Stocking closure dates

  • Fish Icon

    Trout

Rise Form Guides/Ramsey Outdoor's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
TH Zebra Midge N/A 20
Blue Wing Olive Parachute N/A 18
RS2 N/A 20
Bead Head Emerging Sparkle Caddis Pupa N/A 14
Vernille San Juan Worm N/A 14
Griffith's Gnat N/A 20

TH Zebra Midge

A handy midge fly pattern for stillwater.

2.49

Item #1X94

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Rise Form Guides/Ramsey Outdoor's Recommended Gear

Description: About South Branch Raritan River

One of NJ's finest rivers, the South Branch of the Raritan River gets it's start at Budd Lake. The South Branch flows from it's headwaters to were it converges with the North Branch of the Raritan River, and forms the main stem Raritan River. In the upper reaches the South Branch holds many Wild fish. The Claremont stretch is known for small wild reproducing Brook and Brown Trout. Meandering through Long Valley to Califon, it is Stocked with Rainbows and has many stretches of excellent Dry fly water. Below Califon it enters the Ken Lockwood Gorge Special regs water. This is some of the best nymphing water in New Jersey. The lower Trout stretches are through High Bridge, to the Mill in Clinton.

Nearest Airport:

Teterboro or Newark Liberty

Hatches:

Midges Blue Winged Olives caddis

Best Time to Fish:

Warmest part of the day

Best Stretch:

Long Valley on Down the river.