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

South Branch Raritan River - NJ

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

63

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

Observe the bugs and let them tell you what to do...

Directions open in app

Map of South Branch Raritan River

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

5-Day Outlook as of 9/22/22

It's going to be a hot week. I cannot predict how quickly stream temps will rise from the low 60's to the high 60's. Bring your thermometer and make sure to cut off catch and release fishing around 68 degrees. The week starts hot getting cooler by the weekend. Monday or Tuesday will probably hit bad water temps for C&R Trout fishing.

Techniques & Tips as of 9/22/22

Your preferred style of nymphing . Switch to dries if and when they look up...

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):
Sulphur Parachute N/A 16
La Fontaine Sparkle Pupa N/A 14
Flashback Scud Wet Hare's Ear N/A 16
Elk Wing Caddis N/A 14
Blue Wing Olive Parachute N/A 20
Rusty Spinner N/A 16

Sulphur Parachute

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Item #0923

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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

Best Time to Fish:

early and late

Best Stretch:

Long Valley on Down the river.