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:

37

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

small bugs, match your offerings

Directions open in app

Map of South Branch Raritan River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 1/3/25

We finally have some water, hope it holds up with the drought

Techniques & Tips as of 1/3/25

nymphing

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):
RS2 N/A 20
Bead Head Brassie™ N/A 18
TH Zebra Midge N/A 22
Flashback Scud Wet Hare's Ear N/A 16
Micro Egg N/A 20
Vernille San Juan Worm N/A 18

RS2

A must have emerger fly pattern for any trout fisherman.

2.49

Item #067T

Buy Now

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:

seasonal average

Best Stretch:

Long Valley on Down the river.