Week of December 28th 2024: Winter Begins
Week of December 28th
T’was the end of the year And all through the house No children are stirring, Not even my spouse!
Visits are done; No reason to pout. Bubba coming And it’s time to get out.
Happy New Year, everyone! It was an interesting year in New Jersey fly fishing. We had a soggy spring and a drought in the fall. Recently, nights in the teens resulted in icy conditions on the banks and parking lots - be careful out there. Looking forward, we have some rainy days and rising temperatures to begin 2025. The rivers are going to come up and aquatic life can become more active. So long as we are not blown out, there is a great chance for a New Year’s day fish.
Those of us who ventured out early in the freezing cold mornings came to understand the power the sun plays in getting the fish moving. Since the solstice on the twenty-first, the sunlight is limited and I didn’t find much action until after ten am. Once the fish were on, however, it was good to be out! Many of the clubs stocked for the winter, on top of the Fall stocking from the state, and the fish are to be found. The Jim Holland Memorial stocking, including the Bubba contest, is happening in January to enhance opportunities on the South Branch.
A heavy nymph with a hot spot collar worked, for me, this week. One such fly is the Dirty Carrot; it’s a Walt's worm pattern demonstrated here by Tightlines Productions. The video suggests a certain blend of dubbing, which I couldn’t precisely match, but this pattern does the trick. Other anglers reported success on midges and caddis worm patterns. He-man, Caddis Pupa, and Frenchies will likely produce. When things get cold, slow down the drift. If temps get into the 40’s or even 50’s, as they may, streamers could work in the heavier flows. Adjust flies and drifts according to conditions this week - it looks like there could be changes from day to day.
The first week of Fly Tying 101 class is fully booked – but there are plenty more Saturdays until spring! We have room for four people so if you are interested in a personal introduction to fly tying, join us on Saturday mornings in the shop. Reserve your space in person or online.
From all of us at South Branch Outfitters - Happy New Year! Be safe. Tight Lines.
See you out there, Roy B.