Week of February 8, 2026: Cabin Fever? Tie Two of These and Call Me in the Spring

Many of us are thinking of spring - and it is no wonder.  Winter is great and beautiful, but things are getting pretty serious out there.  I took a drive around Sunday morning and visited three bridges over the Musconetcong River.

Some water remains flowing freely, even after the plummeting temperatures and wind. You can see where a little riffle (and maybe some other factors) opens up after a long run has become completely frozen from bank to bank.

There are folks fishing both rivers and ponds.  Tactics: low and slow.  Put small midges, leeches, sculpins, and even a scud through the deepest part of a run, or along an ice shelf if the sun is out, and you may be surprised!  The South Branch through Long Valley and Califon looks much like the pictures of the Musky above.  If you venture out looking for soft water - again - be extra careful. Don’t trust walking out on ice and bring a wading staff anywhere you go.   

Fly tyers are busy filling spring boxes and dreaming about trips planned for 2026.  Don’t skip over the first flies of the season to get to the dries - as hard as it may be.  Jeff D., local tyer and guide, of Streamside Imitations, shares his Early Black Stonefly recipe in the NJ Fly Tyers Guild February Newsletter’s Fly of the Month, so be sure to check that out!  Then, of course, proceed with the chronological hatches that follow and visit us this week for all your materials and tying needs.

See you out there,
Roy B.