Week of June 1st, 2025: Another Blowout

Week of June 1st

I had the pleasure to get out a few nights this week and things were looking great.  Dusk sees large numbers of midge and BWO activity and fish begin feeding on the emergers and then turn to rusty spinners, #18 - #12, through dark. Guides and friends who fish during the day have found a variety of nymphs and midges, traditional hare’s ear and pheasant tail to duracell and blowtorch euro styles, to work throughout the day.  Opportunistic dry fly chances can be found as sulphurs, BWO, and Isonychia are hatching alongside a few March Brown and plenty of caddis.  The stonefly game is still on, too, so a Henryville Special or XCaddis pattern can cover that spread. Isonychia will become more prevalent to round out the spring mayfly cycle; hopefully, the cooler spring and recent rains will extend our season in NJ.  Things will start slipping towards the summer menu and the big stoneflies will come out when things warm up. Scuds and terrestrials will be the topic of discussion towards July. This week is off to a soggy start.

Overnight Friday some fast moving storms dropped over three inches of rain in parts of Northern NJ.  Stream flows have shot back up and anglers are taking odds on which streams will drop first - Google Map searches of tributaries are likely spiking as blue-liners are getting ready to bushwhack into brookie havens.  The rest of the week looks lovely and some small, state stocked streams will become available in a few days, while the Musky can take a bit longer.  The fish will be feeding and the bugs are still feeding them and the hiatus should be short.  For the next day or two, it’s a good time to tie flies or clean lines and oil reels.

For some, wet wading season begins in March, but for the rest of us, now is the time to ditch the chest waders and get wet.  We have wading socks from Readington and Korkers which allow you to sport your Jorts or quick dry pants and still wear your wading boots. You can lighten the load with a pair of Korkers All Axis low top Wading Shoes, a low-top shoe offering Korker’s signature interchangeable soles and comfort.  

If you don’t look too far into the forecast we are in great shape!  Early to mid-week will open options up, but be sure to check flows on our website or call the shop to see what’s fishing.  Fish will find soft water, along the bank and around rocks and logjams and wait for food.  Start there and move out into the faster water. Be safe wading.

See you out there, Roy B.