Our Waters
Discover the rivers, streams, and fisheries that define fly fishing in Central New Jersey.
Stewardship First
At South Branch Outfitters, our connection to local waters runs deep. These rivers, streams, and fisheries are more than places to fish—they're living ecosystems that shape our seasons, our techniques, and our community.
We believe good fishing starts with responsible stewardship:
- Respecting seasonal closures and regulations
- Practicing catch-and-release when appropriate
- Educating anglers on ethical fishing practices
- Supporting conservation organizations like Trout Unlimited, Raritan Headwaters, and Musconetcong Watershed Association
Featured Waters
Ken Lockwood Gorge
A 2.5-mile catch-and-release stretch through a stunning hemlock-lined gorge. Named for Kenneth F. Lockwood, beloved Newark Evening News outdoor columnist (1913-1948), this 563-acre Wildlife Management Area is one of New Jersey's most celebrated trout waters. Wild browns to 7+ pounds, native brookies (rare), and stocked rainbows inhabit the boulder-strewn pocket water.
Ken Lockwood Gorge - Details
Access: South entrance via Cokesbury Road (primary - two gravel lots). Columbia Trail from High Bridge. Note: Middle parking area is permanently closed.
Optimal Flow: 150-200 CFS. Below 50 CFS - give fish a break. Above 400 CFS - dangerous wading.
Key Hatches:
- April: Quill Gordon, Blue Quill, Hendrickson
- May: Sulphurs, March Brown, Caddis
- June-Sept: Slate Drake (Isonychia), Yellow Drake, Tricos
- Fall: BWOs, October Caddis
- Winter: Midges (#20-24)
Point Mountain Section (Musconetcong River)
A 1.2-mile Trout Conservation Area on the Musconetcong River at Point Mountain Reservation. This scenic stretch offers year-round fishing with special regulations designed to produce quality holdover fish. Part of the National Wild and Scenic Musconetcong River system.
Point Mountain TCA - Details
Access: Parking on Penwell Road and Point Mountain Road. Hunterdon County Parks. Note: No fishing 5am-5pm on Friday stocking days during spring.
Character: Shallow water with excellent aquatic insect life. Selective holdover rainbows and brown trout. Late April-early May caddis hatches are exceptional.
Local Streams & Rivers
South Branch Raritan River
Our home water and the heart of the shop. This 50-mile river flows from Budd Lake through Hunterdon County, offering everything from tiny wild brook trout streams to world-class gorge fishing. The Claremont stretch (not stocked since 1995) holds twice the trout density of Ken Lockwood Gorge. Cold springs "well up like fire hydrants" keeping native brookies alive remarkably close to warm Budd Lake.
- Wild Trout Section (YMCA dam to Schooleys Mtn Rd): Wild browns, native brookies. Not stocked since 1995.
- Ken Lockwood Gorge: Year-round C&R, barbless artificials
- Below Clinton: Excellent smallmouth bass (6.6 lb record)
Conservation: Hacklebarney TU, Raritan Headwaters Association
Musconetcong River
Often called the best trout fishery in New Jersey, this 42.5-mile National Wild and Scenic River flows from Lake Hopatcong to the Delaware. The town of "Changewater" is literally named for where limestone springs begin cooling the river. Five dams have been removed since 2009, and American Shad returned in 2017 after a 250-year absence.
- Point Mountain TCA: 1.2 mi, 15" min, 1 fish limit
- Stephens State Park: Classic freestone, 30' wide
- Changewater to Finesville: Limestone influence, deepest holes (10'+)
Conservation: Musconetcong Watershed Association monitors water quality
Pequest River
Home to the Pequest Trout Hatchery (700,000 trout/year - free visitor center!), this 24.7-mile freestone stream has significant limestone spring creek characteristics. The nutrient-rich streambed produces prolific hatches. September through March, large trout migrate upstream toward the hatchery in a "mini steelhead run."
- TCA (1.4 mi): Conrail bridge to Rt 625. 15" min, artificials only.
- Buttzville to Belvidere: Best holdover population, less crowded
- Above Hatchery: Classic runs, good shade, cooler water
Pro tip: Fall egg patterns deadly during spawning migration
Lamington River (Black River)
A 17-mile tributary with distinctive tea-colored tannic water, unique in NJ. Known as Black River north of Pottersville, this stream has an "upside down" thermal profile - starts warm through a 6-mile swamp, then cools as it descends through the hemlock-lined Hacklebarney Gorge. Rinehart Brook was restored to 100% native brook trout after removing 1,100 invasive browns.
Character: Small stream, tight quarters, requires stealth. 7.5-8' 3-4wt rod recommended.
Key hatches: BWOs, Hendrickson, Sulphurs, Caddis
Monitoring: RHA02 sensor provides real-time water temp data
Conservation: Burnt Mills Dam removed 2019
Paulins Kill
A 41.6-mile limestone-rich river transformed by the removal of 4 dams (2018-2024), reconnecting 45 river miles. Summer temperatures now run 3-5°F cooler. The Nature Conservancy has planted 58,000+ trees along 10 miles of river for shade. Prolific mayfly and caddis hatches rival any NJ stream, and the limestone geology provides groundwater seeps for excellent holdover potential.
Regulations: Standard NJ trout regs. 6 fish spring, 4 fish after Memorial Day.
Key hatches: Hendrickson, Sulphur (heavy!), March Brown, Caddis, BWO
Bonus: Excellent smallmouth bass fishing in summer months
Delaware River
The best wild trout fishery east of the Rocky Mountains. Cold tailwater releases (40°F) from Cannonsville and Pepacton Reservoirs create fishable conditions all summer when local streams are too warm. All fish are wild - no stocking. Browns average 15" with 20+ inch fish common. Main stem rainbows outnumber browns 6:1. About 2-2.5 hours from Hunterdon County.
- West Branch: Most popular, coldest water, wading friendly
- East Branch: Less crowded, upper 16 mi stays cold all summer
- Main Stem: 500'+ wide, float fishing essential, cookie-cutter 17-20" rainbows
Best seasons: May-June (peak hatches), July-August (summer fishing when locals too warm)
Big Flat Brook
New Jersey's premier wild trout stream. This 16.5-mile mountain freestone flows through Stokes State Forest and Delaware Water Gap NRA. The Little Flat Brook tributaries harbor native brook trout - New Jersey's state fish. In fall, large brown trout migrate UP from the Delaware River to spawn, providing shots at trophy fish unavailable on other NJ streams.
Access: Stokes State Forest, High Point State Park, County Routes 615/640
Key hatches: BWO, Hendrickson, Sulphur, Light Cahill, abundant caddis/stoneflies
Character: Mountain freestone, pocket water to deep pools. Upper sections tight, lower sections wider (40-50').
Regional Hatch Calendar
Our local waters share similar hatch timing. Here's what to expect through the season:
Know Before You Go
New Jersey trout regulations vary by water and season. Special regulations apply to Trout Conservation Areas (TCAs), Wild Trout Streams, and seasonal closures. Key points:
- 2025 Opening Day: Saturday, April 5 at 8:00 AM
- Pre-season closure: March 17 - April 5 for stocking
- Brook Trout Conservation Zone: All brook trout must be released in waters west of I-287, north of Rt 202
- TCA waters: Special size/creel limits, artificials only
Always check current NJ Fish & Wildlife regulations before fishing.
Ready to Fish These Waters?
Book a guided trip with our experienced local guides or stop by the shop for up-to-date conditions and recommendations.