Our Waters
Central New Jersey is home to some of the finest trout water on the East Coast. From wild brook trout streams to world-class tailwaters, these are the rivers we fish, guide, and work to protect.
Stewardship First
Respect Closures
Honor seasonal closures that protect spawning fish and allow populations to recover.
Catch & Release
Practice careful catch-and-release to ensure quality fishing for generations to come.
Educate Others
Share knowledge of ethical angling practices with fellow anglers on the water.
Support Conservation
Contribute to organizations working to protect and improve our local fisheries.
Featured Waters
Ken Lockwood Gorge
Catch & Release | Fly Fishing Only
A 2.5-mile stretch through a stunning hemlock-lined gorge on the South Branch Raritan. One of New Jersey's most celebrated trout waters, featuring wild brown trout in pristine pocket water. Best in spring and fall.
Point Mountain Section
Mixed Regulations | Good Access
Popular South Branch stretch with excellent public access via Point Mountain Reservation. Mix of wild and stocked brown trout with diverse holding water and easy wading conditions.
South Branch Raritan River
Our home water and the river that gives our shop its name. The South Branch offers year-round fishing opportunities from the headwaters near Budd Lake down through Ken Lockwood Gorge and beyond.
Best Seasons: Spring hatches (March-May), Fall browns (September-November)
Spring: Quill Gordon, Hendrickson, Blue Quill, Grannom Caddis
Summer: Sulphur, Light Cahill, Slate Drake, Caddis
Fall: Blue Winged Olive, October Caddis, Isonychia
Ken Lockwood Gorge: Hoffman Crossing Road or Raritan River Road
Point Mountain: Point Mountain Reservation parking
Neshanic Station: Various pull-offs along Route 567
Musconetcong River
Flowing through Warren and Hunterdon Counties, the Musky is a fertile freestone stream with good populations of wild and stocked trout. Multiple access points along its length provide varied fishing experiences.
Best Seasons: Spring (March-June), Early summer
Early Spring: Blue Quill, Quill Gordon
Spring: Hendrickson, March Brown, Grannom
Summer: Sulphur, Caddis, Terrestrials
Point Mountain: Musconetcong River Reservation
Asbury: Multiple road crossings
Changewater: Wildlife Management Area access
Pequest River
Fed by the Pequest Trout Hatchery, this limestone-influenced river provides fertile conditions and excellent insect life. Heavy stocking combined with good holdover potential makes it a popular destination.
Best Season: Spring stocking season through early summer
Spring: Blue Quill, Hendrickson, Grannom
Summer: Sulphur (excellent), Light Cahill
Late Summer: Trico, White Fly
Pequest WMA: Multiple access points along Route 46
Below Hatchery: Good access near Pequest Trout Hatchery
Townsbury: Road crossing access
Lamington River (Black River)
A technical small stream holding both wild brook trout and brown trout. The Black River Wildlife Management Area provides access to some of the more remote stretches. Ideal for anglers who enjoy challenging, intimate water.
Best Seasons: Spring, Early summer
Spring: Blue Quill, Quill Gordon, Hendrickson
Summer: Sulphur, Caddis, Terrestrials
Fall: Blue Winged Olive
Black River WMA: Multiple trails and access points
Chester: Road crossing access
Pottersville: Near confluence areas
Delaware River System
The main stem Delaware and its branches (East Branch, West Branch) offer world-class wild trout fishing. Cold water releases from the reservoirs create a tailwater fishery rivaling any in the Northeast.
Best Seasons: Summer, Fall (when other waters warm up)
Late Spring: Green Drake (legendary), March Brown
Summer: Sulphur, Isonychia, Caddis
Fall: Blue Winged Olive, October Caddis
West Branch: Deposit, Hale Eddy, Hancock
East Branch: Shinhopple, Harvard
Main Stem: Callicoon, Hankins, Long Eddy
Big Flat Brook
Located in Northwest New Jersey's Stokes State Forest, Big Flat Brook features a fly-fishing-only section with native brook trout and wild brown trout. Beautiful, remote water in a forested setting.
Best Seasons: Spring, Early summer (before low flows)
Spring: Quill Gordon, Hendrickson, Blue Quill
Early Summer: Sulphur, March Brown, Caddis
Note: Smaller patterns often work best
Fly Fishing Only Section: Accessed via Stokes State Forest
Roy Bridge: Popular starting point
Steam Mill: Upper section access
Regulations & Resources
New Jersey trout regulations vary by water and season. Some waters have special regulations including catch-and-release sections, fly-fishing-only areas, and seasonal closures. Always check current regulations before fishing.
Get On The Water
Weekly Fishing Report
Get Roy's Report with current conditions, hatch activity, and fly recommendations for local waters.
Book a Guide Trip
Fish with experienced local guides who know these waters intimately. Half-day and full-day trips available.
Visit the Shop
Stop in for current conditions, fly recommendations, and everything you need for a day on the water.