Fishing Report: Week of April 23, 2023 – Forecasting

The weather continues to be unpredictable, but the fishing has been constant. Thanks to the abundance of caddis and the hard work of the hatchery crews, the action remains unabated through the rise and fall of the mercury. Unfortunately, the mayfly action seems put off from the inconsistency. Blue Winged Olives made their appearance on schedule but the Hendricksons were less than prolific. March Browns have appeared and the Sulphur brood is probably waking up now (be careful not to confuse the Crane flies for Sulphurs).

Different tackle presents aquatic insects to trout in unique ways and presents challenges to even seasoned anglers in New Jersey. Euronymphers achieve high numbers of fish using perdigons and tandem tungsten midges and nymphs. Heavy flies with smooth tapered profiles are perfect in plunge pools and fast moving eddies and between rocks. The number of nymphs available increases with the temperature. Scuds, Hare’s Ear, Pheasant tail are the tried and true, but don’t put away the little black stones yet. John Collin’s electric pupae work in brown and gray. Caddis pupa and larva below an indicator work exceptionally well in long riffles and runs with depth variety. We have two sizes of Oros indicators depending on the water you plan to fish! These screw-on indicators won’t put a kink in your line and are easy to adjust or take off when you see the fish start looking up.

When that happens, try Blue Winged Olives and Griffith’s gnats. RS2s are hard to see, but the splash from a rising trout is not! March Browns will be showing up any day now. Adams, Quills, and, yes, even Hendricksons, will still work if the timing, the lighting, the winds, the temps, and stars align.

Anglers are optimistic people by nature - even the curmudgeons. Every cast is a testament to hope and a test of our skill. We find nature’s rhythms through observation and practice.

-Roy B.