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Rivers & Streams

South Branch Raritan River Fishing Guide

New Jersey

Ken Lockwood Gorge, a scenic catch-and-release trout stretch an hour from New York City.

Trip at a Glance

Anglers come to South Branch Raritan River for rainbow trout and brown trout. The best months overall are Mar to Jun, Sep to Nov. In October, rainbow trout and brown trout are in season, and Parachute Adams, Blue-Winged Olive and Pheasant Tail Nymph are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 60 miles (3 fly, 10 bait and tackle); the closest is Shannon's Fly & Tackle Shop in Califon, 2 mi away. Check the live USGS flow and water temperature before you head out. Round Valley Reservoir is 8 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.

Best Months

Mar to Jun, Sep to Nov

In October

Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout

Methods

Fly fishing, Spin, cast & bait

Season at a Glance

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What You'll Catch

South Branch Raritan River Species

Rainbow Trout

Prime Now
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Best: Mar to Jun, Sep to Nov

Brown Trout

Prime Now
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Best: Mar to May, Sep to Nov

Plan by Month

What to Use

Month
Fish

11 picks for October. ● means in season that month.

  • Parachute Adams #12-20

    Fly

    Dry Fly · Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout

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  • Blue-Winged Olive #16-22

    Fly

    Dry Fly · Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout

    Shop This Fly

  • Pheasant Tail Nymph #14-20

    Fly

    Nymph · Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout

    Shop This Fly

  • Pat's Rubber Legs #4-10

    Fly

    Nymph · Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout

    Shop This Fly

  • Woolly Bugger #2-10

    Fly

    Streamer · Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout

    Shop This Fly

  • Hare's Ear Nymph #12-18

    Fly

    Nymph · Rainbow Trout

    Shop This Fly

  • San Juan Worm #10-14

    Fly

    Nymph · Rainbow Trout · After rain.

    Shop This Fly

  • Egg Pattern #8-16

    Fly

    Nymph · Rainbow Trout

    Shop This Fly

  • Sculpin Streamer #2-6

    Fly

    Streamer · Brown Trout · Low light and fall.

    Shop This Fly

  • Inline Spinner 1/16 to 1/4 oz

    Lure

    Spinner · Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout

    Shop This Lure

  • Suspending Jerkbait 4 to 5 in

    Lure

    Hard Bait · Brown Trout

    Shop This Lure

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Rod & Reel

Recommended Setups

Rainbow Trout

Fly 9 ft 5 wt rod, weight-forward floating line, 9 ft 4X to 5X leader. Add a sink-tip and 3X for streamers.

Spin / Cast 6 to 7 ft ultralight or light spinning rod, 1000 to 2500 reel, 4 to 6 lb mono or fluorocarbon.

Brown Trout

Fly 9 ft 5 or 6 wt rod, floating line for dries and nymphs, sink-tip with 0X to 2X for streamers.

Spin / Cast 6.5 to 7 ft light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 6 to 8 lb line. Jerkbaits and inline spinners.

Matched to These Species

Gear for South Branch Raritan River

Fly Rods

Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod

A smooth, moderate-action rod that is forgiving for new casters and protects light tippet.

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Fly Rods

Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod Outfit

A complete rod, reel, and line outfit that covers most trout water and small-stream bass.

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Fly Reels

Redington Behemoth Fly Reel

A strong, sealed drag at a modest price, made in sizes from trout to saltwater.

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Fly Lines

RIO Gold Fly Line

A trout line that casts dries delicately and turns over nymph rigs.

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Fly Lines

Scientific Anglers Mastery Infinity Fly Line

A smooth-shooting, all-around freshwater line.

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Leaders & Tippet

RIO Fluorocarbon Tippet

Low-visibility tippet for nymphs and wary fish in clear water.

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Leaders & Tippet

RIO Tapered Trout Leaders

Nine foot tapered leaders in 3X to 6X for dries and nymphs.

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Waders & Boots

Simms Freestone Stockingfoot Waders

Durable, breathable waders that hold up to seasons of wading.

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Within 60 Miles

Shops Near South Branch Raritan River

Make It a Trip

Nearby Water

Lakes & Reservoirs · New Jersey · 8 mi

Round Valley Reservoir

New Jersey's deepest lake and one of only two in the state with lake trout.

Lake Trout · Brown Trout

Saltwater & Coast · New Jersey · 74 mi

Barnegat Bay

A shallow bay behind Long Beach Island and Island Beach State Park with fluke, blues, and stripers.

Striped Bass · Bluefish · Flounder