Fishing Log

Just got a clarification from NJ Fish and Game verifying ther egistration is required for anadromous species any where in Nj waters whether tidal or not.

Rusty is right. It states tidal water. The upper delaware is not tidal water.

only in the tidal water section of the river ..Trenton area south

IF U NEED SHAD FISHING SUPPLIES...SPOONS, DARTS, DOWNRIGGER BALLS, DOWNRIGGER RELEASES, RIVER ANCHORS, IN LINE WEIGHTS, ETC...JUST ABOUT ANYTHING U NEED GIVE ME A CALL OR TEXT...RUSTY AT RUSTY BALLS TACKLE & GUIDE SERVICE...ALSO I DO GUIDED SHAD FISHING TRIPS...I CAN ALSO GET JUST ABOUT ANYTHING U NEED IN TACKLE TOO...484-239-4723

If you are fishing for shad, may is the best month at dingmans. April can be hit or miss depending on water temp and conditions

Shad fishing. Poconos.

Does anybody know where to get eels or live trout for stripers near easton?can't find any bait shops that have them anymore

Are there any decent launches at the Water Gap? I found 2 in Jersey one below and one above Rt 80, but it looks like neither are paved. I went to one of those a few years ago, but didn't trust that I could get out of the mud if I launched there. Looking for a place to bass fish where there is water deep enough to travel up and down river with prop motor.

Looking back on my 2020 shad season I'd say that I had the best season of my life. That might actually be because of the Covid-19. I was able to commit a lot more time to social distancing at the river and worry about traffic a lot less. The Schuylkill was just terrific for me. The lower Delaware just sucked for the most part. It wasn't the run's fault, but the weather's, with the rain being the main factor. I made one trip to Easton and was skunked, as I recall - the first time that's ever happened to me there. I'm focused on the salt water now, but will miss those drives home that featured zero traffic and 20 or 30 shad on the way. Good luck to everybody. Be safe! I'm looking forward to next year already.

Last Harrah.fished narrowsburg had good action from 5 to about 8.small darts sharktruse best color.caught 11 missed several were hitting closed mouth.mostly big fresh rowes fish r spawning up here now.river is low and clear.thats it for the year.from what I am seeing and talking to some of the trout guides up here numbers r definitely down.

Had a good bite this morning at lordville for about 2 hrs.small orange and black seemed to work best shut down at 7 cool up here.will flyfish for trout the rest of the day up here and will try 10 mile river for shad tommorow am on way home and that will probably be it for year .

Good action today at hales eddy on the west branch.lots of strong fresh fish on small sharktruse darts Water clear and 58 degrees.no spawning activity up here yet.

The farther up the better.u can find fish from easton up but they will be full blown spawning and beat up.the farther up u go the cooler the water .back when I was really gung go I would fish up at balls eddy and stiles eddy way up til the fourth of July.good luck go small and fish the rapids.if the river doesn't get blown out we have a few weeks yet.

Thanks Duke. I was thinking of trying dingmans ferry. Is that far enough north?

Will shad bite in the morning and if so until about what time at this time of year?

Fished above Smithfield this evening caught 6 but water is in the 70's and the shad are tired and spawning. My last time out for this year.

Started out at narrowsburg did well from 5 to 7 then died small pink and black best color strong fresh fish.then stopped at bushkill what a difference.fished rapids fish were in full spawn mode had to switch to microdarts caught 6.fish were in rough shape compared to upper river not much of a fight on 6 pound medium rod I usually use.may be it for me will either fish upper river or go with fly rod or ultra light with microdarts for the spawners.beginning of the end a few weeks left if river doesn't get blown out must use different tactics.

Another good day. 26 caught and released. No bullshit. They still seem to be real fresh. Fish the rapids below a pool. 2 dart rig working well.

3 above the gap, last one was a big feisty roe. Probably make this my last time out for shad this year tho. I'll fish closer to home. Saw my first lamprey attached to a rock about 2 1/2 foot down. Weird creatures that's for sure.

Got 2 wading fast water above the gap at dusk. 2nd was a big roe fought pretty well didn't want to leave the fast water. 1st one seemed a little tired. Some slapping on the surface no dead ones tho.

Hammered them today. Fresh fish. We’re holding in strong current.

Fished above Smithfield from 8 to 12. 8 in the boat, lost 1. Fresh, strong fish but water getting warm.

Caught 15 on small darts at Worthington tract.fish were stacked up innrapids.2 other fisherman were catching as well still good fishing in upper river for a few weeks if it doesn't get blown out or to hot.

Wading above the gap caught 1 shad in the rapids with a bonus 26" maybe 27" channel cat. Pole measured it and gave it to 1 fisherman of the 3 downstream from me that came running up to see what I was battling. They also got 1 shad and were happy with the catfish. Est. wt. on the catty 6 or 7 lbs.