Fishing Log

Fished 4:15 -6:45 pm wading Worthington state park with 2 buddies. We each had our own pods of action but slow overall water 49. Collectively we went 6/11 hookups. First hour was insane wind gusts and water spouts but surprisingly no rain. Then it calmed down to just 15-20 mph winds and we picked at them. Water up a little but not “high” and a little stained. Tough conditions to get that “feel” through the strike zone with the wind ripping your line upstream.

Matched yesterday’s total with 6. Got chased off the the river when a storm came thru out of nowhere.

Lots of fish today

Scratched out 6 today all on darts. Water still chilly. Persistence pays off. Keep casting. Two and one half hours.

I would bet a week's pay that the "leaders of the pack" are well into NY right now. Keep in mind these are cold-blooded creatures, and when the water temp is 40 degrees, so is their bloodstream. That does not provoke them into hitting lures. When the water temp comes up, the catches will too.

Yep 37 degrees, 4" wet snow and still snowing. Not scratching the shad fishing itch, for sure. Good bite in Lambertville yesterday afternoon for at least one guy, confirmed... (swear to god, whoever you are - I am not lying, I only speaketh truth)

Looks like the rain and river forecasts have been downgraded. Semi-drought pattern continues.

We've been spoiled the last few years with the absence of normal spring weather but come on Mother Nature, enough is enough. Hopefully things will get better shortly. Until then gentlemen keep posting reports so I can save on the gas money!

Mr Pirate, what a great story to start off everyone's day, thanks. Years ago, took my young daughter on Opening Day to the Rockaway in J-Town NJ. I had picked out a slow moving spot easy to cast, we got there early. At 801Am, I heard "Dad, I got one!".... sure enough. By 820 she was up to 4 or 5. "Dad, aren't YOU gonna fish?". Downstream a young dad was trying to teach his son how to fish in fast water (duh). They kept moving closer, trying to catch ANYTHING. Finally, I motioned them to come over and fish by us. The dad objected, 'no it's your spot'. After convincing him it was ok, and giving them some worms, I heard the little boy, "Dad, I got one". That was 28 years ago. I'm still smilinmg about that time. So (hopefully), my daughter, that little boy, his dad, and (maybe?) some of the other grumpy fisherman learned something that morning. It's so much better to share the blessings we are given. I try to do that every day of my life, even when I don't want to sometimes. And these days, people are shocked by it, all the more reason to keep doing it. OK, tight lines to all, hopefully it will warm up. Got more snow on the front lawn this morning up here.

We all spend a lot of time on these forums to express opinion, share and debate knowledge, troll and gossip, or just plain be nosey (I’m guilty of the latter). I hope to take a quick minute here to express gratitude. Last evening I got a chance to fish with a friend I got to know better through the love of the Delaware River and Shad Fishing. We both knew fishing conditions were far from ideal, but our schedules aligned perfectly. So, of course we went. We spent 2 ½ hours on the river teaching each other our different fishing styles, debating what gear was best, and sharing fishing/life stories. Only 1 “Fall Fish” was caught, not the best. Yet, I would consider it a Perfect outing. I got to know and respect him better and as I hope the same for me. It was a good river trip for sure. As the season begins, often best spots are fought over, tournament dollars are on the line, and bragging rights are sought after. Just remember we all share the same Joy…. loving the outdoors…love fishing. I have learned the Greatest Joy in life is sharing the Joys of life with others. God has given us a great Joy to share, The American Shad. Good luck all.

Fished bulls island and Lambertville one walleye no shad.done until it warms up.i believe the fish are here water is to cold

Two major dams removed on the Paulinskill river have expanded the range of the shad. The Columbia lake dam, and the Paulina Dam. Many reports of shad through that stretch. This should enhance the spawn. Anyone fishing and/or catching during this frigid weather period? I see water temps on the Montague gauge are down near 40, that's not good if you are a strong believer in water temps impacting the bite. I know some feel water temp has nothing to do with it. I will always respectfully disagree to that.

Just finishing up McPhee and Founding Fish, highly recommend reading it while we wait for the temps to come up in the upper Delaware! In the book he mentions some rivers where they have done some manual egg fertilization to ensure success of the outgoing babies, or something like that. Does anyone in have any knowledge of that happening on the Delaware?

Wooden Shoe, RPS should meet me at Eshback when the fishing gets good up there and I will get him in my boat . I boat fished after hernia surgery several years back. It was fine. Open invitation. all he has to do is sit down and reel in fish. Thank you for the compliment.

Not sure how to post on here, but some of you rally need a laxative or a viagra or something. There are some really decent guys on here, so if you don't have anything nice to say. or you really have trouble reading AND comprehending, please don't post.

@ShadHarris. Thanks for all the helpful updates and info! I moved back east in 2007 and found my favorite section of water no longer accessable (no secret. by the old M.E. plant in Portland) I have other options.

Decent numbers for a few shore fisherman in the Riegelsville area this morning. Water stained, but not muddy. Levels down.

@SH You shared "reports." You didn't fish. That guy fished. Guess who I believe.

Again, I question your reporting SH. I was one of multiple shore fisherman in the Riegelsville area today who caught double digit numbers in the “ unfishable conditions”

Fished the river junction for 2hrs today. 1 shad. Very slow but they are starting to show up. Saw the boats hook up to a few to but nothing special

They closed the Copper Mine access? I know road was closed to there last year. So how do they block fishermen from parking at Poxono ramp and walking down there to fish it?

Fished jersey side at Washington crossing.caught 4 from shore.3 buck and a hickory shad all on my favorite small gold and orange spoon.could of caught more but some yuppie kyackers hung in the slot paddling up and down right in the sweet spot.these knuckleheads have the whole river while this poor white trash riverrat has only a few spots to shore fish down here.river is summertime low and clear.

Smithfield this afternoon. 3 for 3 water temp 51. River running pretty clean

They have arrived. A bit slow. Managed 4 and a bonus Tiger trout to boot.