Fishing Log

If you shad fish from a boat, you need to add the plug rig to your shad fishing arsenal. I use the Storm Arashi 5 diving plugs. This will put your spoon in the strike zone and consistently catches shad as they migrate up river. I am restocked on these baits and have several for sale. These retail on Amazon for $9.95. I have them for sake at $7 each plus shipping. Send me a PM on Facebook and I will respond to your request. I accept Paypal for payment and ship daily to your address. Tight lines and see you on the river. Kevin Ingram, 36 year member and volunteer DRSFA

I have a limited number of tripz divers available cost is 15 dollars each and 5 shipping if needed Call Rusty at Rustyballs tackle 4842394723

Hope we have a nice run this year. Here are a couple of words on releasing shad for those new to the sport. Shad are great fighters but are a delicate fish. If you mishandle them, they die. So, for the sake of the resource, wade guys should not drag them up on the shore where they will flop around, lose scales, and otherwise get beat up. Best way to land them is to hold them against your waders with one hand and twist the dart free with the other. No need to even take them out of the water that way. Tuck the rod under your arm so you have both hands free. Or you can coax them into shallow water until they lay on their side. Remove the dart or spoon, turn the fish around and give it a gentle push until they are upright and can swim away. Don't them lip like a bass, which will damage the gills, and PLEASE don't pinch them around the gill plates. The gill plates are very fragile and will rupture the gills, which kills the shad. Boat guys should use a rubberized landing net. Keep the shad in the net, twist the lure free and flop them back in the river. I de-barb all of my darts and spoons and most times they fall right out as soon as the shad is landed. If you want a pic, use two hands and wet them first before holding the fish. Thanks and see you on the river...

NICE JOB CAPT ALEX...WAY TO GET EM

Well done Capt. Alex! With the return to sunshine and warm temps next week we'll be getting tired and aching arms in no time.

I WILL BE AT THE BI STATE SHAD MEETING TONIGHT AT HUNTINGTON FIRE CO IN ALPHA NJ AT 630 MARCH 18 TH...1 MAPLE AVE PHILLIPSBURG, NJ 08865 FOR ALL YOUR SHAD FISHING NEEDS..INCLUDING RIVER ANCHORS, DARTS ,SPOONS, DIVER PLUGS, IN LINE WEIGHTS..JUST ABOUT ANYTHING U NEED FOR SHAD FISHING FROM THE SHORE OR IN THE BOAT...RUSTY BALLS TACKLE & GUIDE SERVICE..484-239-4723

JACK HARRIS ET.AL. THE DWGNRA SECTION OF OLD MINE HAS CLOSURES. THE WORTHINGTON SECTION IS OPEN. It was traversed yesterday from rt. 80 to the boundary between the two parks.

Not seeing where Worthington North to Van Campens brook is closed? NEWS RELEASE Construction Underway for Watergate Wetlands Restoration Project NPS Announces Temporary Closure of Old Mine Road, Watergate Recreation Site, and a Portion of Van Campens Brook March 11, 2021 Contact: Kristy Boscheinen, Project Manager, 570-223-4335 BUSHKILL, PA- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area has begun construction work for the Watergate Wetlands Restoration Project. The project will restore wetlands, floodplains, and a stream at the Watergate Recreation Site in Hardwick Township, Warren County, New Jersey by removing man-made dams and ponds, creating a wetland meadow complex in their place, and reestablishing the connection between Van Campens Brook and its floodplain. The project will restore the natural function of surface water and groundwater, improve stream quality, create high-functioning wetlands, and restore native vegetation. After the project is complete, the quality of cold-water angling and birdwatching are expected to greatly improve. Effective immediately, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area has closed the active construction zone to all visitors, including the following areas: Watergate Recreation Site and the surrounding area (shown on map, attached) 200’ on either side of Van Campens Brook, and Van Campens Brook itself, from the south end of Millbrook Village (Garis House) to the Upper Glen trailhead. Old Mine Road from Millbrook Village to Lower Van Campens Glen Trailhead That section Old Mine Road is likely to be reopened to visitors by July 2021. The other closures will remain in effect for the duration of the project, which is expected to be completed in January 2022. Construction of the wetland restoration project began in late January with clearing of trees and brush that are in the areas where wetlands, stream, and floodplain restoration will take place. Erosion and sedimentation controls are also being installed to prevent silt from excavation work from getting into Van Campens Brook. Removal of the low, earthen dams and ponds will begin in May, followed by removal of the mowed lawn at Watergate, to create the wetlands. Work will also occur in Van Campens Brook to stabilize the streambanks and reconnect the stream to its floodplain. Invasive plants will be removed throughout the project area, and replanted with native trees, shrubs, grasses, and forbs. “After years of planning, studies, and design, we are thrilled that construction is underway,” said Kristy Boscheinen, project manager at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. “Restoration of natural conditions at this site will have long-term benefits to native plants and animals, including improving the wild trout fishery in Van Campens Brook.” The Watergate Wetlands Restoration Project is a required compensation for the adverse environmental effects due to construction of the nearby Susquehanna-Roseland Transmission Line in 2013 and 2014. Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) and PPL Electric Utilities (PPL) have fully funded this restoration project. For more information on the project, please visit:https://parkplanning.nps.gov/WatergateWetlandsRestoration For more information on Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, call (570) 426-2452; visit our website at www.nps.gov/dewa; or follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/DelWaterGapNPS.

If anyone in New Jersey area near Mayberry sales and service in port Murray , bob now sells Shad spoons and darts for Rustyballs tackle and guide service Stop in and see him for yours today Might save you a trip If not I’ll be at Huntington fire do this Thursday March 18 at 630 for all your Shad fishing needs

I'll try that again, without the unintentional typo: JosephMTree@yahoo...

Kevin - thank you for the information! I'll definitely use some of those tactics. Most of the shad darts I tied up are very bright and size 4-8, which should work fine. Do you have to cast very far out for the shad? And Joseph - I will definitely beware. I've fished tidal areas back in CA before and I know how dangerous it could be, so thanks for the heads up. Already scouted the area out and there are a few areas that look relatively safe. Where can I find your email?

Ken, while I appreciate the implied compliment, you'd lose money on that bet. I've done 4 wading trips starting 2/27/21 & my best catch is in the attached pic! There are a few other guys who have been wading who are as good as I am, as well. Thus far, no hits, bumps & not even a scale! I've heard by word of mouth that two boats have caught 3 each on different days in the lower river. If true, 3 fish, fishing from a boat with a half a dozen rods with baits in the water is not exactly dinging! They simply are not here in numbers & they certainly should be by now. Last year it would have had to come up 2 or 3 notches to be a stinko year. I fear this year will be even worse. That said, while I generally do not like being wrong, I SINCERELY hope I am wrong on this!

David, In response to your question on fly fishing the Schuykill for shad, best location is Fairmount Dam area. This section is tidal so incoming tide would be your best option. Use flies with lots of flash in bright colors that mimic what shad feed on in the ocean. Also small spoons in size 1 will also work. Here's a pic of some spoons that I use on spin tackle. Good luck and tight lines! Kevin Ingram

Thinking about giving fly fishing for shad in the Schuylkill a shot near the dam when the water warms up (next 2-3 weeks). Any advice for timing, technique, etc.? Came to college here from the west coast, where I used to fish shad in the Sacramento River system

Fished Bulls Run mid day for an hour and a half. Nothing. But a damn nice day to be on the water. Boat Smallmouth guys struck out as well from what they told me.

We had a mild winter last year. Delaware was 48 at Trenton starting March 14 2020.. we're heading in the right direction.

Thursday 3/11/21 Yes water is warming 43.7 at Trenton this morning .43.3 at Lambertville this am not dropping too much over night. shad are on their way.

Mike, from Orwigsburg: Several locations to fish from shore. Forks of the Delaware at Easton where the Lehigh empties into the Delaware. Reiglesville on the NJ side access from where the Muskenetcong River empties into the Delaware. Check out the map on the DRSFA shad fishing page for a map with access points as well. Hope this helps and good luck. Kevin Ingram, DRSFA

GARY R.; There are drift boat guides in that area. Check the fly shops in Roscoe and area.

GARY FROM NY GET ME YOUR EMAIL OR ADDRESS I WILL SEND U INFO ABOUT SHAD FISHING TRIPS ON THE DELAWARE RIVER OR CALL ME 484-239-4723...RUSTY

Give me a call if U need Shad fishing supplies for the boat or shore fishermen I got it all Spoons 15 bakers dozen Darts 8 bakers dozen Inline weights 8 bakers dozen Diver plugs 4 each Downrigger weights 4,6,8,& 10 Lb Spoon boxes 10 River anchors 40&50 Call Rusty 4842394723 Flat ship rate of 5 dollars

DRSFA, There are a group of us shore fly fisherman who would like to fish for shad with flies this Spring. Can you give us any shore locations along the river that are accessible ? Also interested in guides with craft that you can recommend. Thanks, Gary

There coming

Praying I won't need snowshoes to get to the river this season!!