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The Ramapo River in Southeastern New York, begins in
the town of Monroe and flows south along Route 17 before
exiting into New Jersey. (Exceptions
to General Angling Regulations) With its year-round
trout fishing, this river gives traveling anglers the
opportunity to catch stocked as well as holdover browns
and rainbows averaging 6 to 10 inches. Fish from 14 to
16 inches also are fairly common here, and holdover browns
of up to 16+ inches are caught each year as well.
The Ramapo River can be broken down into three sections.
The northern and first section, from Monroe to the
falls just north of the town of Tuxedo, consists of
long, slow pools followed by short rifts and runs.
Averaging 30 feet wide, good numbers of holdover trout
can be found throughout the northern section. There's
one spot you shouldn't miss, behind the Red Apple Rest
sign in the town of Southfields just a few miles north
of Tuxedo. Every time I've heard of someone who has
fished this spot, they say they've landed at least
one good-sized trout. |
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From the falls just north of Tuxedo, the river changes
in appearance. It begins to move faster and is characterized
by its short pools, runs, and pocket water. This section
is more popular as access is easier from Route 17 and
the water is more appetizing. In this area, stocking
is done at most of the bridges throughout Tuxedo and
Sloatsburg. This section of river is also known for holding
over some trout in the 12- to 16-inch class, with an
occasional large fish too. Stenonema
(light cahill) hatches are very prolific here, with
the more abundant rifts and runs. Some of the secluded
pools throughout the town of Sloatsburg are tremendous. |
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It's a good idea to walk a good distance above or below
the bridges, as many people just stay close by the bridge
areas. Trout will migrate from the bridges and holdover
well. To find your "resident" fish, look for
tumbling sections of oxygenated water with ample shade
and deeper pools. This section of river follows Route
17 until it reaches Route 59 just south of Sloatsburg
in the town of Hillburn. The third section of the Ramapo
River runs from Route 59 south and is not as accessible
or productive as the other two sections. However, this
section does offer some excellent smallmouth fishing
during the latter part of May and the summer months.
There are good trout to be had here, but it's just harder
to find them. This section of river wanders a couple
of miles through Hillburn and follows the New York State
Thruway before entering New Jersey.
Early morning and midday fishing is best with nymphs
or streamers, although occasionally you'll also get
dry-fly action this time of day. Caddis Pupa and all-purpose
nymphs such as Hare's
ears, and Zug
bugs are very effective. Late afternoon and evening
fishing offers explosive dry-fly action, especially
from late April through June. Caddis and a few select
Mayflies can be very prolific here. Dusk on the Ramapo
River, like most rivers, is one of the best times of
day to try your luck at catching trout on top. |
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