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The Pequest River, located in Northwestern New Jersey,
is well known for the abundance of trout found in its
waters, and the fish hatchery located along its banks.
Route 46 parallels the river for much of its length,
offering anglers easy access. On the Pequest, large trout
are caught frequently on everything from streamers to
dry flies. The average size of the fish here range from
12 to 14 inches long.
Flowing out of swamplands above Route 80, the Pequest
eventually turns into a river that has great character.
Swift runs, pools, and pockets make up this productive
trout river. The fish hatchery, along its banks, is
located midway between Great Meadows and the town of
Buttzville. Fishing near the hatchery is usually crowded,
so if you're seeking some solitude, you're better off
fishing above or below here, especially early in the
year. |
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Above the hatchery you'll find some fine water with classic
runs, pockets, and pools. Overhanging trees help shade
the river and keep it cool throughout most of the summer.
Two great places to start fishing above the hatchery
are Vienna and Great Meadows; be sure to mark these reference
points on your map. The hatchery area is the most popular
fishing spot on the river. The State stocks unusually
large fish in this river, and a good majority hold over
each year. The hatchery is a great educational facility
to visit, alone or with your family, to learn how it
operates, and what it does for the Pequest. |
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There is a Seasonal Trout
Conservation Area (Regulations 2002) near the hatchery.
Below the hatchery, fishing is as good as it is anywhere
else on the river. Another popular stretch, which is
less crowded, runs from Buttzville to Belvidere. This
part of the river seems to hold over the best population
of fish. It has some wonderful pools and offers anglers
great potential for a successful day of fishing. Before
flowing into the Delaware River near Belvidere, the Pequest
is at its largest, approximately 30- to 50-feet wide
in most spots.
Hatches are prolific on the Pequest, more so than
most of the other freestone rivers in New Jersey. Hendricksons
and Blue Quills are two of the early-season bugs you
will find. As the year wears on into mid- and late-May,
Sulphurs and eventually Light Cahills are some of the
stronger hatches. Caddis and Stoneflies are in abundance,
and you should carry them in your box throughout the
year. During the summer, Trico Spinners fall in the
morning, and Midges and Terrestrials are found throughout
the day. The Pequest has an abundance of hatches and
fish. Most fish are good-sized, and easy to catch early
in the year. As spring wears on and water levels drop,
fish become skittish and are harder to catch. At those
challenging times, try lightening up your leader, and
use smaller flies. You may also want to try fishing
downstream from the fish, so you don't "line" them.
Keep these tips in mind when you fish the Pequest-they
can only enhance your successful trip. |
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