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The Ramapo River in northern New Jersey flows from New
York state, and offers anglers good early season fishing
for holdover and stocked trout. This river, located a
short drive from New York City (approximately 40 minutes),
has a good variety of hatches and diverse water. The
Ramapo river in New Jersey is paralleled by Route 202
for its entire length to where it flows into Pompton
Lakes. Spanning nearly 10 miles in New Jersey, the Ramapo
has an abundance of quality riffles, runs, and deep pools.
It flows through wooded areas as well as some private
residential areas. Some of the pools can reach depths
of 6-8 feet holding trout into early summer. At this
time when water temperatures increase, the trout in the
Ramapo will seek refuge near some of the cold water sources
or hide out in one of the large lake like areas found
along its path. Starting at the New York-New Jersey border,
the Ramapo meets with Route 202. Here you can get onto
Route 202 from Route 17 in Mahwah. At the bottom of the
ramp, make a left and you will immediately see the river
on your right. Here the river is accessible by finding
areas to park along the road. There are a few key areas
that are good to find access. One area is across from
Ramapo College behind the baseball fields. Downstream
from there you can park along Route 202 by some of the
dirt pull-offs located along Route 202.
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Towards
the bottom end of the Ramapo near Oakland, you can park
by a couple of the bridges that cross the river. One
of the more popular bridges is Glen Gray. The state stocks
the Ramapo at most of the bridge crossing along its path.
Bear Swamp Creek, which is a feeder creek to the Ramapo,
has beautiful indigenous brook trout that thrive in its
waters. The creek begins its journey from Bear Swamp
located in Ringwood Sate Park. This is a beautiful little
creek (5-15 feet wide) that cascades its way to the Ramapo
river.
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It
has clear tumbling water broken up by small pockets and
pools. Very skittish little brook trout can be caught
here. Please respect this fishery and return all fish
to its waters. This is a resource that is hard to find
in New Jersey. The mouth of Bear Swamp creek is found
between Mahwah and Oakland on the western side of the
Ramapo River. The Ramapo flows through tree lined banks,
and has many well shaded areas. Trout can often be found
rising under overhanging branches or behind fallen trees
and boulders. Dries are usually best starting around
the 1st of May and going throughout the summer if conditions
allow. Nymphs are always productive here like on most
streams. Streamers work well on the Ramapo especially
early in the year when the water is high and off color.
Take along a sinking line if your going early season
to get down with streamers. The Ramapo in New Jersey
is a great day trip if your visiting relatives, nearby
on business, or if you want to fish a new place. Its
located within a reasonable drive from New York City,
and offers some good fishing for stocked and holdover
trout. Take along a 3-5 weight rod, and give the Ramapo
river a try the next time your in northern New Jersey.
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