NJ Saltwater Fisherman Forums

NJ Fresh Water Fishing Forums => Fresh Water Fishing => Topic started by: fishon42 on August 23, 2008, 05:19:54 PM

Title: Big Flat Brook 8/23
Post by: fishon42 on August 23, 2008, 05:19:54 PM
Fished Big Flatbrook today, used my fly rod because apparently thats all your allowed to use by the 206 bridge and 4 1/2 miles down river. Caught roughly 15-20 mixed rainbows and brookies, most 10 inches a few 12-13 inches. Nice lookin fishin, surprised there are that many in the brook still. Used worms on my fly rod, because i left my box of flies at my house. Worms did the trick anyway, as my dad fished with flies and caught 1. All fish were released.  t^
Title: Re: Big Flat Brook 8/23
Post by: ped579 on August 23, 2008, 05:27:42 PM
Good going Mark.  I used to fish that many years ago.  In fact that was always my opening day stream.  That was when the State Police had a station there.

Nice catch, I do believe it is a no barb section as well all C&R or at least it was.

Paul
Title: Re: Big Flat Brook 8/23
Post by: Pfishingruven on August 23, 2008, 05:40:29 PM
Nice catch!!  Trout fishing is always fun.  I would love to learn to fly fish...something for the future.  I am not familiar with that area at all up there, but I bet it is a nice day out on the water.

Thanks for the report!

Paul...I think the regulations on Fly Fishing Only Areas(which is only 2 portions of Big Flat Brook, I believe) are that you can only fly fish with a fly fishing outfit.  Only artificial flies can be used.  Flies cannot be scented or soaked in bait.  Currently, you can keep 4 fish at 9".  The creel limit changes with different trout seasons.  I didn't see mention of barbless hooks or any C&R only seasons for Fly Fishing Areas when I bought my license and trout stamp this year.  It always used to be that way, but I am not sure when they changed it...I had not purchased a fishing license in over 13 years so.
Freshwater fishing regs, especially trout are very confusing.  I always consult the handouts I received before I go fishing anywhere for the first time.  Last thing I want is a ticket for trying to fish!!

 TT^
Title: Re: Big Flat Brook 8/23
Post by: Luna Sea 5 on August 23, 2008, 05:49:17 PM
 t^
Title: Re: Big Flat Brook 8/23
Post by: fishon42 on August 23, 2008, 05:59:43 PM
Nice catch!!  Trout fishing is always fun.  I would love to learn to fly fish...something for the future.  I am not familiar with that area at all up there, but I bet it is a nice day out on the water.

Thanks for the report!

Paul...I think the regulations on Fly Fishing Only Areas(which is only 2 portions of Big Flat Brook, I believe) are that you can only fly fish with a fly fishing outfit.  Only artificial flies can be used.  Flies cannot be scented or soaked in bait.  Currently, you can keep 4 fish at 9".  The creel limit changes with different trout seasons.  I didn't see mention of barbless hooks or any C&R only seasons for Fly Fishing Areas when I bought my license and trout stamp this year.  It always used to be that way, but I am not sure when they changed it...I had not purchased a fishing license in over 13 years so.
Freshwater fishing regs, especially trout are very confusing.  I always consult the handouts I received before I go fishing anywhere for the first time.  Last thing I want is a ticket for trying to fish!!

 TT^

Barbed hooks is fine im pretty sure, since most people keep the trout anyway. Only artificial flies is allowed. No live bait, no rooster tails, spinners, pheobes, none of that. Only flies. I used worms because i left my flies home, no one bothered me. You cant use any spinning reels, which is kind of strange because on the paper on the tree it said from April 14th 2008 until March 2009 is fly fishing season only. I fished plenty of times from April-May along with others that I didnt know with spinning reels, and it was fine. Creel limit is 4 fish at 9" and above. Every few months the regulations change, I dont get why it has to be so confusing.  5hrug


All I know is salmon fishing comes up in a few weeks, and I am off to pulaski every couple weeks! Bring on the kings and COHO's.  t^ t^
Title: Re: Big Flat Brook 8/23
Post by: IrishAyes on August 23, 2008, 06:08:24 PM
I believe when they say 'fly fishing' they are referring more to what is at the end of your line than what you are using to deliver what is on the end of your line.

I would call Fish and Game to get the regs from them so you know for sure.  t^
Title: Re: Big Flat Brook 8/23
Post by: Pfishingruven on August 23, 2008, 06:12:31 PM
Here is a link to the 2008 Freshwater Regulations.  This is the handout I received with my license.  Happy reading.  When you are done reading it...2 months later, you can go fishing.  And then...when you forgot the Regs for a certain area or fish species you need to start all over.  rofla

I always consult the Regs before I go fishing in a new spot after reading this the day I got my license.  Very confusing...and easy to violate accidentally!  Certainly don't want to turn a fun day of fishing into a ticket!!

 TT^
Title: Re: Big Flat Brook 8/23
Post by: Pfishingruven on August 23, 2008, 06:13:34 PM
All I know is salmon fishing comes up in a few weeks, and I am off to pulaski every couple weeks! Bring on the kings and COHO's.  t^ t^

Good luck.  Never fished for salmon before...sounds like a lot of fun!!

 TT^
Title: Re: Big Flat Brook 8/23
Post by: fishon42 on August 23, 2008, 09:04:47 PM
once you go salmon fishing.. you wont mind driving the 4+ hours it takes to get there every couple weeks... like fighting 20+ lb bluefish in a small river  t^
Title: Re: Big Flat Brook 8/23
Post by: Pfishingruven on August 23, 2008, 09:39:15 PM
Cool!

 TT^
Title: Re: Big Flat Brook 8/23
Post by: PeggyLee on August 23, 2008, 09:47:44 PM
That sounds like a great day, and fishing with your Dad too. t^ slt
Fished up Polaski many years and the drive IS worth it. But cold as a witches a$$. Good Luck and enjoy when you go .  AJ.
Title: Re: Big Flat Brook 8/23
Post by: brijones1 on August 23, 2008, 10:01:04 PM
artificial flies only  nosmly worms on the fly rod  rofla get out of here, thats cheating and illegal. 
Title: Re: Big Flat Brook 8/23
Post by: fishon42 on August 23, 2008, 10:03:54 PM
artificial flies only  nosmly worms on the fly rod  rofla get out of here, thats cheating and illegal. 

sure wasnt driving the hour back to wayne to grab my flies.. theres alot of people out there who do PLENTY worse then put a worm on a fly rod.. i at least had the fly rod and used the same action with it  chrz

thats all the "baby" trout fishing until next spring.. like i said .. salmon and steelhead on!
Title: Re: Big Flat Brook 8/23
Post by: Still Running on August 24, 2008, 07:21:34 AM
Nice job Mark
Getting ready for the freight trains up north?
Title: Re: Big Flat Brook 8/23
Post by: fishon42 on August 24, 2008, 07:57:23 AM
Nice job Mark
Getting ready for the freight trains up north?


Sure Am  slt
Title: Re: Big Flat Brook 8/23
Post by: rugman on August 24, 2008, 08:05:28 AM
man it is going to be a late season up there .
Title: Re: Big Flat Brook 8/23
Post by: fishon42 on August 24, 2008, 08:13:27 AM
rugman,
  With the cold temps coming early, river water was at 67 when i called up there last week.... the bigger runs should start end of august.
 
 They already have some kings and even some steelhead in the river, and an occasional brown being caught too.

 I think its going to be a good season, I never went up as the first weekend in September, but the earlier you go in the season, the better the condition the salmon are in, and the nicer lookin and the harder they fight  t^

Title: Re: Big Flat Brook 8/23
Post by: fishon42 on August 24, 2008, 10:21:52 AM
Just a few pics, now I know my phone can send pictures to any email address!!! I will always have pictures now!