| New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife |
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More information can be found at the Delaware River Shad Fishermen's Association Website and in Mark Boriek's articles on The American Shad Spawning Run and this year's No American Shad Yet, But… Updated!. Boat access information is also available.
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STOTCH HELPED OUT BY DRIVING RIVER ROAD TODAY CHECKING BOAT ACTIVITY. GAP, NO BOATS. BELVEDERE, 3 BOATS, DOW HOLLOW, NO BOATS. SANDTZ EDDY 2 BOATS. EASTON, 3 BOATS. YARDLEY, MANY BOATS (STRIPER FISHING).
LEWIS FISHERY, STEVE ADVISED THE HAUL SEASON WILL NOT END ON SATURDAY. DEPENDING ON CONDITIONS HE MAY CONTINUE TO HAUL. TO CONFIRM IF THEY ARE HAULING CALL STEVE (908) 806-3163.
SANDTZ EDDY, RON 9 SHAD IN FIRST HOUR, WIND SHIFT, BITE SHUT DOWN.
DINGMANS', DOUG WENT 11-14 ONLY 1 ROE.
THAT'S THE ONLY SHAD REPORT WE HAVE TODAY.
RARITAN BAY, BRENT HILDENRAND LANDED 25 STRIPERS TO 14# ON CLAM BELLIES.
BRISTOL, JIM CAUGHT 2 25" STRIPERS FROM SHORE.
JUST GOT SOME BAD NEWS, KING MARINE ADVISED MY NEW BOAT WILL NOT BE RIGGED TILL 5/23. WHEN I ORDERED THE BOAT ON 2/2/03 I WAS TOLD 10 WEEKS FOR DELIVERY. 15 WEEKS LATER NOTHING BUT EXCUSES. I WILL KEEP YOU UP TO DATE.
KEEP REPORTING ALL FISH ACTIVITY TO CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.
SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.
Tight lines Conner
WILL THIS CRAPPIE WEATHER NEVER END. THIS SPAWN SHOULD BE WELL UNDERWAY BUT THE WATER TEMPERATURE HAS FALLEN TO 55 DEGREES AGAIN.
TRENTON, LARRY REPORTS 0 SHAD, LIGHT HERRING BITE AND 1 STRIPER OBSERVED.
LEWIS FISHERY, STEVE ADVISED FRIDAY'S HAUL INCLUDED 11 ROE, 43 CATFISH & 5 STRIPERS. STEVE WILL PULL EVERY EVENING BUT THURSDAY AND WIND UP THE SEASON SATURDAY. (Note: the following was received by NJ DFW from the Lewis Fishery: "The Lewis Fishery season will not end for sure on Saturday! At this time of year we take it one day at a time to see if the run is still coming through. If you want to know if we are still fishing call us at (908) 806-3163 or (609) 397-1481.")
43 CATFISH IN THE HAUL BODES WELL FOR THE GREAT CAT SHOOT OUT HOSTED BY THE DRSFA. 6/7/03, GET YOUR REGISTRATION AT YOUR LOCAL TACKLE SHOP. FIRST PRIZE $5000.00 (150 BOAT POOL).
EASTON, JEFF, HIGH HOOK HONORS, WITH 10 OF 13
PORT JARVIS, BILL LANDED 10
WORTHINGTON, PAT 0 SHAD - 1 WALLEYE
RARITAN BAY, LUCKY WENT ON A CHARTER AND THE BOAT LIMITED OUT ON STRIPERS IN 1 HOUR.
KEEP REPORTING ANYTHING TO DO WITH FISH TO CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.
SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.
Tight lines Conner
SHAD ACTION HAS BEEN SPOTTY.
MARK BORIEK, NJ PRINCIPAL FISH BIOLOGIST, RECOMMENDS TROLLING WITH DOWNRIGGERS LIKE WE DO ON THE GREAT LAKES.
LEWIS FISHERY, STEVE REPORTS THE HAULS ARE STARTING TO GET LIGHTER. HE PLANS TO HAUL FOR ONE MORE WEEK. THIS IS A GREAT LEARNING EXPERIENCE YOU AND YOUR KIDS AND GRANDKIDS WILL REALLY ENJOY, SO GET OUT THERE SOME NICE EVENING THIS WEEK ABOUT 6 PM AND TAKE IN A PIECE OF HISTORY.
LAMBERTVILLE, MATT THINKS THE SHAD ARE TAKING THE BUS RIGHT TO EASTON. HE DID CATCH A NICE STRIPER ON A FLY.
SANDTZ EDDY, RON, HIGH HOOK, CAUGHT THE BIGGEST SHAD OF HIS LIFE 25¾" 7.4# ON A 5 FOR 9 DAY.
DINGMANS' FERRY, RON & VIC LANDED 1 BUCK EACH.
ERIC, OF DINGMANS' SUCKS, RAN TO THE NORTH BEACH AT SANDY HOOK AND CLEANED UP ON STRIPERS AND BLUES USING CLAMS. BIGGEST STRIPER OF THE DAY 27¾" X 8.2#.
BEACH ACTIVITY FOR STRIPERS AND BLUES HAS BEEN HOT FOR THE PAST 2-3 WEEKS.
TRENTON, WENT OUT ON JEFF WILLIAMS NEW ROCK PROOF SATURDAY, IT REALLY IS ROCK PROOF, JEFF RAN IT UP ON ROCKS ON PURPOSE JUST TO PROVE IT. HERRING FISHING IS COMING INTO ITS OWN. IF WE EVER GET A FULL DAY OF SUNSHINE IT WILL REALLY BE GREAT.
STRIPER ACTIVITY IN THE TRENTON AREA HAS BEEN LAGGING BEHIND PAST YEARS. THE LOWER RIVER HAS BEEN DOING MUCH BETTER.
TODAY LOTHAR INVITED ME DOWN RIVER. WE FISHED THE INCOMING TIDE WITH BLOODWORMS, BRING 6-8 DOZEN. LOOK FOR 15-20' OF WATER OFF OF A FLAT AREA.
LOTHAR HAS AGREED TO JOIN MY BOAT FOR THE BIG CAT SHOOT OUT 6/7, SO WE CAST SOME HERRING CHUNKS FOR PRACTICE. WE EACH LANDED 6 OR 7 STRIPERS FROM 12" - 36" AND AT LEAST 12 CATS EACH, THE BIGGEST A 9# AS WE WERE GETTING READY TO LEAVE. THE BIGGEST STRIPER OF THE DAY WASN'T LANDED, IT TOOK OVER HALF A SPOOL OF 17# TEST, FROM LOTHAR, STRAIGHT ACROSS THE RIVER BEFORE IT CAME UNHOOKED.
LAKE NOCKOMIXON HAS BEEN RED HOT FOR THE PAST WEEK. SPINNER BAITS THE FIRST CHOICE HERE.
KEEP REPORTING (ALL FISHING) TO 215-674-1117 OR E. MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.
THAT'S IT FOR NOW, SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.
Tight lines Conner
THE DELAWARE IS REALLY TURNING LARGE #s AND LARGE SIZES OF STRIPERS THROUGHOUT THE TIDAL RIVER. STRIPERS AND BLUES ARE ALSO HITTING THE LOCAL BEACHES. HERRING, BLOODWORMS AND CLAMS ARE THE PREFERRED BAITS.
SHAD ARE STILL TO BE HAD, PICK YOUR TIME, WEATHER AND SPOT. REMEMBER, THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE FUN.
LOOKS LIKE THE RUN IS STILL SOUTH OF EASTON. CHECK OUT THE REPORTS FROM UP RIVER.
SANDTZ EDDY, RON 4 SHAD WATER STILL HIGH AND DIRTY.
FLATS BROOK, STEVE 1 SHAD.
WORTHINGTON STATE PARK, ALEX 0.
SMITHFIELD, BILL 4 SHAD, JAY 4 FOR 5 (VERY SLOW).
DINGMANS', ERIC 0, FISHING SUCKS!
KEEP REPORTING TO 215-674-1117 OR CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.
THAT'S IT FOR NOW, SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.
Tight lines Conner
THE RIVER IS UP AGAIN AND BY THE SOUND OF THE RAIN ON THE ROOF TONIGHT IT WILL BE UP BIG TIME TOMORROW. DIRTY WATER HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR THE PAST WEEK. A LOT OF THIS CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE TREES LEAFING OUT AND WARMER WATER CONDITIONS PROMOTING ALGAE GROWTH. KEEP TYING A SMALL RUBBER BAND TO THE LINE 2-3 FEET UP FROM THE LURE.
TRENTON, LIGHT SHAD ACTION BUT BIG TIME HERRING ACTION. SOME STRIPERS REPORTED.
YARDLEY, KEVIN REPORTS 0 SHAD, 1 24" STRIPER OBSERVED.
LAMBERTVILLE, MAX & MARGE LANDED 5 ON THE AFTERNOON BITE, THEY REPORT THE OTHER 2 BOATS WERE THERE FOR THE DAY AND REPORTED 15 AND 30+, WOODY ALSO LANDED 7.
LEWIS FISHERY, STEVE IS STILL MAKING GOOD HAULS, LAST NIGHT NETTING 11 - 5 ROE AND 6 BUCK. THESE KINDS OF MATCH UPS INDICATE THE PEAK OF THE RUN. WATER TEMP. 64 DEGREES.
SANDTZ EDDY, RON WENT 3-4 ON THE AFTER NOON BITE, WATER HIGHER AND DIRTY.
NO REPORTS FROM UP RIVER, IN THE PAST FEW DAYS. HELLO IS ANYONE FISHING ABOVE PORTLAND??
KEEP REPORTING TO 215-674-1117 OR E. MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.
THAT'S IT FOR NOW, SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.
Tight lines Conner
POOR WATER CONDITIONS LEAD THE RIVER NEWS TONIGHT. UP AND DOWN THE SAME THING, HIGHER WATER WITH LOTS OF DEBRIS.
LAMBERTVILLE, PETE BOATED 3 ROE AND GOT SPOOLED BY A STRIPER.
LUMBERVILLE, MATT 0 SHAD, BUT STRIPERS AND SMALLIES MADE UP FOR IT.
EASTON, DAVE 1 ROE, LEFT EARLY TOO MUCH JUNK.
SANDTZ EDDY, RON REPORTS 1 ROE AND HE WAS HIGH HOOK.
FOUL RIFT 7 FOR 8.
PORT JARVIS, BILL & HIS DAD WENT 10-15, THE BIGGEST ROE WAS CLOSE TO 8# (WHICH WOULD HAVE WON THE TOURNAMENT).
FORKS OF THE RIVER SHAD TOURNAMENT WAS WON BY DAN HAGGERTY OF HOPE, NJ WITH A 7.8# 24½ INCH CATCH.
SHAD ARE THROUGHOUT THE RIVER SYSTEM NOW, THE WATER TEMPERATURE HAS STABILIZED ABOVE 62 DEGREES, WHICH MEANS THE EGGS ARE RIPENING AND THE SPAWN WILL SOON COMMENCE. YOU CAN OBSERVE THIS ON POOLS IN THE EVENING AS THE BUCKS BUMP THE ROE AT THE SURFACE TO FORCE THE ROE TO DROP EGGS.
STRIPER ACTION IS STARTING TO REALLY HEAT UP. DRIFTING FOR STRIPERS IS PROBABLY THE BEST BET IF THE BOAT TRAFFIC IS NOT TOO HEAVY.
REMEMBER, YOU DON'T NEED EVERY HERRING IN THE RIVER SYSTEM, EVEN THOUGH YOU CAN CATCH ENDLESSLY. AT THIS TIME YOU ARE BETTER OF CATCHING 4-6 HERRING AND STRIPER FISHING TIL THEY ARE GONE AND THEN CATCH FRESH HERRING AGAIN.
IN LINE CIRCLE HOOKS ARE REQUIRED THIS YEAR. 20-25# LINE ON AN APPROPRIATE REEL IS RECOMMENDED.
SMALLMOUTH ACTION HAS BEEN PICKING UP WITH A FEW OVER 16 INCHES BEING REPORTED IN THE PAST WEEK.
KEEP REPORTING TO 215-674-1117 OR E. MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.
THAT'S IT FOR NOW, SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.
Tight lines Conner
TODAY TURNED OUT A LOT BETTER THAN THE WEATHERMAN ADVERTISED. MUST BE NICE TO GET PAID THAT MUCH MONEY AND ONLY BE RIGHT 40% OF THE TIME.
THE ACTION TODAY WAS NICE BUT NOT SPECTACULAR BY THE REPORTS WE RECEIVED.
TRENTON, DOUG, TIM & MIKE BOATED 5 SHAD, THEY ALSO WENT 2 FOR 10 ON STRIPERS. WALT WENT 1-3 AND TIM & JOE TOPPED THE CHARTS GOING 13-17 FROM 30-38 INCHES. HERRING WERE JUMPING ON THE HOOK ALL DAY LONG.
THE TRICK ON HERRING FISHING IS VERTICAL JIGGING. THIS CAN REQUIRE AS MUCH AS 10 OZ. OF LEAD ON AN OUTGOING TIDE. IF YOU CANNOT FIND THE BITE, START DRIFTING TIL YOU DO. AS SOON AS THEY START TO BITE MOTOR UP STREAM, DROP THE ANCHOR AND DRIFT BACK TO THE BITE. ALWAYS THROW A HOOKED HERRING OUT FIRST THING.
LAMBERTVILLE, NISH 0
DOW HOLLOW, ALEX 1 ROE 4.75#
EASTON, PAPPY & STOTCH BOATED 9, 1 OF WHICH MAY HAVE PUT STOTCH IN THE MONEY AT 6.42#.
KEEP REPORTING TO 215-674-1117 OR CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.
THAT'S IT FOR NOW, SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.
Tight lines Conner
RIGHT TO THE ACTION.
TRENTON, JIM & RICH PICKED UP 22 HERRING, RAN UP TO YARDLEY WHERE THEY FOUGHT 2 STRIPERS.
LEWIS FISHERY, STEVE HAD ANOTHER GOOD NIGHT NETTING 32 ON 1 HAUL. STEVE WAS RIGHT WHEN HE SAID THE PEAK WOULD PASS HIS ISLAND THIS WEEK.
RT. 80 JOE REPORTS THE BEST THIS AREA HAS IS 4 SHAD IN 4 HOURS. THEY ARE WAITING FOR BETTER.
DINGMANS', JOHN 5 ROE.
Tight lines Conner
HELLO MAY, LETS HOPE THIS MONTH LIVES UP TO ITS' REPUTATION, BECAUSE MARCH AND APRIL WERE STINKERS.
GETTING RIGHT TO THE ACTION.
FLORENCE, LARGE # OF SHAD AND HERRING MOVING UP WITH STRIPERS MIXED IN.
TRENTON, HERRING ARE IN BIG TIME; SOME SHAD ARE BEING LANDED AS BYCATCH. STRIPER ACTION IS PICKING UP.
LEWIS FISHERY, STEVE REPORTS 2 GOOD HAULS TODAY 50+ AGAIN WATER TEMPERATURE NOW 60 DEGREES.
LAMBERTVILLE, WOODY LANDED 3. MAX & MARGE GOT 2 ROE & 1 BUCK, NOT BAD FOR FIRST TRIP OUT THIS SEASON. KAREN & ANG WERE HIGH HOOK WITH 10. (I ESPECIALLY LIKE KAREN'S FISH DANCE)
DINGMANS', ERIC WENT 6 FOR 9
NARROWSBURG, WADERS WERE HAVING A BALL. BITE WAS ON, BIG TIME. WATER TEMPERATURE 53 DEGREES.
KEEP REPORTING TO 215-674-1117 FROM 9-5 OR CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.
Tight lines Conner
ACTION AT THE WEIGH IN, IN EASTON, WAS SLOW TUESDAY MORNING.
THE RAIN MOVING THROUGH DID NOT SEEM TO AFFECT THE BITE. WHAT BITE!!!
THE REPORT LIST HAS BEEN SHORTENED TODAY.
FLORENCE, LIGHT ACTION, OUTGOING TIDE ONLY.
YARDLEY, ROY, JOE AND COOLIE 2 ROE, 1 BUCK.
BELVIDERE, BRIAN 0.
DINGMANS', JOHN 4 ROE, 2 BUCK. ERIC 2 SHAD. 54 DEGREE WATER TEMPERATURE.
KEEP REPORTING TO 215-674-1117 FROM 9-5 OR CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.
THAT'S IT FOR NOW, SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.
Tight lines Conner
LOOKS LIKE THIS IS THE WEEK TO GO SHAD FISHING. WATER TEMPS ARE RISING INTO THE 60'S, SEEM TO BE A LOT OF DEBRIS IN THE WATER TONIGHT. HOPE IT PASSES BY QUICKLY.
TOO MANY OF YOU ARE STILL NOT WEARING YOUR PFDs!!!
LET'S GET RIGHT TO THE ACTION.
TRENTON, KEVIN LANDED 3 ROE, HERRING AND STRIPERS WERE HITTING GOOD TOO.
LAMBERTVILLE, LEWIS FISHERY NETTED 50+ SHAD AND MANY OTHER SPECIES. STEVE, FRED'S GRANDSON, SAID THE PEAK OF THE RUN IS PASSING LAMBERTVILLE THIS WEEK. 13-YEAR-OLD ZACK BOATED HIS FIRST SHAD TODAY. CHARLIE AND CHUCK GOT 4, KAREN AND ANG ALSO HAD 4, PETE B. WENT 1-3 AND JAY LANDED 7 FROM SHORE.
LUMBERVILLE, MATT, DEN & ROCK REPORT 2 ROE 1 BUCK.
EASTON, CAPT. DAVE REPORTS VERY DIRTY WATER CONDITIONS. CAN'T KEEP THE FLUTTERS CLEAN. (TIE A SMALL RUBBER BAND 2 FEET ABOVE THE LURE).
MARTINS CREEK, GARY LANDED 8.
DINGMANS, HIGH HOOK OF THE DAY, JOHN REPORTS 14 ROE 4 BUCK IN 2.5 HOURS. HE LEFT THEM BITING.
KEEP REPORTING TO 215-674-1117 FROM 9-5 OR E.MAIL ANYTIME TO CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.
THAT'S IT FOR NOW, SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.
Tight lines Conner
AS CRAPPY AS YESTERDAY WAS, AT LEAST IT DIDN'T MESS UP THE FLOW.
TODAY IS WHAT WE ALL DREAM ABOUT WHEN WE THINK OF SHAD WEATHER.
LET'S HOPE WE CAN KEEP THIS TREND UP FOR THE NEXT 2-3 WEEKS.
FLORENCE, REALLY HOT, SHAD ARE LINING UP TO GET TO THE HOOK, THEY HAVE TO HURRY OR GET BEAT OUT BY THE HERRING.
TRENTON, TOM, OF DRFA, TRIED HIS LUCK AT HERRING AND STRIPER FISHING. HE GOT THE HERRING PART RIGHT FROM THE GET GO, STILL SOME WORK TO DO ON THE STRIPER PART. AT LEAST THERE ARE 16 HERRING IN THE FREEZER FOR AFTER THE HERRING RUN.
YARDLEY, SLOW SATURDAY, NO REPORTS SUNDAY.
LAMBERTVILLE, SHAD KING BOATED 30+, BRUCE LANDED 21 AND BRIAN AND TANA WENT 5 FOR 7 IN A COUPLE HOURS ON THE EVENING BITE.
SANDTZ EDDY, AT LAST REPORT, VERY SLOW.
THE SHAD ARE IN THE RIVER, THE RUN IS LOOKING GOOD. YOUR CHALLENGE, IF YOU CHOOSE TO ACCEPT IT, IS TO FIGURE OUT THE PATTERN AND LOCATION. GOOD LUCK AND GOOD FISHING.
Tight lines Conner
FISHING ACTION HAS SLOWED CONSIDERABLY. I DON'T KNOW WHY.
AS MANY PREPARE FOR THE TOURNAMENTS STARTING TOMORROW KEEP THESE THOUGHTS IN MIND.
1. DON'T CHANGE A WINNING PATTERN.
2. IF YOU HAVE NO ACTION FOR 15 MINUTES CHANGE SOMETHING.
3. LOOK AROUND, IF YOU HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING WITHOUT A STRIKE AND THE FISHERMEN
AROUND YOU ARE NOT HOOKING UP, HOOK YOUR BOAT TO ITS TRAILER AND FIND ANOTHER
LOCATION.
4. THE FIRST THING YOU NEED TO KNOW IS THE DEPTH AT WHICH THE FISH ARE ACTIVE.
YARDLEY, JIM REPORTS 0 SHAD. STRIPER ACTION PICKING UP NICELY WITH 1 BOAT LANDING 6 OVER 30 INCHES.
LAMBERTVILLE, SLOW. STOTCH LANDED THREE ON THE EVENING BITE.
EASTON, BOB LANDED 2
SANDTZ EDDY, RON REPORTS 5
DINGMANS', ERIC 1 BUCK.
DON'T WASTE TOO MUCH TIME ON SHAD, IF THE BITE IS OFF MOVE DOWN TO YARDLEY OR TRENTON AND PICK UP SOME HERRING AND STRIPERS. PUT THE FIRST HERRING OUT ON A CIRCLE HOOK IMMEDIATELY. THE HARDER IT IS TO CATCH HERRING THE EASIER IT IS TO CATCH STRIPERS.
KEEP REPORTING TO 215-674-1117 FROM 9-5 OR E.MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.
Tight lines Conner
GOOD NEWS, MARK BORIEK ADVISED THE HYDROACOUSTICS TRANSDUCERS ARE NOW UP AND RUNNING.
THE COMMERCIAL NETTER AT THE SALMON RIVER HAD THE BEST DAY YET AT 1900#. THE OCEAN GILLNETTERS ARE HAVING A LITTLE TROUBLE NETTING SHAD BECAUSE OF ALL THOSE PESKY STRIPERS. THEY ARE FOULING THE NETS BEFORE THE SHAD CAN SWIM INTO THEM, REDUCING THE CATCH.
PUTTING EVERYTHING TOGETHER, THERE ARE SHAD THROUGHOUT THE RIVER SYSTEM. THE 2 BEST REPORTS TODAY ARE FROM THE FLORENCE BEND IN THE SOUTH TO DINGMANS' UP NORTH.
THIS IS SHAD SEASON, SO GO FISHING. THE WATER LEVELS ARE GOOD, CLARITY GOOD AND TEMPS ARE WHAT THEY ARE. JUST REMEMBER TO WEAR YOU PFD.
KEEP REPORTING TO 215-674-1117 FROM 9-5 OR E.MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.
SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.
Tight lines Conner
STOTCH ADVISED THE CONDITIONS IN TRENTON ARE FLOW 12,900 CFS, WATER TEMP 57 DEGREES, and PH 8.0-8.9.
NOT A LOT OF FISH ACTIVITY TODAY.
BURLINGTON, CHRISTIAN LANDED 2 BIG ROE.
LAMBERTVILLE, PETE WENT 1 FOR 2, RON GOT SHUT OUT.
PORTLAND, STILL LOCKED UP
DINGMAN'S, ERIC WENT 5 FOR 9, THAT'S HIGH HOOK FOR THE DAY.
KEEP REPORTING TO 215-674-1117 FROM 9-5 OR E. MAIL ANYTIME TO CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.
Tight lines Conner
THESE COLD FRONTS ARE KILLING THE BITE. FALLING WATER TEMPERATURES SOMETIMES EVEN REVERSE THE RUN. THE FISH SORT OF FALL OFF DOWN RIVER AND PACK UP IN QUIET AREAS TILL THE WATER STARTS TO WARM AGAIN, STARTING THE RUN UP RIVER AGAIN.
THE COLD DOES NOT, HOWEVER, AFFECT THE NUMBERS IN THE RUN. THE NUMBERS IN THE RUN WERE SET BY THE SPAWN 5-7 YEARS AGO, THIS IS THE END OF THAT CYCLE.
KEVIN, FISHED YARDLEY SUNDAY WITHOUT A BITE. NO OTHER BOATS IN THAT AREA REPORTED ANY LANDINGS.
DENNIS, RICK AND MATT FISHED THE MORNING BITE AT BULLS ISLAND WITH 1 LDR. WATER TEMPS 49-54 DEGREES.
THE HARMONY RED BOAT REPORTED 5 ABOVE EASTON.
HIGH HOOK OF THE DAY GOES TO RON AND RICHARD FROM BULLS ISLAND, 15 ON 8 LANDED WITH SOME FAT ROE.
REMEMBER WHEN THE WATER IS COLD THE AFTERNOON BITE IS USUALLY YOUR BEST BET. GIVE THE WATER AS MUCH TIME TO WARM UP AS YOU CAN, BUT QUIT EARLY. THE BITE WILL FALL OFF FAST ABOUT 1-2 HOURS BEFORE SUNDOWN IN COLD WATER CONDITIONS.
THAT'S IT FOR NOW, KEEP REPORTING TO 215-674-1117 FROM 9-5 PM OR E. MAIL ME ANYTIME AT CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.
Tight lines Conner
HAPPY EASTER, AS YOU KNOW THIS LAST COLD FRONT HAS KILLED THE BITE JUST AS IT WAS REALLY STARTING TO ROLL.
LOOKS LIKE THIS SLOW WARMING TREND WILL IMPROVE THE BITE THROUGH THE COMING WEEK.
SATURDAY, STEVE, FRED LEWIS' GRANDSON, PULLED THE NET WITH NO SHAD CAUGHT.
LAMBERTVILLE, HAD A 15-20 BOAT FLEET SATURDAY, THE BITE IMPROVED AS WATER TEMPERATURES CLIMBED FROM 51-53 DEGREES. NO ONE BAILED THEM DURING THE AFTERNOON BITE.
PAPPY REPORTED ONLY 3 SHAD LANDED BY THE EASTON FLEET.
WE NEED WARMER NIGHTS AND LIGHT RAINS, WIDELY SPACED, TO IMPROVE THE CATCH RATE.
STRIPER ACTIVITY IS STARTING TO PICK UP IN THE LOWER RIVER. THE FLORENCE BEND HAS PRODUCED SOME LARGE STRIPERS, REMEMBER, TAKE A PICTURE AND RELEASE THESE SPAWNERS.
HERRING ARE BEING PICKED UP IN TRENTON. REMEMBER THE HARDER IT IS TO CATCH HERRING THE EASIER IT IS TO CATCH STRIPERS.
STRIPER FISHING IN TIDAL WATERS, BELOW THE TRENTON FALLS, REQUIRES CIRCLE HOOKS AND IMMEDIATE RELEASE. THE SEASON IS CLOSED TILL JUNE 1.
CATFISH ARE ALSO GETTING ACTIVE ON CUT BAIT.
KEEP REPORTING TO 215-674-1117 DURING THE DAY OR E.MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.
SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.
Tight lines Conner
THE SHAD ARE HERE, THE SHAD ARE HERE, LET'S GO FISHING THE SHAD ARE HERE.
TODAY'S CONDITIONS WERE JUST ABOUT PERFECT. WATER TEMPERATURE 55-58 DEGREES, CLARITY, EXCELLENT. CHECK YOUR LURES EVERY 10 MINUTES FOR DEBRIS. TO TOP IT OFF PERFECT TANNING WEATHER.
THE TERROR ALERT STATUS HAS BEEN LOWERED TO YELLOW, FISHING AT POWER PLANTS SHOULD NOW BE POSSIBLE.
STEVE, FRED LEWIS' GRANDSON, NETTED 13 BUCK, 4 ROE, 2 WALLEYE AND A 27" MUSKIE. THIS IS SOMETHING TO TAKE THE KIDS AND GRANDKIDS TO EXPERIENCE. WEEKNIGHTS AT 6 PM, SATURDAY MORNINGS AT 10 AM. EVERYONE LEARNS FROM THIS EXPERIENCE.
NOW TO THE SCORE BOARD.
D. BARROW FISHED FLORENCE BEND PICKING UP 1 BUCK.
KEVIN FISHED YARDLEY IN PERFECT CONDITIONS LANDING 2 EACH.
IN LAMBERTVILLE JOE, RICK, PETE AND 10 OTHER BOATS ALL BAILED THEM. THE AFTERNOON BITE WAS THE BITE OF CHOICE.
PAPPY HAD 15 WHEN MARION CALLED AND ANNOUNCED A FLOOD IN THE BASEMENT. HOW DID SHE EVER START A FLOOD?
JACK & WILL LEPPER LANDED 13 BUCKS AT MARTINS CREEK.
FORMER SHAD CHAMP, HERB, LANDED 7 BUCK AND 1 ROE AT COLUMBIA NJ.
TOPPING THE LIST IS T.R. WHO WITH 5 FRIENDS LANDED 46 AT THE WATER GAP FROM SHORE.
PICK A SPOT ALMOST ANY SPOT AND GO FISHING.
I HAVE OBSERVED TOO MANY FISHERMEN NOT WEARING THEIR PFDs. THEY WON'T HURT YOU AND JUST MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE. THIS IS ESPECIALLY THE CASE WHEN REACHING OUT OF THE BOAT FOR THE ANCHOR.
Tight lines Conner
MARK BORIEK, NJ FISHERIES BIOLOGIST, REPORTS THE GILL-NETTERS IN THE BAY ARE MAKING SPECTACULAR HAULS, FROM 600-1000#.
THE MAIN RUN IS STILL ON ITS WAY UP THE BAY. WITH THE WARMER NIGHTS THE RIVER TEMPERATURE HAS CLIMBED TO 55 DEGREES TODAY. TOMORROW WE MAY HIT 58 OR BETTER.
THE TIME TO BE ON THE RIVER FROM TRENTON TO EASTON IS NOW. LOOK FOR BIG SCHOOLS MOVING FAST IN THE NEXT WEEK TO TEN DAYS.
CATCHES WERE REPORTED FROM JIM, IN YARDLEY TO PAPPY IN EASTON TODAY.
EVEN STEVE, FRED LEWIS' GRANDSON, BROKE THE ICE WITH A BUCK AND ROE TONIGHT.
LET'S HOPE THE COMING RAINS ARE JUST LIGHT SHOWERS, WE DON'T NEED ANOTHER WEEKEND OF MUDDY RIVER.
KEEP REPORTING DURING THE DAY TO 215-674-1117 OR E.MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.
Tight lines Conner
AFTER A DAY OF SNOW AND 3 DAYS OF RAIN I WILL LET YOU GUESS HOW THE RIVER IS THIS MORNING.
EARLIER THIS WEEK FRED LEWIS' GRANDSON PULLED THE NET FOR THE SECOND TIME. IN THREE HAULS THIS YEAR WE CAN ADD A TURTLE TO THE THREE NON-SHAD FISH.
MARK BORIEK, NJ FISHERIS BIOLOGIST, REPORTS A COMMERCIAL NETTER OFF THE SALMON RIVER IN NJ CAUGHT 541# OF ROE & 168# OF BUCKS ON 4/2, ON 4/8 HE CAUGHT 288# OF ROE & 43# OF BUCKS. THIS INDICATES PLENTY OF FISH MOVING THRU, BUT NOT MUCH OF A BITE DUE TO VERY COLD APRIL WATER TEMPERATURES.
STOTCH HAD BUSINESS ON THE RIVER, SO HE HELPED OUT WITH A RUN FROM YARDLEY TO EASTON. A TOTAL OF 4 FISHERMEN WERE OBSERVED. NO SHAD REPORTED CAUGHT. WATER TEMPERATURE IS 39 DEGREES, WITH CHOCOLATE THE WATER COLOR OF THE DAY.
I PLAN TO TAKE CARE OF HONEY DUES TODAY.
IF YOU GO FISHING REPORT BACK TO 215-674-1117 DURING THE DAY OR E.MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.
THAT'S IT FOR NOW, SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.
Tight lines Conner
THERE IS PLENTY OF GOOD NEWS TONIGHT.
LET'S TAKE CARE OF THE BAD NEWS FIRST. HALF A DOZEN BOATS WERE OBSERVED ON THE RIVER TODAY, WITH ONLY ONE SMALL BOY WEARING A PFD. HOW DUMB IS THAT. WITH THE WATER TEMPERATURE BELOW 50 DEGREES YOUR FIRST BREATH WHEN YOU FALL OVERBOARD WILL BE WATER. IT IS ALL DOWNHILL FROM THERE. WE LOST SOME GOOD FISHERMEN LAST YEAR BECAUSE THEY LEFT THEIR SEAT BACKS. WEAR THE PFD. BEFORE YOU GET IN YOUR BOAT PUT ON YOUR PFD AND LEAVE IT ON TILL YOU GET BACK TO THE RAMP.
RIVER FLOW RATE IS 29,700 CFS THAT'S GETTING CLOSE TO THE 20-25,000 CFS OPTIMAL FOR SHAD MIGRATION. TEMPS ARE AT 44-45 DEGREES.
SHAD WERE REPORTED LANDED FROM YARDLEY WHERE 6 BOATS WERE SPOTTED ON THE RIVER. MOST ACTION WAS OUT OF THE MAIN CHANNEL CLOSE TO SHORE AND ISLANDS.
BIG JIM LANDED HIS FIRST BUCK OF THE SEASON ON THE FIRST CAST OF HIS SEASON IN EASTON.
MARK BORIEK, NJ MARINE FISHERY BIOLOGIST, REPORTS 2 SCHOOLS OF SHAD PAST THE 202 BRIDGE HYDROPHONES THE FIRST AT 4 PM ON 3/13/03 ABOUT 1,000 UNDER THE SPANS CLOSEST TO EITHER SHORE.
A SMALLER SCHOOL PAST UNDER THE CENTER SPANS ON 3/17/03 BEFORE THE RIVER WENT FROM 11,000 CFS TO 80,000 CFS. THE HYDROPHONES WERE KNOCKED OUT OF COMMISSION BY DEBRIS DURING HIGH WATER.
YARDLEY SHOULD BE THE BEST BET FOR THIS COMING WEEKEND. LAMBERTVILLE IS MY SECOND CHOICE THIS WEEKEND.
ONCE AGAIN IF YOU'RE ON THE WATER WEAR YOUR PFD.
KEEP REPORTING DURING THE DAY TO 215-674-1117 OR E.MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.
THAT'S IT FOR NOW, SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.
Tight lines Conner
PAPPY AND STOTCH VISITED THE RIVER AND REPORT THE RAMPS AT YARDLEY AND EASTON UNDER WATER. CHOCOLATE SEEMS THE WATER FLAVOR OF THE DAY WITH PLENTY OF DEBRIS TO ROUND OUT OUR MISERY.
MOST OF THE LEWIS FISHERY ISLAND IS STILL UNDER WATER, SO DON'T LOOK FOR STEVE PULLING THE NET FOR A FEW MORE DAYS.
RUSS ALLEN, NJ MARINE FISHERIES BIOLOGIST WAS NETTING IN THE BAY AGAIN. THIS TIME THEY LANDED 600 STRIPERS AND A FEW SHAD. THIS IS NOT UNUSUAL, STRIPERS ENTER THE BAY BEFORE SHAD EVERY SPRING.
NOW FOR SOME ACTUAL FISHING NEWS.
LONG TIME DRFA MEMBER PETE A-Z LANDED 4 BUCK AND 4 ROE IN YARDLEY ON CHARTREUSE FLUTERS THREE FEET DOWN. PETE REPORTS WATER TEMPERATURE HAS RISEN TO 46 DEGREES.
KEEP REPORTING TO 215-674-1117 DURING THE DAY OR E.MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.
THAT'S IT FOR NOW, SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.
Tight lines Conner
MARK BORIEK, PRINCIPAL FISHERIES BIOLOGIST FOR NJ, WAS TAGGING IN THE BAY. NETTED 300 STRIPERS 8-15# AND 5 SHAD.
THE RIVER IS STILL OUT OF SHAPE. STAYING OFF THE RIVER IS RECOMMENDED.
THE FISH AND BOAT COMMISSION HAS ADVISED THAT ANCHORING UNDER OR NEAR A BRIDGE MAY DRAW THE ATTENTION OF AUTHORITIES. THERE ARE NO WRITTEN LAWS OR RULES IN AFFECT HERE; BUT, THERE IS THE ANTI-TERRORISM LAW WE ARE NOW LIVING WITH. DO NOT, I REPEAT DO NOT COP A TUDE. TUDES ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE AT THIS TIME. IF THE AUTHORITIES TELL YOU TO MOVE, JUST MOVE.
STARTING APRIL 2 ROUTE 611 SOUTH WILL BE CLOSED FROM 25 STREET SOUTH IN EASTON. THIS CLOSURE COULD LAST FOR MONTHS.
WATER TEMPERATURES ARE RISING SLOWLY AND REACHED 44 DEGREES THURSDAY 3/27/03. THE TEMPERATURE WILL FALL OVER THE WEEKEND. WE NEED NIGHT TIME TEMPERATURES TO STAY IN THE MID TO UPPER 40s AT THIS TIME AND CONTINUE TO RISE INTO THE LOWER AND MID 50s IN THE NEXT 2-3 WEEKS AS THE WATER LEVELS FALL AND THE FLOW RATE SLOWS THE OPTIMUM 25,000 CFS.
LET'S HOPE WATER TEMPERATURES RISE AND STABILIZE IN THE 50s REAL SOON.
THAT'S IT FOR NOW, SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.
Tight lines Conner
JUST A QUICK NOTE.
KEVIN, A LONG TIME DRSFA MEMBER REPORTS A FEW BUCK SHAD CAUGHT IN TRENTON ON 3/24/03
LET'S HOPE THERE ARE MILLIONS AND MILLIONS BEHIND THEM, ALL HEADED UP RIVER.
THAT'S IT FOR NOW HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE RIVER SOON.
Tight lines Conner
LOOKS LIKE WE CAN'T CATCH A BREAK THIS SEASON.
THE RIVER IS TOTALLY OUT OF SHAPE. THE LEWIS ISLAND FISHERY IS UNDERWATER. TREES AND ALL THE ACCUMULATED DEBRIS OF THE LAST YEAR IS NOW MOVING DOWN RIVER.
WITH THE TERRORIST ALERT STATUS AT ORANGE, THE GATE AT THE TRENTON POWER PLANT IS LOCKED.
ALL TERRORIST SENSITIVE LOCATIONS SHOULD BE GIVEN A WIDE BERTH, I.E. POWER PLANTS, PUMPING STATIONS, INTAKES & GOVERNMENT FACILITIES OF ANY KIND. FROM LAND AND WATER.
LET'S HOPE FOR WARMER DRIER WEATHER FOR THE COMING WEEK.
THAT'S IT FOR NOW, DON'T FORGET, MY BOAT THE A LURE IS FOR SALE.
SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.
Tight lines Conner
LET'S HOPE ONLY CAESAR HAD TO BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCH.
CHECKED OUT THE TRENTON POWER PLANT THIS MORNING.
THE GATE IS OPEN, WATER TEMPERATURE IN THE COVE IS 48 DEGREES, TEMP IN THE MAIN RIVER IS 40 DEGREES.
WATER CONDITIONS LOOKED GOOD FOR THIS TIME OF YEAR.
THREE BOATS WERE FISHING THE COVE WITH 4 SHORE FISHERMEN. NO FISH WERE OBSERVED CAUGHT BUT A FEW GIZZARD SHAD, SMALLMOUTH ON MINNOWS AND 1 STRIPER ON GIZZARD SHAD CHUNK WERE REPORTED.
THERE IS STILL LOTS OF SNOW RUN OFF AND THE GROUND IS STILL FROZEN A FOOT DEEP IN OUR AREA AND BOTH ARE DEEPER TO THE NORTH.
I HAVE ORDERED A NEW BOAT, SO MY 19-FOOT SUNDANCE WITH 90HP YAMAHA WITH ALL THE EXTRAS IS NOW FOR SALE. JUST ADD WATER AND FISH. LET ME KNOW IF YOU ARE INTERESTED BY E-MAIL ME AT CONNERFISH@AOL.COM OR PHONE 267-471-6090.
THAT'S IT FOR NOW, SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.
Tight lines Conner
LET'S SHAKE THOSE WINTER BLUES UP WITH THE FIRST SHAD REPORT OF 2003.
KEVIN REPORTS, THE DELAWARE BAY NETTERS ARE CATCHING SHAD. THE OTHER DAY A COUPLE DOZEN SHAD WERE NETTED.
NOW THAT THE TERRORIST THREAT LEVEL HAS BEEN LOWERED TO YELLOW, THE LOCKS SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM THE TRENTON POWER PLANT HOT WATER DISCHARGE.
LET'S HEAR FROM ANYONE WHO HAS BEEN TO THE PLANT DISCHARGE.
CALL THOSE REPORTS IN TO 215-674-1117 DURING THE DAY AND 215-570-3811 IN THE EVENING, OR E-MAIL ME AT CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.
Tight lines, Conner
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