A Fall Review

This year, the fall fishing was more like fishing in the spring.  Our water levels shot up after hurricane Irene.  Some say it was a 100-year event, but I think it was closer to a 500-year event.  The high water levels weren’t bad; it just wasn't what you'd expect.  The trout that remain have good water levels, and judging by the river gauges the ground water is recharged.

The other difference was the foliage. It hung around longer because of the drought-like conditions in the late summer and excessive rain in the fall.  That's not a bad thing.  I use the dropped foliage as a clock to know what bugs to use and where to find the trout.  It's just a guide. I also use it consciously and unconsciously to locate per-spawn Brown Trout and Rainbows that are looking for egg. 

The two biggest impacts on the fall fishing was hurricane Irene and the early wet and heavy snow.  Irene moved a lot of boarders, which altered pools and habitats. Now my old home waters are anew.  The early snow and downed foliage caused lots of property damage.  Cleaning up cut into my fishing time more than anything else. Besides these minor obstacles, I got my share of trout and spent some fine days on the water.


Here's the usual trout porn from this fall's outings.

Results of the 2nd Annual NJ FLY FISHERMAN of the YEAR

As The Jersey Angler said in his recent post "He Could Have Been a Contender...", well I was a contender.  All kidding aside, I recommend reading his post.

The New Jersey Fly Fisherman of the Year competition is the brain child of Bill Asdal owner of the the Raritan Inn Bed & Breakfast, Shannon's Fly & Tackle Shop and New Jersey Trout Unlimited (NJTU). 

The 2011 Contestants:

• Hacklebarney Chapter -  Jeff Kurt;
• East Jersey Chapter - Paul Reithmeir;
• Fred Boroughs Chapter - Warren Weglinski;
• Ridge and Valley - Fredy DeLeon;
• Ken Lockwood - Bill Silvia ;
• Central Jersey - Lou DiGena (a.k.a. Fly and Fin);
• Ray Neirle Chapter - Bob Powel;
• Jersey Shore - Bob Simpson;
• Rahway River - Mike Appello;
• Ernest Schwiebert Chapter - Angelo Conti;
• Headwaters Raritan  - Bill Kibler;
• Musconetcong Watershed - Stewart Shafran.

It was a cold morning, 28º F at the start of the event, a low 50º F by the final round.  Each participant drew a number which gave them times and beats to fish. Each fisher had two beats to fish in the morning.  The 3 top scorers would advance to the finals.

The first beat for was was slow - only one 14.75" Rainbow. This gave me 20 points for the first session.  The second morning session was much better.  I hooked 4 fish and landed 2. This  gave me an additional 38 points to put me in second place.

Official Score Board

Warren Weglinski was in first.  I was second, and Angelo Conti was in third.

In the final session, the points from the morning didn't rollover like last year's and the fishing was slow.  We all rotated through the same three 20-minute beats. Warren was the only one to hook and land a Rainbow in the first rotation, worth 14 points. We all went fish-less in the second session.  In the last session with around 5 minutes left, I hook and landed a 13" Brookie worth 18.2 points.  Around the same time my fish was landed, Angelo hooked and landed a 19" Rainbow worth 19 points.  With that, he won the 2nd Annual NJ Fly Fisherman of the year for 2011.

Here's a shameless video shot of "me only" during the event.  

It was truly a fun event.  I'd like to thank all the judges, Bill, Shannon's and NJTU for all their hard work.

Thank you,

Fly and Fin

2nd Annual NJ Fly Fisherman of the Year and New Jersey Trout Unlimited 40th Anniversary

The 2nd Annual NJ Fly Fisherman of the Year one fly contest is this Saturday November 12, 2011.  Like last year's event it will take place at the Raritan Inn Bed & Breakfast, in Califon, NJ.  The contest is held on the Inn’s mile of private waters on the South Branch of the Raritan River.  This year 10 New Jersey chapter of Trout Unlimited and local Watershed Associations, select one angler each to participate.

New Jersey Trout Unlimited (NJTU) along with Shannon's Fly & Tackle  Shop and the Raritan Inn in Califon will be hosting the 2nd Annual New Jersey Fly Fisherman of the Year Competition. 

Last year The Jersey Angler represented the Central Jersey Chapter of TU.  This year I have the honors of and will represent CJTU.

Wish me luck and tight lines.

Here is a clip I put together of The Jersey Angler from last years event.



A banquet will follow follow the competition in celebration of NJTU's 40th Anniversary.

Come out for an evening of fun, auctions and tales of lore as we celebrate the winner of the one fly contest review 2011 fly fishing year or the "rain / water year" as we have come to know.

Tickets are $60 (and strictly limited to 60 people) and available at Shannon's Fly & Tackle - 908 832-5736. www.shannonsflytackle.com

Details available at www.njflyfisherman.com and www.njtu.org