Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Pequest River - Pequest - New Jersey

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

Hatch Chart

Month Hatch Time of Day Recommended Fly Sizes Popular Fly Patterns
January Midges Mid Morning 20-22 Griffith's Gnat
Blue Wing Olives Afternoon 18-20 Pheasant Tail Nymph
February Midges Mid Morning 20-22 Zebra Midge
Blue Wing Olives Afternoon 18-20 Blue Dun
Stoneflies Afternoon 14-16 Nymph
March Blue Wing Olives Afternoon 16-18 Emerger
Midge Dusk 22-24 Cluster Midge
Stoneflies Mid Day 12-14 Prince Nymph
April Hendricksons Late Afternoon 12-14 Red Quill
Blue Quills Afternoon 16-18 Blue Quill
Midges Morning 20-22 Griffith's Gnat
Caddis Evening 14-16 Elk Hair Caddis
May Sulphurs Evening 14-16 Sulphur Dun
Light Cahills Evening 12-14 Light Cahill
Caddis Afternoon 14-16 X-Caddis
June Caddis Afternoon 14-16 Stimulator
Green Drakes Evening 10-12 Green Drake
July Terrestrials All Day 12-14 Ant, Beetle, Hopper Patterns
Tricos Morning 18-20 Trico Spinner
August Terrestrials All Day 12-14 Chernobyl Ant
Tricos Morning 18-20 Trico Dun
Midges Morning 20-22 Brassie
September Terrestrials All Day 10-12 Foam Beetle
Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 18-20 Rusty Spinner
October Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 18-20 Blue Winged Olive
Caddis Afternoon 14-16 Peacock Caddis
November Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 18-20 Blue Dun
Midges Mid Morning 20-22 Disco Midge
December Midges Mid Morning 20-22 Gnat
Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 18-20 Blue Winged Olive

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best Fishing Spots

The Pequest River, located in scenic New Jersey, is a haven for fly fishing enthusiasts and boasts several hotspots for you to enjoy this sport:

  • Pequest Trout Hatchery: The area around this hatchery is celebrated for its abundance of rainbow, brown, and brook trout. Perfect for fly fishing aficionados.
  • Belvidere: This charming town sits along the Pequest River, offering access to a multitude of fishing spots teeming with trout.
  • Liberty Township: Here, calm waters meet abundant fishery creating a perfect scenario for fly fishing.

However, it’s necessary to check local fishing regulations before you cast your line, and always ensure to respect local wildlife and private property during your adventure. Remember to pick up trash and leave these beautiful areas as pristine as you found them for the next fly fishing enthusiast.

Best Access Points

The Pequest River is a well-regarded fly fishing destination. Here are the best access points for keen anglers:

  • Park Site 1: This turnoff along Pequest Road provides direct access to the river. It’s both easily accessible and typically not crowded.
  • Park Site 2: Located off Route 46, this park site has lots of room for anglers. It’s an excellent spot for rainbow trout.
  • Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center: This spot at 605 Pequest Rd, Oxford, NJ, not only provides fishing access, but anglers can also learn about the fish they’re catching.
  • Pequest Wildlife Management Area: This sprawling wildlife area covers several miles of the river, providing varied and remote fishing opportunities.
  • State Route 31 Bridge: This access point requires some walking, but it’s one of the best spots to catch brown trout on the river.

Local Fish

  • Brown Trout: One of the most common fish targeted on the Pequest River by fly fishers. Known for their difficulty to catch and distinct markings.
  • Rainbow Trout: Prized for their beautiful, multi-color scales and their fight when hooked, making fly fishing for them a challenge.
  • Brook Trout: A bit easier to catch, Brook Trout are a popular quarry for beginner fly fishers on the Pequest River.
  • Northern Pike: A larger, more challenging fish to catch on the fly. Known for their toothy grip and aggressive behavior.
  • American Shad: An anadromous species that migrates through the Pequest River during the rise of spring temperatures.
  • Smallmouth Bass: These fish provide fly fishers a solid fight for their size. Best known for their bronze back and red eyes.
  • Walleye: A rare catch on the fly, but possible in the river. Known for its glassy, reflective eyes.
  • Muskellunge (Muskie): The largest pike species in the river, fly fishing for Muskie is like hunting, requiring patience and precision.

About The River

For all the folks who appreciate the beauty of nature’s uninterrupted flow, the Pequest River unquestionably holds a special spot. A tributary of the Delaware River, Pequest meanders gracefully through the rural landscapes of beautiful New Jersey, USA.

This picturesque river, spanning nearly 35 miles, originates from a modest town named Andover, further enhancing its serenity before uniting with the mighty Delaware.

  • 1700s: The river was named ‘Pahaquarra’ (meaning the point between two mountains) by native Lenape people.
  • 1800s: The name was later anglicized to ‘Pequest,’ and it became a hub for mills due to its strong water flow.
  • 1980s: The Pequest Trout Hatchery, New Jersey’s leading trout-rearing facility, was established along the river.

Today, the Pequest River is cherished for boating and fishing, but more for its vivid contribution to the region’s rich history and mesmerizing nature.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Recent Articles

Hip Waders vs. Chest Waders: The Pros & Cons
Gear ReviewsFly Fishing

Hip Waders vs. Chest Waders: The Pros & Cons

April 20, 2024

Hip Waders or Chest Waders? Choosing the right gear for fly fishing can make all the difference in…

Read More
Tying a Pheasant Tail Nymph: Step-by-Step Fly Tying Instructions
Fly TyingFly Fishing

Tying a Pheasant Tail Nymph: Step-by-Step Fly Tying Instructions

April 18, 2024

Welcome to fly tying: How to tie a Pheasant Tail Nymph! If you’re new here or a seasoned…

Read More

Fly Tying Articles

Tying a Pheasant Tail Nymph: Step-by-Step Fly Tying Instructions

April 18, 2024