THE NORTH BRANCH OF THE RARITAN RIVER, NJ

The North Branch Raritan River rises in central Morris County, New Jersey south of Dover and flows generally southward into Somerset County, around the southern end of the Watchung Mountains. At its end, it forms the border between Bridgewater and Branchburg Townships, and upon reaching the border of Hillsborough Township, joins the South Branch Raritan River to form the main Raritan River in the oft-flooded Bound Brook area, which generally flows eastward from that point. This area where the branches converge was often called "Two Bridges" by the early European settlers, after a set of bridges built in 1733 that met at a small island (the island has washed away over time) on the North Branch. Today the area is generally referred to as "The Confluence". In the 1970s, the state discussed plans for a Raritan Confluence Reservoir, which has been shelved due to acquisition costs.

Several spots jumped out for fall trout stocking and holdover heaven. The Milltown Road intersection at Route 22 sees heavy traffic but constantly produces. Just beware of aggressive otters there as one tried to eat my trout off a stringer years ago. Cars park on either side of the road here and walk the pocket water. It does not feature the fast water fly fishing runs of the epochal South Branch but it does have good flow and deep undercuts where big browns and rainbows reside, inhaling artificial lures or bait.

Here is where I take you to the Promised Land. At Miller Lane Park in the town of Bedminster, you can park and have access to the river as it meanders with the AT&T building and property across the street. This is a great stretch of classic pocket water where fly flingers will let out a big sigh. Try drifting small nmyphs without an indicator or you may get luck and step right into a trick hatch that has the fish sipping size 22 duns. That’s right: a size 22. That is about the size of the “2” on that last sentence.

There are so many access points along this great stretch of river. When the trout don’t bite, try switching gears and targeting the smallmouth population with soft plastics, live minnows and hellgrammites if you can get them. Fly fishermen can score by using a heavier leader and some streamer patterns that mimic abundant crayfish and black-nosed dace. This is a great way to beat the heat during Indian summer days.

The North Branch of the Raritan River is stocked from Peapack Brook to the point where it meets the South Branch. It is also stocked downstream from there to the dam at Edgewater Road. Approximately 20,000 trout are stocked annually. Check it out for a fall trout change of venue.