New Zealand Mudsnails in the South Branch of the Raritan!

I know some of you have heard already, but NJDEP alerted us to a recent discovery of New Zealand Mudsnail in the South Branch Raritan in the Califon area. This webpage has some good info about them:

 

New Zealand mudsnail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) - Species Profile

 

These snails have the capacity to be highly invasive in certain freshwater environments due to their high survival rates and high birth rates. They like silty and muddy areas of shorelines, but are generalists. I’m hoping the Raritan fish develop a taste for them, but please do be cognizant of this species. Check your boots/waders/gear for tiny snails (and any debris) and pluck them off before moving among water bodies. Let us know if you think you see any (take a pic). Email henrybayard@gmail.com

 

 

 


Winter Trout Stocking at Point Mountain

Back by popular request it’s the 2024 Jim Holland Memorial Christmas Stocking - Sponsor a Trout fundraiser!

Brown trout.

Winter trout stocking at Point Mountain by Hacklebarney Trout Unlimited and Ridge and Valley TU is fast becoming an annual tradition - but we can't do it without your help. So be generous and donate to help

For the last several years, your local Trout Unlimited chapters have helped facilitate a winter stocking of trout at the Point Mountain stretch of the Musconetcong.  This initiative was originally the brainchild of the late Jim Holland, and we would like to continue this very popular winter stocking in his memory!  

In order for this to be a success, we need the help of the angling public.  Please consider sponsoring a trout (or several trout) to be stocked this winter.  All proceeds will go toward stocking efforts.   

The more money we raise, the better the fishing you will be able to enjoy all winter long! Here is the link:

https://go.tulocalevents.org/2024winterstocking

Chapter Meeting with Allen Rupp

Allen Rupp is back! The discussion will be on crayfish and sculpins. Dave Whitlock invited Allen to spend time with him learning how to correctly tie his flies so that he could pass that knowledge on to others after he was gone. What an honor! You will learn why Dave ties these flies. We will delve into the realm of stream-bottom fish and crustaceans, focusing on the main species that these flies imitate: darters, mad toms, sculpins, stone cats and crayfish. Insights into the characteristics and habitats of these food forms will help with your understanding of when and where the NearNuff Sculpin and Crayfish fly patterns can be most effectively fished. 

Allen Rupp brings over 30 years of fly-tying expertise, beginning with his early passion for smallmouth bass fishing on the Potomac River near Washington, D.C. Now based in New York City, Allen runs Fly On the Water, crafting expertly tied flies that have caught fish around the world. His creations have been used in far-flung locations such as Belize, the Seychelles, Canada, Mexico, the UK, and across the U.S., including Florida, Colorado, and Montana. While Allen’s experience spans a wide variety of species and environments, his recent focus has turned to saltwater fly fishing, with snook becoming a particular obsession.

Come hear Allen Rupp speak on Thursday, November 14th at the Whippany American Legion Hall, 7:30pm. All are welcome and we hope to see you there.