I got out to fish the Pequest River Trout Conservation Area this week.  This area of trout water is open for catch and release fishing before the official opening day, tomorrow April 6.  Several other anglers had the same idea as me, and it was quite crowded in the popular easy access pools.  I decided to try some water with nobody around it, this decision paid off.  I managed to landed this huge breeder brookie.  It was over 20 inches and had massive girth on it.  He followed my size 6 olive monster bugger through the entire run and nailed it at the last minute.

New Jersey’s trout stream will have plenty of other similar breeder fish as well small 8-9″ guys in it’s trout waters for opening day. Following an article I read in Field & Stream, I will try and focus on these big fish.  The key is to know you are going to sacrifice some numbers in order to land your trophy.  Commit to the plan and it could pay off.  Get away from the crowd and don’t be afraid to explore some areas where there is less angling pressure.  Big Fish = Big Fly is in effect.  This is no time to try and throw any delicate dry flies.  I will be using larger streamers.  If you are worried about numbers, you can drop a small attractor nymph off the tail of the streamer to catch some of the smaller guys.  Most off all have fun and get outside with some friends!!!