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Report from the Delaware River - 2002


ATTENTION SHAD ANGLERS: Reports on Shad Requested

The following is from Gary Conner, the voice of the Shad Hotline. It is provided solely for its informational value. The Division cannot vouch for its accuracy, though we have no reason to doubt it. Please call the Shad Hotline 610-954-0577 or 610-954-0578 for the latest shad updates on the Delaware River.

More information can be found at the Delaware River Shad Fishermen's Association Website and in Mark Boriek's article on The American Shad Spawning Run. Boat access information is also available.

6/7 Report
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5/28 Report
5/24 Report
5/20 Report
5/17 Report
5/13 Report
5/12 Report
5/10 Report
5/7 Report
5/5 Report
5/3 Report
5/2-2 Report
5/2-1 Report
5/1 Report
4/29 Report
4/27 Report
4/26 Report
4/24 Report
4/22 Report
4/20 Report
4/18 Report
4/16-2 Report
4/16-1 Report
4/14 Report
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4/10 Report
4/7 Report
4/5 Report
4/3 Report
4/2 Report
3/29 Report
3/27 Report
3/23 Report
3/18 Report
3/11 Report
3/04 Report

2001 Reports
2003 Reports

SHAD FISHING REPORT - 6/7/02

THE LOCAL FIRE COMPANY HAD TO RESCUE PEOPLE WITH A BOAT IN MY COMMUNITY THURSDAY NIGHT.

FRIDAY REPORTS FROM AS FAR AWAY AS THE JUNIATA ALL SAID THE SAME THING: MUD, MUD AND MORE MUD.

MY RECOMMENDATION IS STAY AWAY FROM THE RIVER TILL IT SETTLES DOWN.

I WILL PROBABLY HEAD TO THE SHORE FOR SOME SURF FISHING.

DON'T FORGET THE SHAD MEETING IS WEDNESDAY EVENING AT THE SE WY CO FIREHOUSE ON RT. 378 IN SOUTH BETHLEHEM. TIME 7:30 PM. FOR ALL YOU PEOPLE, THAT WRITE ME 20 QUESTIONS AT A TIME, COME TO THE MEETINGS!

KEEP REPORTING TO (215) 570-3811 OR E. MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM. WE FISH ALL YEAR SO WE CAN KEEP THIS UP ALL YEAR.

THAT'S IT FOR NOW.

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.

Tight lines, Conner

 

SHAD FISHING REPORT - 5/31/02

MONROE COUNTY GOT 6+ INCHES OF RAIN WEDNESDAY NIGHT. THE DELAWARE AND LEHIGH ARE RUNNING HIGH, MUDDY AND DIRTY AGAIN. THE LEHIGH IS ESPECIALLY OUT OF SHAPE.

RECOMMEND SHAD FISHING ABOVE THE LEHIGH.

GO NORTH FOR YOUR BEST CHANCE AT GOOD CONDITIONS.

JIM FISHED YARDLEY TONIGHT PICKING UP 8 STRIPERS AND 8 CATS. THE MAIN CHANNEL WAS TOO WILD, HE MOVED TO SLOWER WATER AND DID QUITE WELL.

PAPPY REPORTS THE LEHIGH IS TOTALLY OUT OF SHAPE AND THE DELAWARE HAS A HEAVY STAIN AT THE FORKS OF THE RIVERS.

MY SON, BUD, HAS COME BACK FOR MORE STRIPERS SO WE WILL BE IN THE TRENTON AREA AGAIN SATURDAY. THE TIDES ARE NOT TO MY LIKING THIS WEEKEND, SO WE MAY HAVE TO EMPLOY DIFFERENT TRICKS TO PUT STRIPERS IN THE PHOTO ALBUM.

I EXPECT QUITE A FEW OF THE GANG WILL BE JOINING US. IF YOU ARE IN THE AREA AND SEE THE "A LURE " STOP AND SAY HI.

DON'T FORGET, WHEN FISHING IN HIGH, MUDDY DEBRIS FILLED WATER USE MORE ANCHOR LINE AND KEEP CHECKING UP STREAM FOR LARGE TREES THAT COULD RIDE UP YOUR ANCHOR LINE AND SINK YOU IN A MOMENT.

KEEP REPORTING TO (215) 570-3811 (VOICE MAIL) OR E.MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.

THAT'S IT FOR NOW.

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.

Tight lines, Conner

 

SHAD FISHING REPORT - 5/28/02

THE HERRING FISHERMEN ARE GETTING A NICE SURPRISE IN TRENTON. EVERY SO OFTEN A SHAD TAKES A LITTLE GOLD HERRING HOOK. THIS CERTAINLY ADDS SPICE TO THE DAY.

LEWIS FISHERY, STEVE MADE 2 HAULS LANDING 3 & 10. SOME WERE STILL NOT READY TO SPAWN. STEVE PLANS ONE LAST HAUL FRIDAY EVENING. IF YOU HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS HISTORIC ENDEAVOR, FRIDAY WILL BE YOUR LAST CHANCE FOR ANOTHER YEAR.

EASTON, DICK AND HIS WIFE LANDED 6 ROE; WHILE PAPPY BOATED 6 ROE AND 2 BUCK.

SANDTZ EDDY, RICH CAUGHT 7 VERY LARGE SHAD.

DINGMANS FERRY, BOB LANDED 5 BUCK AND 1 ROE ON YELLOW DARTS ON AN EARLY MORNING BITE.

PORT JARVIS, 10 IN THE NET.

WITH WATER TEMPERATURES STILL WAY BELOW NORMAL FOR THIS TIME OF YEAR, THE SPAWN WILL BE SPREAD OUT OVER THE NEXT 2-3 WEEKS. THERE ARE STILL PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITIES TO PICK UP SHAD, GO FISH AND REPORT BACK.

IN OTHER NEWS, THE TRENTON HERRING BITE IS HOT. MY SON CAUGHT OVER 50 IN LESS THAN 45 MINUTES SATURDAY. THE BIG THRILL OF THE DAY WAS HAVING HIS HERRING SLAMMED BY A STRIPER AS HE WAS LIFTING IT OUT OF THE WATER AT THE BOAT. IT TOOK ANOTHER 5 MINUTES TO GET IT BACK TO THE BOAT AND BOGA LIP A NICE 6+ #. WE FISHED UP IN THE ROCKS BETWEEN THE OVERHEAD SIGNS 50 FEET FROM THE NJ WALL. WE TOOK LARRY AND TRACY, THE YOUNG COUPLE FROM MAYS MEETING UP WITH US.

SUNDAY AND MONDAY WERE JUST LIKE SATURDAY, EXCEPT DIFFERENT FISHING PARTNERS AND THE RUN FOR STRIPERS WAS DOWN RIVER INSTEAD OF UP. A NICE WAY TO SPEND THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND.

KEEP REPORTING TO (215) 570-3811 (VOICE MAIL) OR E.MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.

THAT'S IT FOR NOW.

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.

Tight lines, Conner

 

SHAD FISHING REPORT - 5/24/02

THE RUN IS DONE, THE SPAWN IS ON.

ALL THE REPORTS ARE FROM UP RIVER NOW. THE SHAD ARE GETTING WEAKER SO BRING THEM IN QUICKLY.

EASTON, JOE CARTWRIGHT REPORTS, 28 THURSDAY, 12 FRIDAY.

WORTHINGTON, 8 SHAD VERY LITTLE FIGHT LEFT IN THEM.

SMITHFIELD BEACH, 1 HIT.

DINGMANS' FERRY, VIC & RON LANDED 8 ROE ON THE AFTERNOON BITE. THERE WAS NO EVENING BITE BUT THEY STAYED ANYWAY.

WITH SHAD ENDING START FISHING FOR STRIPERS, THEY RUN WELL PAST EASTON. THE LOWER END OF THE RIVER HAS LARGER NUMBERS. MY NEIGHBOR CAUGHT 7 NICE STRIPERS OVER 30" ONE DAY LAST WEEK. (HE BROUGHT THE PICTURES OVER THE OTHER NIGHT.) FISHING IN THE TRENTON AREA.

MY SON, BUD, IS COMING TO FISH WITH ME TOMORROW AFTERNOON IN TRENTON. GIVE A SHOUT IF YOU SEE US.

LET'S KEEP THIS UP AS LONG AS WE CAN, KEEP REPORTING ANY FISH ACTIVITY AND I WILL PUT OUT REPORTS WHEN WARRANTED. YOU ALL KNOW THE ROUTINE VOICE MAIL TO (215) 570-3811 OR E.MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.

THAT'S ALL FOLKS.

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.

Tight lines, Conner

 

SHAD FISHING REPORT - 5/20/02

THE MOST EXCITING THING ABOUT THIS SEASON HAS BEEN ALL THE RECORDS THE WEATHER IS BREAKING. THE WEATHERMAN JUST REPORTED A NEW ALL TIME LOW TEMPERATURE FOR THIS DATE. EARLIER TODAY I TRAVELED THRU A BRIEF SNOWSTORM AT RT. 81 AND THE PATP.

THE LAST FISH REPORTED LANDED WERE AT PORT JARVIS, BILL CAUGHT 25 FRIDAY, THEN GOT WASHED OUT WITH THE REST OF US SATURDAY.

REPORTS FROM BRIDGE CROSSINGS TODAY WERE NOT GOOD. HIGH, MUDDY AND FULL OF TRASH, FROM ALL REPORTS.

THE UPPER RIVER SHOULD BE CLEARING BY TOMORROW, WITH THE SEASON WINDING DOWN DON'T MISS A CHANCE TO PUT SOME SHAD IN THE NET. YOU MIGHT TAKE A LOOK AS FAR SOUTH AS BELVEDERE.

NO ADDITIONAL RAIN AND WARMING TEMPERATURES, LATER IN THE WEEK, SHOULD HELP THE BITE.

WE NEED TO GET MORE REPORTS FROM THOSE OF YOU ON THE RIVER, PLEASE REPORT TO (215) 570-3811 (VOICE MAIL) OR E. MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.

THAT'S IT FOR NOW.

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.

Tight lines, Conner

 

SHAD FISHING REPORT - 5/17/02

FIRST THE GOOD NEWS, TOMORROW IS SATURDAY. THE BAD NEWS IS 1 INCH OF RAIN IS FORECAST BY MORNING, ANOTHER ½ INCH IS FORECAST BEFORE IT ENDS IN THE AFTERNOON.

FROM DINGMAN'S FERRY TO THE TURNPIKE BRIDGE THE SIGHTINGS ARE THE SAME, HIGH, MUDDY, TRASH TRAIN WATER.

THE BEST ADVICE IS, TAKE CARE OF THE "HONEY DEWS", CLEAN THE ATTIC, AND FIX THE WHATEVER SHE WANTS FIXED. NOW YOU HAVE EARNED POINTS TO BE USED LATER WHEN CONDITIONS ARE MORE FAVORABLE.

IN OTHER NEWS WEDNESDAY'S SHAD ASSOCIATION MEETING WAS A BARNBURNER. MIKE HENDRICK, BIOLOGIST FOR THE PA FISH AND BOAT COMMISSION, GAVE A POWER POINT PRESENTATION ON THE TAKING OF SHAD EGGS FROM THE DELAWARE FOR RESTORATION OF OTHER RIVERS. MANY MEMBERS ARE AGAINST THIS EFFORT, SO THE GIVE AND TAKE WAS QUITE LIVELY.

KEEP REPORTING TO (215) 570-3811 (VOICE MAIL) OR E. MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.

THAT'S IT FOR NOW.

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.

Tight lines, Conner

 

Tight lines Conner SHAD FISHING REPORT - 5/13/02

MARTINS CREEK, JOE AND GRAND DAUGHTER NETTED 5 SHAD

MILFORD, DAVE HAD A GOOD EVENING BITE LANDING 10.

PORT JARVIS, BILL AND FAMILY LANDED 15 OF 25.

THIS RAIN IS GOING TO DO A JOB ON THE RIVER TILL FRIDAY OR SATURDAY.

SHAD CAN BE TAKEN IN THESE CONDITIONS, IF YOU ARE BOATING, KEEP YOUR PFD ON FROM RAMP TO RAMP. TIE UP TO THE TREES, INSIDE OF BEND, USING A DOCK HITCH FROM YOUR PAINTER. (I WILL DEMONSTRATE THIS KNOT AT THE MEETING). USE HEAVIER EQUIPMENT (LIGHT SURF). FROM SHORE, REIGELSVILLE MILL PARKING LOT IS A GOOD PLACE.

COME OUT TO THE SHAD ASSOCIATION MEETING THIS WEDNESDAY EVENING AT 7:30 PM. WHERE: SE WY CO FIREHOUSE RT. 378 SOUTH BETHLEHEM.

KEEP REPORTING TO (215) 570-3811 (VOICE MAIL) OR E. MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.

Tight lines, Conner

 

SHAD FISHING REPORT - 5/12/02

HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY.

LET'S GET TO THE NEWS.

TRENTON, MAX & MARGE HAD A GREAT DAY WITH A STEADY HERRING BITE. ONLY 4 ROE, SO THE PEAK OF THE RUN IS A COUPLE WEEKS AWAY. GEEK AND MARK RAN ABOVE THE FALLS AND LANDED 7 STRIPERS LIVE LINING HERRING.

YARDLEY, KEVIN LANDED 1 AND OBSERVED 6 OTHERS. KEVIN ADVISED HE WILL SWITCH OVER TO STRIPERS AND SMALLIES NOW. JIM LANDED STRIPERS, HERRING AND SMALLIES.

LUMBERVILLE, MATT FLY FISHED FOR 5 STRIPERS, 1 SMALLIE & NO SHAD.

SANDTZ EDDY, PETE LANDED 2 SHAD. RON REPORTS JOE MILLER'S CREEL SURVEY TEAM REPORTED LESS THAN THIRTY SHAD AT 4 PM.

BELVEDERE, DAVE NETTED 16 AND OBSERVED SPAWNING AT DUSK. THE TEMPERATURE HAD RISEN FROM THE LOW 60s. TO THE HIGH 60s. DURING THE DAY.

DINGMANS' FERRY, MIKE & BRAD PUT 4 SHAD IN THE BOAT.

THIS HAS BEEN A SCREWY SEASON BUT IF YOU HAVE THE TIME, GIVE IT A COUPLE MORE CHANCES UP RIVER. THE AFTERNOON BITE IS YOUR BEST BET. AS THE TEMPERATURE RISES PLACE YOUR LURE CLOSER TO THE SURFACE. USE SMALLER LIGHTER COLORS LURES. LOOK FOR THE SLOWER MOVING POOLS FOR SPAWNING AT DUSK, QUITE A PRETTY SITE.

DON'T FORGET TO JOIN US AT THE SE WY CO FIREHOUSE, ON RT. 378 IN SOUTH BETHLEHEM, THIS WEDNESDAY (5/15/02) AT 7:30 PM. STOP AND SAY HI. I WILL HAVE TIDE TABLES TO DISTRIBUTE WHILE THEY LAST. I'LL BRING ALONG MY NEVER FAIL $15.00 HERRING LIVE WELL, FOR THOSE INTERESTED.

KEEP REPORTING TO (215) 570-3811 (VOICE MAIL) OR E. MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.

Tight lines, Conner

 

SHAD FISHING REPORT - 5/10/02

VERY FEW REPORTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED. EVERYONE IS TAKING A BREAK FROM SHAD FISHING THIS WEEK.

SCUDDERS FALLS, 8 ROE AND 2 BUCK. WATER CLARITY GOOD, DEBRIS MINIMAL.

LAMBERTVILLE, EMIL LANDED 2 SHAD.

LEWIS FISHERY, STEVE AND THE GANG HAD 9 SHAD IN THE NET AND THE BIGGEST STRIPER OF THE SEASON, 42-48" 25#. WATER TEMP 59 DEGREES.

EASTON, PAPPY REPORTS THE BITE IS HOLDING STEADY IN EASTON.

THE RIVER IS CLEAR AND CLEAN, SATURDAY SHOULD BE A GREAT SHAD DAY, SO GET OUT AND FISH. THE FISH ARE SPREAD OUT THROUGHOUT THE FISHERY. MOVE AROUND A LITTLE TILL YOU FIND THEM. TRY SMALLER, LIGHTER COLORED FLUTTERS AND DARTS.

DON'T FORGET OUR NEXT MEETING IS 5/15/02, THAT'S WEDNESDAY AT THE SE WY CO FIREHOUSE ON RT.378 IN SOUTH BETHLEHEM. STOP BY AND SAY HIGH, I WILL TRY TO ANSWER ANY AND ALL OF YOUR QUESTIONS.

THAT'S IT FOR NOW.

KEEP REPORTING TO (215) 570-3811 (VOICE MAIL) OR E. MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.

Tight lines, Conner

 

SHAD FISHING REPORT - 5/7/02

THE RIVER IS CLEARING UP AND THE BITE IS PICKING UP.

NOW FOR THE NEWS FROM ALL OVER.

BURLINGTON, NJ, CHRISTIAN REPORTS 1 ROE LANDED.

LAMBERTVILLE, WOODY BOATED 34 SOME VERY NICE ROE.

EASTON, PAPPY REPORTS 34 SHAD FOR HIM AND HIS FRIENDS.

] SANDTZ EDDY, PETE LANDED 3 AND GARY GOT 5 AND LOST 5

PORTLAND, JOHN LANDED 5 ROE.

DINGMANS' FERRY, RON & VIC BOATED 9 ON THE EVENING BITE.

THE ROE BITE IS AT ITS PEAK NOW, THIS WILL LAST FOR ABOUT ONE WEEK THEN START TO TAIL OFF, SO GET OUT THERE AND FISH.

A BOAT WAS LOST DUE TO IMPROPER ANCHOR RODE CONTROL. WHEN DROPPING YOUR ANCHOR ALWAYS DO SO ON A TIGHT LINE. NEVER, NEVER EVER LET THE LINE GET DOWN STREAM OF THE BOW LET ALONE THE BOAT. IF THE RODE CATCHES ON YOUR LOWER UNIT THE BOAT WILL SINK IN LESS THAN 30 SECONDS IF YOU CANNOT CUT THE LINE IMMEDIATELY. I HAVE SEEN QUITE A FEW BOATS PLASTERED TO THE BOTTOM OVER THE LAST 50+ YEARS ON THE RIVER AND IT'S ALWAYS A WIERD SIGHT.

THAT'S IT FOR NOW.

KEEP REPORTING TO (215) 570-3811 (VOICE MAIL) OR E. MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.

Tight lines, Conner

 

Shad fishing report - 5/5/02

Saturday was absolutely beautiful, so if you didn't catch a shad you still had a nice day.

The mud levels had settled down pretty well, but debris is still heavy.

Now for the new from all over.

Bulls Island, JERRY SAID THIS MADE UP FOR ALL THOSE BAD DAYS. HE LEFT THEM AT DUSK STILL BITING.

RIEGELSVILLE, JERRY HAD A GREAT DAY WITH SILVER AND CHARTREUSE.

EASTON, PAPPY PUT 18 IN THE NET.

SANDTZ EDDY, GARY LANDED 5 AND LOST 5.

DINGMANS', JOHN REPORTS GREAT DAY LOTS OF ROE.

RESULTS OF THE FORKS TOURNAMENT

TOP 10 OVERALL WINNERS 20TH ANNUAL

1- JOHN PETERSON EASTON, PA 6.91 24"

2- ROBERT L. DEHART WIND GAP, PA 6.86 23.25"

3- TIM CLYMER PHILLIPSBURG, NJ 6.84 23.50"

4- BILL GORDON MEDIA, PA 6.71 23.50"

5- ANTHONY MORELLO EASTON, PA 6.69 23"

6- GENE HILLYER PHILLIPSBURG, NJ 6.61 22.50"

7- MARSHALL P. FAUST EASTON, PA 6.59 23.75"

8- GEORGE KAHUTKA NAZARETH, PA 6.58 23.25"

9- JOSEPH SCHENEWOLF EASTON, PA 6.54 23.50"

10- ERNIE DELONG, BIRDSBORO,PA 6.51# 23"

WOMENS CHALLENGE WINNERS 20TH ANNUAL

1- SHIRLEY DEEMERS COLUMBIA, NJ 6.35 23"

2- DONNA HOEFPL SOUDERTON, PA 6.11 22"

3- LINDA STEINER HATBORO, PA 5.94 22.25"

NON-SHAD WINNER 20TH ANNUAL SCOTT MOSER PHILLIPSBURG, NJ 18.37 CARP

THAT'S IT FOR NOW

KEEP REPORTING TO (215) 570-3811 (LEAVE A VOICE MAIL) OR E. MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER

Tight lines, Conner

 

SHAD FISHING REPORT - 5/3/02

THERE ARE REPORTS THAT THE MUD IS STARTING TO LIFT FROM NORTH TO SOUTH. THE LEHIGH IS STILL PRETTY MUDDY SO NORTH OF THAT LINE IS PROBABLY YOUR BEST BET.

FORKS TOURNAMENT, JOHN PETERSON OF EASTON IS NOW IN FIRST PLACE @ 6.91#, 24". TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY SO GET OUT AND TRY FOR 7# +. AT 7 PM THERE HAD ONLY BEEN 10 WEIGH INS FOR THE DAY.

NO ONE WANTS TO GIVE THEIR SPOT AWAY, SO WE HAVE NO FIRST HAND REPORTS TONIGHT; EXCEPT, OUR OLD FRIEND PAPPY, LANDING 5 ON THE AFTERNOON BITE AT EASTON.

LEWIS FISHERY, STEVE NETTED 2 ON 2 HAULS WEDNESDAY, NO NETTING THURSDAY BECAUSE OF THUNDERSTORMS.

THIS COLD SPELL JUST SEEMS TO LINGER ON AND ON, FROST IS FORECAST FOR TONIGHT NORTH AND WEST OF PHILADELPHIA.

MY SON HAS COME UP TO FISH WITH ME. I MAY TRY EASTON OR SANDTZ EDDY THIS WEEKEND.

THAT'S IT FOR NOW.

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.

Tight lines, Conner

 

SHAD FISHING REPORT - 5/2/02 2nd message

RAINING IN THE MORNING, RAINING IN THE EVENING, RAINING AT SUPPER TIME. WHAT MORE IS THERE TO SAY, BUT RAINING ALL THE TIME.

MUD AND DEBRIS ARE STANDARD THROUGHOUT THE RIVER.

THERE WILL BE LESS DEBRIS ON THE INSIDE OF BENDS. GIVE IT A TRY IF YOU GET THE CHANCE.

FISHING CONDITIONS ARE GOING TO BE TOUGH FOR THE NEXT COUPLE DAYS. KEEP CHECKING UP STREAM WHETHER YOU'RE IN A BOAT OR WADING. FLOATING DEBRIS WILL RIDE UP AN ANCHOR LINE AND SINK A BOAT IN SECONDS, IF YOU DO NOT CUT THE ANCHOR LINE IMMEDIATELY. IF YOU'RE WADING YOU CAN BE KNOCKED OFF YOUR FEET IN A FLASH.

SORRY, THERE WERE NO GOOD REPORTS TONIGHT.

KEEP REPORTING TO (215) 570-3811 OR E.MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.

THAT'S IT FOR NOW

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.

Tight lines, Conner

 

SHAD FISHING REPORT - 5/02/02 1st message

THE RIVER FROM SANDTZ EDDY SOUTH IS HIGH, MUDDY AND DIRTY.

RIEGELSVILLE, JIM FLYN WAS REPORTED HIGH HOOK FOR THE DAY WITH 10 AND FIRST PLACE IN THE DAILY PRIZE AT 7 PM.

IF YOU WANT TO FISH CLEANER WATER WITH LESS DEBRIS HEAD NORTH. PORTLAND (TRICKY DROP OFF AT END OF RAMP) WOULD BE THE SOUTHERN END FOR A STARTING POINT FOR THURSDAY. IF THERE IS NO MORE RAIN THIS WEEK SANDTZ EDDY AND EVEN EASTON MAY BE CLEAR BY SATURDAY.

LEWIS FISHERY, STEVE REPORTS 12 SHAD IN THE NET ON 2 HAULS MONDAY. THERE ARE STILL FISH MOVING IN FROM THE BAY SO CLEARING CONDITIONS SHOULD ALLOW FOR GOOD CATCHES IN THE LOWER RIVER FOR ANOTHER WEEK OR 2. IN THE PAST FEW YEARS MANY TOURNAMENT PRIZE WINNING FISH WERE TAKEN FROM AS FAR SOUTH AS YARDLEY.

REMEMBER, THE RIVER IS NO PLACE FOR A DANFORTH ANCHOR. A RIVER ANCHOR, PROPERLY WEIGHTED, 4-6 FEET OF CHAIN AND 150 FEET OF ANCHOR LINE ARE REQUIRED FOR SAFE ANCHORING IN STRONG CURRENTS AND HIGH WATER CONDITIONS. DON'T FORGET TO WEAR YOUR PFD, ESPECIALLY, WHEN RETRIEVING THE ANCHOR.

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.

Tight lines, Conner

 

SHAD FISHING REPORT - 5/1/02

MUD, MUD EVERYWHERE, FROM MILFORD TO THE BAY NOTHING BUT MUD AND DEBRIS.

THAT'S IT

DON'T GO NEAR THE RIVER, TILL IT CLEARS.

Tight lines Conner

 

SHAD FISHING REPORT - 4/29/02

WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT FISHING THIS WILL BE THE WEEKEND EVERYONE WILL TRY NOT TO REMEMBER.

FIRST THE CATCH LESS UPDATE THEN A HELPFUL TIP.

LEWIS FISHERY, STEVE REPORTS 23 SHAD ON 2 HAULS FRIDAY, 0 SATURDAY WITH 1 28" STRIPER AND 19 SUNDAY.

LUMBERVILLE, JASON REPORTS LOCKJAW.

EASTON, MIKE & DOUG'S CREW REPORTS ZIP FISH LOTS OF DIRT.

MARTIN'S CREEK, 3 SHAD FOR 22 HOURS OF FISHING.

PORTLAND, RINGNECK, REPORTS LOCKJAW.

OK, WITH ALL THESE THUNDERSHOWERS MOVING THROUGH FROM WEST TO EAST WE KNOW THAT MUD AND DEBRIS WILL BE DOMINANT FROM SANDTZ EDDY ON DOWN. MOVE NORTH AT LEAST AS FAR AS PORTLAND. MOVE NORTH TILL YOU ARE CLEAR OF IT. FISH HAVE TROUBLE BITING LURES THEY CAN'T SEE OR FIND IN A SALAD.

DON'T FORGET TO TIE A THIN RUBBER BAND ON THE LINE 2-4' ABOVE THE LURE. DOWNRIGGERS REALLY HELP, THE CABLE CATCHES MOST OF THE DEBRIS.

DON'T FORGET, WITH HIGH MUDDY WATER KEEP YOUR PFD ON.

THAT'S IT FOR NOW

KEEP REPORTING TO (215) 570-3811 OR E.MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.

Tight lines, Conner

 

SHAD FISHING REPORT - 4/27/02

THIS WILL BE SHORT AS THE HOUR IS LATE.

TRENTON, JIM ADVISED SHAD BITE ZIP HERRING BITE SPOTTY.

YARDLEY, KEVIN FISHED 7 HOURS SAW NO SHAD CAUGHT, WATER TEMPERATURE 51 DEGREES.

LUMBERVILLE, MATT fly fished CATCHING 1 SHAD AND 1 SMALLIE.

SANDTZ EDDY, WALT REPORTS ZIP.

ROBIN, WAS SMARTEST OF ALL, SEEING FROST ON HIS CAR AND ALL HIS PLANTS WILTED HE WENT BACK TO BED.

NO REPORT FROM THE TOURNAMENT TONIGHT DUE TO THE LATE HOUR.

KEEP REPORTING TO (215) 570-3811 OR E.MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.

Tight lines, Conner

 

SHAD FISHING REPORT - 4/26/02

SHAD FISHING'S BIGGEST WEEK STARTS TOMORROW. THE NEXT 7 DAYS WILL SEE MORE LINES IN THE WATER THAN ANY OTHER TIME THIS SEASON. BEST OF LUCK TO ALL; REMEMBER A 22" MINIMUM LENGTH IS A PREQUALIFIER TO WEIGHT. THIS IS NORMAL FOR MOST TOURNAMENTS.

THE ONLY REPORT OF A LANDED SHAD COMES FROM EQUINUNK, PA (HANCOCK NY) LEN CAPUTI, LANDED HIS FIRST SHAD OF THE YEAR YESTERDAY.

THIS COLD SPELL JUST DOESN'T SEEM TO BE GIVING UP ITS GRIP ON US. TONIGHT'S LOW WILL DROP THE WATER TEMPERATURE AGAIN.

THE SHAD WILL NOT BE MOVING VERY MUCH WITHOUT INCREASING WATER TEMPERATURES; SO, IF YOU FIND FISH STAY ON THEM AND DON'T MOVE TILL YOUR SURE YOU HAVE ALL YOU CAN GET OUT OF THE HOLE YOU ARE IN.

IF THE SUN IS OUT STRONG, MOVE TO SLOWER MOVING SUN DRENCH SHALLOWER WATER.

IF THERE IS PLENTY OF ROOM TRY SLOW TROLLING IN A SLOW "S" PATTERN UP RIVER.

DRIFTING DOWN RIVER WITH NO MOTOR RUNNING. (DRAG AN ANCHOR CHAIN TO KEEP THE BOAT ORIENTED BOW INTO THE CURRENT.)

THAT'S IT FOR NOW.

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.

Tight lines, Conner

 

SHAD FISHING REPORT - 4/24/02

THE CRYSTAL BALL WORKED PRETTY GOOD FOR A CHANGE. THE GENERAL CONSENSUS FROM THE REPORTS OF THE PAST 2 DAYS IS LOCKJAW, LOCKJAW AND MORE LOCKJAW.

THE LAST REALLY GOOD REPORT IS FROM SUNDAY AT SANDTZ EDDY. 34 LANDED SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AND TWICE THAT MANY MISSED. A WORLD RECORD DAY. ALL THIS WHILE THE TEMPERATURE DROPPED FROM 69-63.

NOW THE NEWS FROM ALL OVER.

YARDLEY, KEVIN, REPORTS WATER TEMPERATURE DOWN 15 DEGREES TO 54. LOCKJAW ON SHAD, 1 STRIPER.

LEWIS FISHERY, STEVE REPORTS 2 HAULS MONDAY GOOD CATCHES, PLENTY OF CATS AND 1 15" STRIPER. THE NET TRUMPS LOCKJAW.

CORRECTION: LAMBERTVILLE SHAD FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND.

CENTER BRIDGE, MATT REPORTS, WATER TEMPERATURE DOWN 10 DEGREES, SHAD HAVE LOCKJAW.

FORKS TOURNAMENT, LAST DAY TO SIGN UP IS THURSDAY 4/25/02. GOOD LUCK TO ALL, AND REMEMBER ALL ENTREES MUST BE 22" MINIMUM LENGTH AS A PREQUALIFIER TO WEIGHT.

THAT'S IT FOR NOW.

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.

Tight lines, Conner

 

SHAD FISHING REPORT - 4/22/02

IS THERE A PATTERN HERE? SEEMS THE WEATHER DETERIORATES JUST IN TIME FOR THE WEEKEND AND THEN CLEARS AFTER WE RETURN TO WORK.

WE KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO KNOW SO LET'S ROLL

TRENTON, LITE SHAD BITE IMPROVING HERRING BITE.

YARDLEY, KEVIN, LANDED 7, 1 6# ROE.

LAMBERTVILLE, WOODY, LANDED QUITE A FEW; THE BITE WAS GENERALLY LITE.

UPDATE: TIM GENTHNER RELEASED THE BEAVER LAST WEEK AT THE LEWISFISHERY. HENCEFORTH TIM WILL BE KNOWN AFFECTIONATELY AS BEAVER BOY.

LUMBERVILLE, DEE, FLYFISHED THE AREA WITH NO LANDINGS.

EASTON, RUSTY REPORTED 16 LANDED BY MID AFTERNOON, PAPPY WAS DOING EVEN BETTER.

DINGMANS' FERRY, JOHN HAD A GREAT DAY NETTING NOTHING BUT ROE. PLENTY OF SHAD WERE MOVING THRU ALL DAY.

POND EDDY, RAD, TRIED A FLOAT TRIP TO PORT JARVIS. FLYCASTING AS HE DRIFTED WITH GOOD RESULTS.

WITH COLD WEATHER MOVING IN, THE BITE WILL PROBABLY GET LOCKJAW FOR THE NEXT COUPLE DAYS. DRESS A LITTLE WARMER, AND TAKE A BOOK OR CATALOG ALONG TO HELP PASS THE TIME TILL THE BITE PICKS UP.

KEEP THE REPORTS COMING TO (215) 570-3811 OR E.MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM

THAT'S IT FOR NOW

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.

Tight lines, Conner

 

SHAD FISHING REPORT - 4/20/02

MOST OF THE GOOD STUFF HAPPENED THURSDAY BEFORE THE THUNDERSTORMS MOVED IN AND CHASED ALL THE SANE PEOPLE OFF THE RIVER.

FRIDAY NOON, BILL FISHER OF ALASKA AND BILL BOGATT JOINED ME AT DINGMANS' JUST BEFORE THE SKIES OPENED WITH RAIN DROPS THE SIZE OF SAUCERS AND PYROTECHNICS THAT STAND THE HAIR ON YOUR BACK STRAIGHT UP. JUST THINKING ABOUT BEING HIT BY IT CAN GIVE YOU RELIGION. SO, WE SPENT MOST OF OUR TIME UNDER COVER SWAPPING STORIES AND EXCHANGING TECHNIQUES. BILL HAS INVITED ME UP FOR THE SALMON RUN IN JUNE AND I, AM, CONSIDERING ACCEPTING HIS KIND INVITATION.

NOW, THE NEWS FROM ALL OVER.

JIM REPORTS FROM ALEXANDER BEACH ROCKS IN CAPE MAY NJ, HOOKED 8 LANDED 3. NEEDS A RECIPE, PLEASE RESPOND DIRECT TO (maryjimw@bellatlantic.net). THESE FISH HAVEN'T EVEN MADE IT TO THE BAY YET!!!

TRENTON REPORTS SHAD STACKED UP BUT NO BITE. LIGHT HERRING BITE, DIRT LESSENING.

YARDLEY,JIM REPORTS 4 SHAD HERRING BITE PICKING UP.

BOB VAHN FISHED EASTON LANDING 8 ON CHARTREUSE ON THE AFTERNOON BITE. WHILE 16 WERE LANDED FROM SHORE AT SCOTT PARK.CHRIS REPORTED SPOTTY ACTION UNDER BRAINARDS BRIDGE.

SMITHFIELD BEACH, RON & VIC LANDED 1 4#. THE SCREEN WAS LOADED WITH FISH MOVING THROUGH, THEY JUST DIDN'T STAY AND BITE.

DINGMAN'S FERRY, HARRY DOERR CAUGHT 20+ THURSDAY, JOHN DOERR LANDED 3 BEFORE THE FIRE WORKS FRIDAY CHASED EVERYONE OFF THE RIVER.WALLY, A LONG TIME ASSOC. MEMBER ALSO DID GREAT THURSDAY LANDING OVER 30 UP RIVER 2 TURNS IN 5-6 FEET, ON THE PA SIDE. WALLY FISHED CHARTREUSE FLUTTERS WITH 1 #5 &1 #7 SPLIT SHOT ON DEAD STICKS.

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.

Tight lines, Conner

 

SHAD FISHING REPORT - 4/18/02

LAST NIGHT'S SHAD ASSOC. MEETING WAS WELL ATTENDED. A NEW 5-MINUTE PER TOPIC RULE WAS IN AFFECT WITH GOOD RESULTS. THE DISCUSSIONS WERE LIVELY AND CENTERED on SHAD FISHING. J. B. KASPER GAVE AN IN-DEPTH PRESENTATION ON FISHING THE DELAWARE. DON'T MISS NEXT MONTH'S MEETING MAY 15.

DON'T FORGET, THE SHAD TOURNAMENT STARTS NEXT SATURDAY 4/27, GET YOUR REGISTRATION IN BY 4/25.

TRENTON REPORTS SHAD ARE STACKING UP LIKE CORDWOOD. WATER IS STILL DIRTY THAT FAR SOUTH.

WRIGHTSVILLE RON REPORTS YARDLEY A BUST WITH LOTS OF DIRT.

HIGH HOOK GOES TO FRENCHTOWN, STILL DIRTY BUT THE BITE WAS ON BIG TIME. 25 PLUS FROM 8 AM-2 PM.

PIC REPORTS THE EASTON RAMP IS STILL UNDER WATER ONLY 2 BOATS OUT.

DAVE'S 12-YEAR-OLD SON CAUGHT A 6 POUNDER AT MILFORD.

BILL FISHER OF ALASKA WILL BE JOINING ME TOMORROW FOR THE AFTERNOON BITE AT DINGMANS FERRY.

LAMBERTVILLE'S SHAD FESTIVAL IS THIS WEEKEND. TAKE THE KIDS, HAVE A GOOD TIME.

WATER CONDITIONS AND TEMPERATURE SHOULD BE RIGHT FOR A GREAT WEEKEND OF FISHING. THE FISH ARE IN THE RIVER, MOVE AROUND TILL YOU FIND THE BITE.

THAT'S IT FOR NOW, KEEP REPORTING TO (215) 570-3811 OR E.MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.

Tight lines, Conner

 

SHAD FISHING REPORT - 4/16/02 2nd message

THIS IS YOUR LAST REMINDER FOR THE SHAD MEETING AT THE SE WY CO FIREHOUSE ON RT. 378 IN SOUTH BETHLEHEM WEDNESDAY 4/17/02 AT 7:30 PM. J.B. KASPER WILL BE THE FEATURED SPEAKER. SOME OF US OLD HANDS WILL BE AROUND TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS AND HELP WITH ADVICE AND TIPS.

THE LEWIS FISHERY WAS HOT AGAIN TONIGHT. STEVE AND THE GANG FILLED THE NET WITH WELL OVER 50 SHAD, MANY SMALMOUTH,CATS,CARP, HERRING AND ONE TIRE.

THE RIVER HAS RISEN MORE THAN 4 FEET SINCE SUNDAY. THE LEVELS ARE NOW WHERE THEY NORMALLY ARE THIS TIME OF YEAR.

DEBRIS IS A REAL PROBLEM ONLY TIME WILL SOLVE. NISH JOINED ME TONIGHT FOR A COUPLE HOURS OF LURE CLEANING. ONE MAN COULD NOT KEEP UP WITH THE TASK OF KEEPING THE LURES CLEAN.

WHAT TO DO?? REMEMBER, THE RIVER WILL CLEAR UP AND SETTLE DOWN FROM NORTH TO SOUTH. IF WEDNESDAY IS YOUR DAY TO FISH, HEAD NORTH, PORTLAND, BUSHKILL, DINGMANS' MAYBE EVEN MILFORD. FIND CLEARING AND FALLING LEVELS AND HAVE A GOOD TIME. USE YOUR HEAD AND YOUR RIVER MAPS, DON'T TAKE CHANCES IN AREAS YOU ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH. KEEP YOUR PFD ON; THE WATER IS STILL COLD.

LEAVE THE RIVER A LITTLE EARLY AND STOP BY THE MEETING. THE PARKING LOT IS BIG ENOUGH TO HOLD YOUR BOATS.

KEEP REPORTING TO (215) 570-3811 OR E.MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.

THAT'S IT FOR NOW

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER

Tight lines, Conner

 

SHAD FISHING REPORT - 4/16/02 1st message

TOPPING THE CHART TONIGHT IS NEWS FROM THE LEWIS FISHERY. STEVE AND THE GANG NETTED OVER 50 AMERICAN SHAD, A HUMUNGOUS CARP, 4 CATS OVER 10# AND A VERY MAD BEAVER.

NOW THE NEWS FROM ALL OVER.

NO NAME REPORTED FROM FLORENCE BEND, BIG SCHOOLS MOVING BY ON THE INCOMING TIDE. NO HERRING AND STRIPERS WON'T TAKE CHUNK.

KEVIN REPORTS YARDLEY NO SHAD SOME STRIPERS.

JIM MOVED UP TO THE I-95 BRIDGE, NO SHAD.

JODY AND HIS GIRLFRIEND FISHED BELOW THE LAMBERTVILLE DAM LANDING SHAD ON FLY AND SPIN.

NISH FISHED THE MORNING BITE AT LAMBERTVILLE, NO BITE. BRIAN & LARRY LANDED THREE UNDER THE BRIDGE ON THE EVENING BITE. PETE, RAN UP TO THE 202 BRIDGE LANDING 12

MATT FISHED LUMBERVILLE, AND ADVISED THE BITE BETTER WHEN OVERCAST.

BILL FISHED MONTAGUE NJ SOUTH OF THE RT. 84 BRIDGE HOOKING 4 LANDING 1.

JOHN FISHED SMITHIES' HOLE BY DINGMANS' FERRY LANDING 3 BUCK.

THE BREAK DOWN, THE AFTERNOON BITE IS MUCH MUCH BETTER THAN THE MORNING BITE. THE SCHOOLS ARE A COUPLE DAYS APART. ONCE YOU FIND A SCHOOL FOLLOW IT UP RIVER AS FAR AS YOU CAN. THE PEAK OF THE RUN IS SOUTH OF TRENTON, HOW FAR IS ANYONE'S GUESS. DON'T SIT IN ONE SPOT TOO LONG, IF YOU DON'T GET BITES CHANGE SOMETHING, MOVE SOMEWHERE, LET OUT MORE ANCHOR LINE. MOVE THE ANCHOR LINE FROM CLEAT TO CLEAT, TRY DRIFT FISHING OR SLOW TROLLING IN AN "S" PATTERN.

DON'T FORGET WEDNESDAY 7:30 PM IS THE DELAWARE RIVER SHAD FISHERMEN'S ASSOCIATION MEETING, AT THE SE WY CO FIREHOUSE ON RT. 378 IN SOUTH BETHLEHEM.

KEEP UP THOSE REPORTS TO (215) 570-3811 OR E.MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.

THAT'S IT FOR NOW.

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER

Tight lines, Conner

 

SHAD FISHING REPORT - 4/14 /02

NOT MANY REPORTS FROM SATURDAY, BUT THE ONES WE GOT WERE GOOD.

LAMBERTVILLE WAS SPOTTY, BUT PETE BROKE THE CODE. HE MOVED TO SHALLOW WATER (2-4') AND CLEANED HOUSE. PETE FLAT LINED WITH 2 SMALL SPLIT SHOT. EARLIER IN THE DAY HE USED BRIGHT GREEN HOLOGRAPHIC SALMON TAPE. LATE IN THE DAY PINK & BLACK AND ORANGE & BLACK WERE THE HOT COLORS. PETE ENDED THE DAY WITH OVER 30 IN THE BOAT. RUN AND GUN SEEMS TO BE REQUIRED TO FILL THE BOAT THIS YEAR, SO MAKE SURE YOU TAKE SOMEONE WITH A STRONG BACK TO HANDLE THE ANCHOR.

PAPPY CALLED IN (DON'T TELL MARION) AND REPORTED FROM EASTON. 19 ON FRIDAY & 21 SATURDAY. PAPPY SAID HE HAD 4 OVER 5 # ON SATURDAY.

THE FISH PASSING EASTON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY WILL BE IN THE SANTZ EDDY AREA SUNDAY AND MONDAY. SANTZ EDDY IS ABOUT 7 MILES NORTH ON 611, RIVER ROAD. THE RAMP IS NICE, BUT USE CAUTION IN THIS LOW WATER CONDITION. THE CHANNEL IS ON THE NJ SIDE. RUN UP RIVER BUT DON'T TRY THE RAPIDS BELOW THE OLD TRESTLE, UNLESS YOU KNOW THE WAY. ANCHOR IN THE CHANNEL AND ENJOY THE DAY. THIS IS ONE OF THE PRETTIEST STRETCHES OF THE RIVER. WITH LOTS OF ROOM, SO MOVE AROUND A BIT AND FIND YOUR OWN SECRET HONEY HOLE.

MIKE & BART FISHED THE WATER GAP. LANDING 3 AND MISSING MANY BECAUSE SOMEONE FORGOT THE NET. CHARTREUSE DARTS WERE THE LURES OF CHOICE THIS DAY.

KEEP REPORTING IN TO (215) 570-3811 OR E.MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER

Tight lines, Conner

 

SHAD FISHING REPORT - 4/12/02

LET THE GRASS GROW, DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE WEEDS, SHOPPING IS FOR WIMPS. THIS IS THE WEEKEND TO BE ON THE RIVER.

ALL THE LATE FRIDAY REPORTS WERE GREAT, SO LET'S GET RIGHT TO THEM.

DAN FISHED TRENTON LANDING 2 SHAD 1 40-INCH STRIPER AND A BUNCH OF HERRING.

JIM FISHED YARDLEY 57 DEGREES THE CREEL SURVEY TEAM WAS AT THE RAMP AND ADVISED 15 SHAD, 20 STRIPERS AND MANY CATS AND PERCH. JIM SAID PINK & BLACK, ORANGE & BLACK WERE THE COLORS.

JODY FLY FISHED BELOW THE LAMBERTVILLE DAM THURSDAY AND FRIDAY LANDING 1 EACH DAY.

NISH (THE MAN THAT BROUGHT US THE FLUTTER SPOON) FISHED LAMBERTVILLE FRIDAY EVENING FROM 5-7 IN THE RAIN. NETTING 9 AND PRO RELEASING 2 MORE. NISH SET UP WELL BELOW THE BRIDGE, AND ENDED UP HIGH HOOK.

FROM REIGELSVILLE JERRY REPORTS NO LANDINGS, PAUL LANDED 2 AND THE TEMP WAS 54 DEGREES.

WILL FISHED MARTINS CREEK BOATING 16 THAT IS GREAT.

DAVE NETTED 13 AT BELVEDERE.

THAT'S IT I HAVE TO HELP MY DAUGHTER MOVE INTO HER NEW HOUSE AND PUT MY NEW BOAT AWAY. MORE ABOUT THE NEW BOAT LATER.

HOPE TO MAKE THE RIVER THE EVENING BITE.

KEEP UP THE REPORTING TO (215) 570-3811 OR E.MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.

Tight lines, Conner

 

FISHING REPORT - 4/10/02

JIM AND KEVIN FISHED SEPARATELY AT YARDLEY TODAY WITH THE SAME RESULTS, NO SHAD IN THE NET.

RON AND I FISHED LAMBERTVILLE THIS EVENING. THERE WERE 6 BOATS OUT AND A TOTAL OF 13 LANDED SHAD OBSERVED, (NONE IN OUR BOAT).

STEVE DIDN'T HAVE ANY BETTER LUCK WITH THE NETS, AND THEY PULLED OUT A LONG ONE TONIGHT STRETCHING 2/3 OF THE WAY ACROSS THE RIVER. TEMPERATURE HAD JUMPED UP NICELY TO 55 DEGREES, CLARITY GOOD, LEVEL VERY LOW.

MATT FLY FISHED LUMBERVILLE LANDING NO SHAD BUT 1 CARP.

PAPPY REPORTS EASTON ACTIVITY PICKING UP, BUT THE HOT SPOT WAS ABOVE THE TRESTLE POOL AT SANTZ EDDY. OVER 40 SHAD WERE REPORTED CAUGHT AND 1 BOAT WITH 2 FISHERMEN HAD 6 EACH ON THEIR STRINGERS.

RIGHT NOW EVERYTHING LOOKS GOOD FOR SHAD FISHING. DON'T FORGET, THE SHAD RUN DOESN'T REALLY START TILL YOU GET OUT AND CATCH SOME.

KEEP THOSE REPORTS COMING TO (215) 570-3811 OR E.MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER

Tight lines, Conner

 

SHAD FISHING REPORT - 4/7/02

WHERE DID SPRING GO, BRING BACK JANUARY AND FEBRUARY, WHEN THE TEMPERATURES WERE IN THE 60S & 70S. NOW WE CAN'T GET OUT OF THE 40S. NOTHING KILLS THE BITE LIKE A COLD SNAP. THIS ONE IS THE LONGEST OF THE 01-02 WINTER.

PAPPY JOINED ME AT LAMBERTVILLE SATURDAY MORNING. 6 OTHER BOATS JOINED US FOR A MORNING OF COLD, WIND AND LITTLE ELSE. FROM 10-12:30 WE SAW 2 SHAD LANDED AND 1 BREAK OFF.

STEVE HAD NO BETTER LUCK WITH THE NETS ON THE MORNING PULL.

WATER TEMPERATURES HAVE FALLEN TO 47 DEGREES, LEVELS ARE FALLING RAPIDLY, CLARITY IS GOOD WITH A LIGHT STAIN. RUBBER BANDS ARE STILL RECOMMENDED TO INSURE THE LURE STAYS CLEAN.

KEVIN FISHED YARDLEY FRIDAY. WATER TEMP. WAS 49 DEGREES, CLEARING WATER CONDITIONS. 3 HOOKED NONE LANDED.

JIM AND ED ALSO FISHED YARDLEY, NONE LANDED AND NO OBSERVED LANDINGS. NOT ONES TO GIVE UP THEY MOTORED TO THE TRENTON LAUNCH AND HEADED FOR THE TRENTON COVE. JIM REPORTS THERE WAS AN ALTERCATION BETWEEN A SHORE ANGLER AND A BOATER. THE SHORE ANGLER FINALLY HOOKED THE BOATER IN THE ARM. THE BOATER MOVED OFF AFTER SOME CHOICE WORDS.

THE BOATER HAS TO GIVE WAY IN THESE SITUATIONS, REMEMBER, THE BOATER IS FREE TO MOVE ANYWHERE AT WILL WHILE THE SHORE ANGLER CANNOT. THE OLD "HE DOESN'T OWN THE RIVER," DOESN'T HOLD MUCH WEIGHT WHEN LEAD AND HOOKS COME FLYING YOUR WAY. BOATERS SHOULD USE SPECIAL CARE TO STAYWELL CLEAR OF THE WALL BY THE TRENTON BRIDGES WHEN THE HERRING BITE IS ON. THOSE SHORE ANGLERS ARE THROWING 5-8 OZ. AND 6-8 HOOK RIGS.

AFTER CHECKING THE WEATHER FORECAST, I THINK THE EVENING BITE WEDNESDAY WILL BE MY NEXT TRIP. I PLAN TO LAUNCH AT LAMBERTVILLE FISH, WATCH STEVE PULL THE NETS, THEN FISH TILL SUN DOWN. SHAD ARE NOT GREAT NIGHT BITERS AND NIGHT BOAT RECOVERIES LEND THEMSELVES TO LOST AND BROKEN EQUIPMENT.

KEEP REPORTING TO (215) 570 -3811 OR E.MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.

Tight lines, Conner

 

SHAD FISHING REPORT - 4/5/02

THE ONLY NEW REPORT IS FROM SEAN, FISHING EASTON IN THE LEHIGH STREAM LANDED 3 SHAD THE OTHER EVENING. WATER TEMP HAD FALLEN TO 49 IN THE LEHIGH AND 47 DEGREES IN THE DELAWARE.

I PLAN TO FISH LAMBERTVILLE TOMORROW, SATURDAY. PAPPY WILL BE JOINING ME AT THE CRACK OF 9:30 AM. I RARELY FISH FOR SHAD BEFORE 8:00 AM. THAT IS PLENTY OF TIME TO GET READY FOR THE 9:00 AM BITE. THE SHAD WILL BE SLEEPING LATE TOMORROW BECAUSE OF ALL THE STRESS OF THE FALLING WATER TEMPERATURE.

IN CASE YOU DIDN'T KNOW, THE WATER TEMPERATURE RISES AND FALLS FOLLOWING THE NIGHTTIME TEMPERATURE. AS THE NIGHTTIME LOWS RISE THE WATER TEMPERATURE RISES. IF A COLD SNAP COMES THROUGH, NIGHT TEMPERATURES DROP SO LOW THAT THE HEAT IS PULLED OUT OF THE RIVER. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE SHAD STOP MOVING NORTH AND SOMETIMES RUN DOWN RIVER. THEY ALSO GET LOCKJAW.

DON'T FORGET, J.B. KASPER (DELAWARE RIVER GUIDE) WILL BE THE FEATURED SPEAKER AT THE 4/17 MEETING. BRING A FRIEND.

NOW EVERYONE GO FISH AND REPORT BACK TO (215) 570-3811 OR E.MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER

Tight lines, Conner

 

SHAD FISHING REPORT - 4/3/02

ATTENTION, ATTENTION SPRING HAS SPRUNG, THE FORTHITHIA IS IN BLOOM, THE BIRDS ARE SINGING AND THE WEATHER IS CHANGING EVERY 15 MINUTES. THIS MUST BE SHAD SEASON.

SHAD SEASON IT IS AND FINALLY SHAD SEASON IS HERE.

STEVE, FRED LEWIS' GRANDSON REPORTS 19 SHAD IN THE NET TUESDAY. THAT IS GREAT FOR EARLY APRIL.

KEVIN FISHED YARDLEY BEFORE THE BIG TEMPERATURE DROP AND LANDED 6 ON FLUTTERS.

SCOTT REPORTS 5 BOATS OUT AT LAMBERTVILLE, WATER TEMPERATURE 52 DEGREES (THAT IS JUST ABOUT RIGHT FOR THIS TIME OF YEAR) EVERYONE WAS PICKING UP A SHAD OR 2.

LOOKS LIKE THIS IS THE REAL BEGINNING OF THE RUN. THE BEST WAY TO MAKE SURE IS TO GET OUT THERE AND FISH. DON'T FORGET TO REPORT BACK TO THE HOT LINE AT (215) 570-3811 OR E MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER

Tight lines, Conner

 

SHAD FISHING REPORT - 4/2/02

SATURDAY WAS BRIGHT & SUNNY BUT NOT FISHABLE FOR MOST OF US.

THE OLD MAHOGANY RUN ABOUT HAD TO GO, A VIKING FUNERAL WAS REQUIRED. ALL THE MEN IN THE CLAN (EXCEPT DAULTON, 3 MONTHS) PARTICIPATED. IT WAS A GREAT WAY TO KILL A COUPLE HOURS AT THE RIVER ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON.

ANGIE AND BOB (OF A&B TACKLE FAME) TRIED FISHING LAMBERTVILLE. THERE WAS SO MUCH DIRT; THEY GAVE UP AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR. WATER TEMP 45 DEGREES. THEY ALSO SURPRISED ME WITH THE GIFT OF ONE OF THEIR FAMOUS RIVER ANCHORS, THANKS GUYS.

TRENTON REPORTS MOSTLY GIZZARD SHAD WERE BEING LANDED WITH AN OCCASIONAL AMERICAN SHAD. HAVEN'T HAD A REALLY GREAT REPORT FROM THE COVE YET! A COUPLE STRIPERS WERE ALSO CAUGHT AT TRENTON ON SATURDAY.

PORTLAND POWER PLANT REPORTED 1 BUCK SATURDAY; NO HOT WATER WAS BEING DISCHARGED.

KELLY WHITE REPORTED 1 SHAD LANDED AT COLUMBIA NJ.

PIC REPORTS THE AMEY FAMILY WAS HIGH HOOK FOR SATURDAY LANDING 15 AT HUMMERS' BEACH ON THE OLD GOLD DART.

THE RIVER HAD RECEDED TO 2 FOOT ABOVE NORMAL AT THE LAMBERTVILLE BRIDGE, THE STAIN IS CLEARING BUT DEBRIS IS STILL MAKING FISHING VERY TOUGH.

THERE WERE NO REPORTS OF SHAD CAUGHT EASTER SUNDAY.

WE HAVE DAY LIGHT SAVING TIME TO LOOK FORWARD TO THIS WEEKEND. THAT ALWAYS PERKS UP THE FISHERMEN TRYING THE AFTERNOON BITE.

KEEP UP THE REPORTS TO (215) 570-3811 OR E.MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER

Tight lines, Conner

 

SHAD FISHING REPORT - 3/29/02

FIRST THE GOOD NEWS, STEVE REPORTS FROM THE LEWIS FISHERY, ONE ROE SHAD WAS IN THE NET TODAY, THE SEASON HAS NOW OFFICIALLY STARTED.

LISTEN UP, THE RIVER IS FLUSHING.

THE RIVER IS UP AND DANGEROUS. THE LEVEL IS 3 FEET ABOVE NORMAL. WHOLE TREES AND VERY LARGE BRANCHES ARE JUST A PART OF THE DEBRIS FIELD. THE WATER TEMPERATURE AT TRENTON WAS 44 DEGREES.

LAMBERTVILLE WAS UNFISHABLE, KEVIN REPORTS YARDLEY WAS UNFISHABLE ALSO.

PAPPY AND DICK REPORT EASTON AND SANTZ EDDY WERE STAINED BUT THE DEBRIS WASN'T TOO BAD.

REMEMBER, A LARGE OBJECT RUNNING UP THE ANCHOR LINE WILL SINK A BOAT IN SECONDS. KEEP A SHARP EYE UP RIVER FOR DEBRIS FLOATING YOUR WAY.

I PLAN TO TAKE THE REST OF THE WEEKEND OFF AND LET THE RIVER SETTLE DOWN.

KEEP THOSE REPORTS COMING TO (215)570-3811 OR CONNERFISH@AOL.COM

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.

Tight lines, Conner

 

SHAD FISHING REPORT - 3/27/02

GREAT NEWS, FRED LEWIS' GRANDSON STEVE, REPORTS THE BOAT HAS BEEN LAUNCHED AND THE LEWIS FISHERY IS READY WHEN THE WEATHER SETTLES DOWN.

RICH CON REPORTS THE TRENTON POWER PLANT COVE WAS BUSY SUNDAY. GIZZARD SHAD WERE BEING HOOKED REGULARLY BUT NO AMERICAN SHAD WERE CAUGHT.

TONY HAS BEEN FISHING FROM HIS BOAT OFF THE TRENTON COVE ALL MONTH CATCHING 47 AMERICAN SHAD, 13 GIZZARD SHAD AND 91 HERRING.

DIAGO SEVEL WADED LUMBERVILLE, WATER TEMP ROSE FROM 42-44 DEGREES BUT NO SHAD WERE OBSERVED.

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST OUR OLD FRIEND PAPPY REPORTS FROM EASTON THE WATER TEMP WAS 45 DEGREES IN BOTH THE DELAWARE AND THE LEHIGH.

KEEP THOSE REPORTS COMING IN TO (215) 570-3811 OR E-MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER

Tight lines, Conner

 

SHAD FISHING REPORT - 3/23/02

THIS YEAR'S GRAND PRIZEWINNER, OF BOAT MOTOR AND TRAILER, AT THE BIG SPRING MEETING WAS STOTCH.

MARK BORIEK, PRINCIPAL NJ FISH BIOLOGIST, REPORTS FROM THE BAY. 3/15 COMMERCIAL NETTERS ARE COMPLAINING TOO MANY STRIPERS AND ONLY 20 SHAD IN THE NETS. 1 SHAD IN NJ FISH & WILDLIFE GILL NETS.

3/19 225 STRIPERS AND 14 SHAD (ONE WEIGHED 8 #) IN NJ FISH & WILDLIFE'S GILL NETS.

SATURDAY WAS BRIGHT, CLEAR, WINDY AND COLD. THERE WERE NO FISHERMEN AT THE TRENTON POWER PLANT AT 10:30 AM. YARDLEY'S RAMP WAS EMPTY ALSO. LAMBERTVILLE HAD NO FISHERMEN OUT; WATER TEMPERATURE IS 46 DEGREES. WATER HAD A LIGHT STAIN AND LEVELS ARE LOWER THAN I CAN REMEMBER AT THIS TIME OF YEAR.

THIS WEEK'S RAIN HELPED THE LOCAL GROUND WATER TABLES, FOR A SUSTAINED INCREASE IN THE RIVER'S FLOW THE RESERVOIRS AT THE HEAD WATERS REQUIRE A GIGANTIC AMOUNT OF RAIN (THERE WILL BE VERY LITTLE SNOW MELT).

DON'T FORGET TO REPORT FROM THE RIVER. YOUR OBSERVATIONS ARE IMPORTANT TO A COMPREHENSIVE HOTLINE REPORT. LEAVE YOUR MESSAGE AT (215) 570-3811 OR E-MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER

Tight lines, Conner

 

SHAD FISHING REPORT - 3/18/02

KEVIN INGRAM AND SHAWN KELLY REPORTED FROM THE POWER PLANT IN TRENTON A TOTAL OF 2 SHAD LANDED. THAT'S A LITTLE SKIMPY FOR THIS TIME OF THE YEAR.

RIVER TEMPERATURES WERE IN THE MID-40s WITH THE COVE A BALMY 59 DEGREES. THE RIVER TEMP WILL FALL OVER THE NEXT 3-5 DAYS DUE TO LOWER NIGHTTIME TEMPS. AND RAIN.

THE LACK OF RIVER FLOW MIGHT BE HOLDING UP THE RUN BECAUSE THE RIVER'S SIGNATURE IS NOT PENETRATING LOW ENOUGH INTO THE BAY. I HAVE SEEN THIS BEFORE WITH THE SALMON RUN. AS SOON AS A BIG RAIN COMES THE RIVER FILLED UP WITH SALMON. LET'S HOPE THIS WEEKS RAIN HAS THE SAME AFFECT ON SHAD.

THIS COMING WEEKEND IS USUALLY PRETTY GOOD IN THE YARDLEY AREA, BUT I COULDN'T PREDICT GOOD RESULTS AT THIS TIME.

I THINK THE BEST THING TO DO THIS WEEKEND IS FISH THE POWER PLANT COVE OR THE ART MUSEUM DAM. I PLAN TO TAKE THE A LURE OUT AND DECARB THE ENGINE, THEN RUN TO THE COVE JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT.

DON'T FORGET THE BIG SPRING MEETING THIS WEDNESDAY 3/20 @ 7:00PM AT THE SE WY CO FIREHOUSE ON RT. 378 IN LOWER BETHLEHEM. BRING THE KIDS (EVERY KID WINS A DOOR PRIZE)

KEEP ON FISHING AND KEEP ON SENDING THOSE REPORTS TO 215) 570-3811 OR E MAIL CONNERFISH@AOL.COM

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER

Tight lines, Conner

 

SHAD REPORT - 3/11/02

THE POWER PLANT WAS OPEN AND PLENTY OF FISHERMEN SHOWED UP SATURDAY, TOO BAD THE SHAD DIDN'T JOIN THE PARTY.

WATER TEMPERATURE IN THE COVE SWUNG BETWEEN 54 AND 57 DEGREES.

THE RIVER IS LOWER THAN I REMEMBER IN 30 YEARS OR MORE FOR THIS TIME OF THE YEAR.

THE LOWER PIERS ARE 2-3 FEET OUT OF THE WATER ON THE LAMBERTVILLE BRIDGE. THAT SHOULDN'T HAPPEN TILL LATE MAY.

THE KAYAKERS ARE PLAYING IN THE LAMBERTVILLE WING DAM.

NO PHONE OR EMAIL REPORTS OF SHAD CATCHES RECEIVED TO DATE.

DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR REPORTS AT (215) 570-3811 OR EMAIL ME AT CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.

SEE YOU ON THE RIVER.

Tight lines Conner

 

FISHING REPORT - 3/4/02

THE DELAWARE RIVER SHAD FISHERMEN'S ASSOCIATION SPONSORS THIS REPORT.

CHECKED THE TRENTON POWER PLANT SUNDAY AND FOUND THE GATE HAS BEEN UNLOCKED.

THE COVE WAS FUSIBLE FROM BOAT AND SHORE.

IN FIFTEEN MINUTES 3 SMALLMOUTH WERE LANDED USING LIVE BAIT.

2 GIZZARD SHAD WERE REPORTED CAUGHT SATURDAY.

WATER TEMP IN THE COVE WAS 47 DEGREES.

SHADPAPPY REPORTED WATER TEMP AT SANTZ EDDY WAS 42 DEGREES.

TO INSURE AN ACCURATE REPORT YOUR ASSISTANCE IS REQUESTED. PLEASE LEAVE YOUR REPORTS AT (215) 570-3811 OR E- MAIL ME AT CONNERFISH@AOL.COM.

IF THE AIR TEMPERATURE STAYS WARM RAISING THE WATER TEMP I WILL HAVE TO START RESPOOLING MY LINES EARLY THIS YEAR.

MY EARLIEST RECORDED CATCH WAS 3/6/85. 4 SHAD WERE LANDED AT LAMBERTVILLE IN A SNOWSTORM WITH MY BEST FRIEND RON AND MY SON. WHO KNOWS, THERE MIGHT BE SHAD MOVING PAST LAMBERTVILLE NOW. LET ME KNOW!

THAT'S IT FOR NOW.

Tight lines, Conner


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