Northeast
Wanaque River
Live Conditions
Wanaque River — At Wanaque, NJ (gauge unverified)
7-Day Flow
↓ Falling
24-Hr Pressure
29.73 inHg · → High/stable
Voluntary Catch-and-Release Advisory
Water temperature is at or above 65°F. At these temperatures trout are physiologically stressed and have a higher post-release mortality rate. Consider waiting for cooler conditions — early morning or evening — or choosing a tailwater with regulated temperatures.
Local Weather
Normal conditions
Today
☁️Overcast
80° / 69°
Tomorrow
☁️Overcast
77° / 61°
Sat
🌦️Drizzle
67° / 52°
0.02"
Sun
🌧️Rain
63° / 58°
1.11"
Cold front incoming — go deep with nymphs, surface activity likely slow.
Weather by Open-Meteo · No API key · Updated every 30 min
What should I fish today?
⚡ AIAI-powered recommendation using today's live flow, temperature, and hatch data.
2
Time of Day
Using: 94.9 CFS · 74.3°F · BWOs
What should I pack?
Rod, flies, tippet, and safety gear specific to today's Wanaque River conditions.
🪰 Hatch Calendar
Wanaque River · September · Early Fall
⚪ No tracked hatches in active range at 74.3°F — browse the calendar below for seasonal activity
Select month
BWOs (size 18-20) returning. Brown trout pre-spawn streamers.
🟢 Active · 🟡 Approaching · ⚪ Seasonal only
River Map
About Wanaque River
The Wanaque River below Wanaque Reservoir is a legitimate tailwater fishery in Passaic County that holds brown trout year-round thanks to cold, consistent releases from the deep reservoir. It's a smaller, technical stream that rewards careful wading and precise presentations.
Regulations
Tailwater fishery — flows are reservoir-controlled and can change rapidly. Standard NJ trout regulations apply; confirm current season dates and any access restrictions along North Jersey District Water Supply Commission land bordering the river. CFS alone does not indicate fishability — check dam release schedules. NOTE: USGS gauge 01388000 is unverified — flow data may be stale or unavailable; check with local outfitters as backup.
Learn More
Guides to help you fish Wanaque River with more confidence.
New Jersey Fishing Regulations for Fly Anglers
NJ freshwater fishing license, the separate Trout Stamp required statewide, the second Saturday in April opener, the Ken Lockwood Gorge fly-only…
Trout Species of New Jersey
NJ's wild brown trout fishery — the Ken Lockwood Gorge on the South Branch Raritan, the limestone-influenced Musconetcong, the Black/Lamington gorge…
How Barometric Pressure Affects Fishing (And How to Use It)
That gorgeous bluebird day after a cold front? Worst fishing of the year. Here's the data behind why pressure changes matter more than the weather…