Paulins Kill
river in New Jersey
Flows through scenic farmland and preserved valleys in Sussex County; consistent stocking and strong wild recruitment make it a favorite for dry-fly and nymph anglers.
Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches are expected mid-day
- 01Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches are expected mid-day, especially on overcast afternoons.
- 02The significant October Caddis hatch will be active, presenting opportunities for larger dry flies.
- 03Midges and various mayfly nymphs remain consistent subsurface food sources for trout.
- 04Focus on deeper runs and pockets with good current seams for holding trout.
- 05Vary retrieve speeds for streamers and nymphs to trigger strikes in cooler water.
Past reports week by week
7 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
October Caddis (Dry)
The largest caddis hatch of the year occurs in the fall, making this a prime pattern for opportunistic trout looking for a substantial meal on the surface.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive Comparadun
Fall Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches are a key event, and this low-profile dry fly is excellent for selective trout feeding on emergers and adults in the film.
Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph
This is an excellent general searching nymph, mimicking various active mayfly nymphs, including BWOs, that are prevalent in the current during the fall.
Zebra Midge
Midges are a primary and consistent food source for trout year-round, and this nymph is an essential subsurface pattern, especially as water temperatures cool in the fall.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Olive)
A versatile and reliable streamer pattern, the olive Woolly Bugger imitates leeches and baitfish, which are crucial food sources for aggressive trout in the cooler fall waters.
Pine Squirrel Leech (Olive)
Small leech patterns effectively mimic sluggish baitfish and annelids in cooling water, enticing strikes from larger, lethargic trout and other predatory species.
Blood Dot Egg
With fall progressing, opportunistic trout may key into egg patterns, especially if any early brown trout spawning activity is occurring.
Buy at AmazonHare's Ear Nymph
This classic and versatile searching nymph imitates various active aquatic insects year-round, making it a reliable choice for subsurface feeding in the Paulins Kill this fall.
Buy at AmazonPMD (Pale Morning Duns)
Pale Morning Duns are actively hatching in fall, providing a key food source for opportunistic feeders, and this dry fly is effective for matching them.
Where to fish and who to ask
Blairstown Access / Paulins Kill
Large public access area with long riffles and deep holding pools for trout.
Branchville / Upper Paulins Kill
Upper, colder sections favored for wild trout and smaller stream tactics.
Columbia / Lower Paulins Kill
Lower stretches with wider runs and dependable stocked fish in spring and fall.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Golden Stone Outfitters
Dunkelbergers Sports Outfitter
Tight Lines Fly Fishing
Lost Goods & Gear
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New Jersey season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
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Fly Line Types Guide: WF, DT, Running & Shooting Heads
Master fly line selection with our comprehensive guide to weight forward, double taper, running lines, and shooting heads for every fishing situation.
Fly Fishing Pack vs Vest: Which Setup Is Right for You?
Compare fly fishing packs and vests to find the perfect gear setup for your angling style and fishing conditions.
Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses: Lens Color & Polarization Guide
Master lens color selection and polarization technology for superior vision and fish detection on the water.
Fly Fishing Nets – Rubber vs. Nylon & Why It Matters for Fish
The net you choose dramatically impacts fish survival. Here's why rubber nets are superior to nylon for catch-and-release success.
Quick answers
Common questions about Paulins Kill.
What flies work best on Paulins Kill?
Our top scored fly patterns for Paulins Kill right now are Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph (80% confidence), Hendrickson Nymph (80% confidence), March Brown Nymph (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Paulins Kill?
Paulins Kill holds Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Paulins Kill fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Paulins Kill each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.