About Sow and Pigs, NJ

Sow and Pigs is a 2-mile long freshwater river located 8.8 miles away from Port Morris in Cumberland County, New Jersey. It is near Delaware Bay and Fortescue, which were both heavily hit by Hurricane Sandy back in 2012. 

Shellfish, which is one of the most crucial components of the global aquatic food supply, was affected by the hurricane. A big portion of the shellfish growing area is located across the southwestern part of New Jersey, which is the Delaware Bay from Maurice Cove to Artificial Island. When Hurricane Sandy hit, sand and other debris covered the bottom of the waters that shellfish inhabits, thus, greatly affecting their numbers.

To protect the population of shellfish, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Water Monitoring and Standards classified the different water bodies located in the area into different restrictions of shellfish harvesting. The Sow and Pigs Creek is placed under the Seasonal restriction, wherein harvesting of shellfish is only allowed during the months of November through April.

All About Fishing in Sow and Pigs, NJ

The fresh water in Sow and Pigs and its tributaries comes from the various marshlands and swamps that are surrounding it. From the creek, the water eventually exits into Delaware Bay.

Sow and Pigs is also a fishing hotspot just like the various creeks nearby. It houses several fish species, such as striped bass, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, yellow perch, and bluegill. 

Striped bass or also known as stripers is one of the famous catches in Sow and Pigs Creek. It is said that large striped bass can be found here. This fish species can be caught by baitcasting using live baits such as spot, bunker, eel, or herring. However, if you want to catch several striped bass in one go, it is best to opt for trolling using a striper rig behind your kayak or boat. 

The yellow perch, on the other hand, is a spring and fall staple in this side of the United States. It can also be caught using baits such as worms, minnows, crayfish, larvae, and many more. Using artificial lures such as in-line spinners and small jigs can be effective as well. 

Meanwhile, the bluegill is also a popular catch among anglers. Using light tackle to get a bite from this fish species is very effective. This fishing technique will allow you to cast your lure and bait a little farther and make it easier for you to sense light bites. Baitcasting can also be used as well and you can utilize live worms, crickets, and nightcrawlers. 

Offshore fishing is allowed in Sow and Pigs Creek. However, you must remember to abide by the New Jersey Fishing Rules and Regulations. 

Fishing Seasonality

Striped bass or stripers usually stays in the river throughout the whole year before they swim back to the coasts. But, their peak months would be from May through June. The smallmouth bass is more active in cold water, so it is better to fish for them during early spring, which is in every March. Largemouth bass, on the contrary, likes warmer temperatures. It is more active during fall, which is from September to November.

The yellow perch can be caught all year round. However, you must note that the different seasons have their own opportunities and challenges. Lastly, the bluegill usually spawns from May to August. It will be in its prime come June, so that would be the best month to pursue it.

Fishing Seasonality

Striped bass or stripers usually stays in the river throughout the whole year before they swim back to the coasts. But, their peak months would be from May through June. The smallmouth bass is more active in cold water, so it is better to fish for them during early spring, which is in every March. Largemouth bass, on the contrary, likes warmer temperatures. It is more active during fall, which is from September to November.

The yellow perch can be caught all year round. However, you must note that the different seasons have their own opportunities and challenges. Lastly, the bluegill usually spawns from May to August. It will be in its prime come June, so that would be the best month to pursue it.

All About Fishing in Sow and Pigs, NJ

The fresh water in Sow and Pigs and its tributaries comes from the various marshlands and swamps that are surrounding it. From the creek, the water eventually exits into Delaware Bay.

Sow and Pigs is also a fishing hotspot just like the various creeks nearby. It houses several fish species, such as striped bass, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, yellow perch, and bluegill. 

Striped bass or also known as stripers is one of the famous catches in Sow and Pigs Creek. It is said that large striped bass can be found here. This fish species can be caught by baitcasting using live baits such as spot, bunker, eel, or herring. However, if you want to catch several striped bass in one go, it is best to opt for trolling using a striper rig behind your kayak or boat. 

The yellow perch, on the other hand, is a spring and fall staple in this side of the United States. It can also be caught using baits such as worms, minnows, crayfish, larvae, and many more. Using artificial lures such as in-line spinners and small jigs can be effective as well. 

Meanwhile, the bluegill is also a popular catch among anglers. Using light tackle to get a bite from this fish species is very effective. This fishing technique will allow you to cast your lure and bait a little farther and make it easier for you to sense light bites. Baitcasting can also be used as well and you can utilize live worms, crickets, and nightcrawlers. 

Offshore fishing is allowed in Sow and Pigs Creek. However, you must remember to abide by the New Jersey Fishing Rules and Regulations.