what is the best bait for freshwater fishing in the D&R canal in new jersey?

Right now fish are still spawning. But to get them to bite you need a 5 to 6 inch plastic worm. Try a watermelon color or purple. This is what works best for me.

Use minnows (if you can find/buy them) for live bait
as for artificials try scented 6 inch plastic worms, a mini king spinner bait (1/8 ounce), small to medium sized rapalas, and whatever you are most confident in using basically…have a good time fishing!!!

The best artifical one I can advise is a Road Runnder jig head (the ones with the little hammered blade on it) with a 2″ -3″ plastic Grub. The Red head and White tail work great. You can also use a wrom harness with a live worm, or plastic worm. Both combinations work great.

Try using worms or the plastic lures. - ma