The Rockaway River winds through approximately 40 miles of New Jersey, beginning at Lake Madonna in Sparta Township, Sussex County, and flowing southeast through Morris County until it joins the Passaic River in Montville Township. This scenic waterway transitions from pristine headwaters through wooded valleys, residential areas, and historic industrial sections before reaching its terminus. With clear waters and a diverse ecosystem, the Rockaway offers anglers an accessible escape from urban life while providing opportunities to catch a variety of fish species including trout, bass, and panfish. The river's character changes along its course, from the untouched upper sections through the Sparta Mountain Wildlife Management Area to the more developed middle and lower sections.