Quote:
Originally Posted by AndyS
Yes, and Budd lake is actually naturally made, not man made like the others.
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For the record Andy, Lake Hopatcong was an existing natural lake before the dam was built to increase the size and depth and for flood control. The lake is up to 50 feet deep, the dam height is only 17 feet.
Dam Name: Lake Hopatcong Dam Year Completed: 1925
Dam Length: 271 feet Dam Height: 17 feet
Surface Area: 2474 acres Drainage Area: 25.4 square miles
All that aside, by the time the river reaches Changewater, about halfway down its length, it has fully recovered from the thermal issues resulting from the impoundments you mentioned. If the Penwell dam could be removed this would actually be achieved by the time the river gets below Beattystown and on down to the Cliffdale Park area.
From Changewater on down it receives so much limestone influence that in mid to late summer when most other waters have warmed to the point of stress or even death for trout the lower Musky is running in the mid 60's. And yes, it does have wild brookies in the mainstem in the large lower river sections, something that will never happen in the Raritan.
As for tires in the rivers, using old tires for bank stabilization was a standard practice for farmers for a looong time, so removing them can become a lifelong endeavor without end. While unsightly they realistically do little to no damage to the stream environment and in many case actually provide some in-stream habitat where none would otherwise exist, as well as still providing some degree of bank stabilization in areas where they're still anchored to the shore, thus helping to maintain a narrower channel which is better for the overall health of a stream.
I digress...The Musky is a great stream on a strong road to recovering from well over a century of mistreatment. While it will clearly never be what it was before humanity screwed it up, it yet has excellent potential to become a great year-round fishery for many miles of river, and on the 2nd largest Delaware trib in NJ. I don't get to fish it as often as I'd like, but I very much appreciate the efforts being undertaken to improve its overall condition, and on those occasions I am able to wet a line in its waters I am very thankful for the fine angling I can enjoy there even in the middle of the hottest summers.
All that being said, my donation is on its way!
