Apshawa Preserve / Butler Reservoir - 9/21/11

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The Apshawa Preserve is part of Passaic County's Park system. It is a nice section of highlands mountain terrain. Inside it is the old Butler Reservoir which is open to fishing.

The county's website is outdated, there is in fact a parking lot now, here. The hike to the reservoir is about a mile from the parking area. Sturdy boots are required, as it is real hiking, up and down mountains. The white trail leads from the lot to reservoir most directly. The effort is rewarded by the views.

The reservoir just peeking out from the trees, as viewed from atop a mountain.


Down on the water


Fishing was pretty good in the reservoir. I put in about an hour and caught 2 gills, 2 pumpkinseeds, a 18" chain pickerel and a 11" crappie, all on my trusty 1/8 oz gold panther martin.

Continuing up past the reservoir, there is another swamp/pond.

Very scenic, but did not hold any fish. It appears that the man made dam containing this water was breached during Irene. Approximately a 10' section of the dam and trail are washed away. However the beavers quickly repaired it and the water level is now actually about a foot higher than it was previously, resulting in the trails around the perimeter being partially underwater. I am guessing that any fish were probably washed down to the reservoir.


Nice to try new places.