State Parks and Forests Are Now Closed

[Billfish715]

This emailed information was just released. The state parks and forests are hereby closed immediately to limit the Corona virus outbreak.

So, make other plans if you were going to fish at any of the parks or forests operated by the State. Check your list of parks because there are many that allow fishing. Stokes ( that portion of the Big Flatbrook and lakes within the park), Hacklebarny, Stephens, Cheesequake, Waywayanda to name a few. Round Valley and Spruce Run may be affected as well.

If you know of any state parks or forests that fall into the "closed" category and that ordinarily be open to fishing, please add them to this thread so people are aware and can spread the news.

[NJSquatch]

this is going to even further concentrate fisherman. Trout fishing is going to be a full contact sport!

The order includes all County parks as well. My guess is WMA's will be next.

Looks likes Monksville, Swartswood, Jefferson Lake, Cranberry Lake, D&R Canal, Hopatcong, Aeroflex, Round Valley, Spruce Run are all affected. I put in a call about Recreation Areas to the state and they confirmed they are closed as well

Full List of parks, forests, & rec areas
https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksand...parkindex.html

[Billfish715]

Originally Posted by NJSquatch

this is going to even further concentrate fisherman. my guess is WMA's will be next.

Looks likes Monksville, Swartswood, Jefferson Lake, Cranberry Lake, D&R Canal, Hopatcong, Aeroflex, Round Valley, Spruce Run are all affected.

Full List
https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksand...parkindex.html

I don't see anything about Fish and Wildlife Management Areas being affected. Some of the lakes have ramps that are operated by the State. Some of the reservoirs are privately owned and operated. I'm not sure if an area that is listed as a "recreation area" is considered a state park.

In any case, fishermen should check before they go to a place that might be closed.

[EJS]

Let the fun begin!

[NJSquatch]

Originally Posted by Billfish715

I'm not sure if an area that is listed as a "recreation area" is considered a state park.

Just spoke with the Park service and the recreation areas are closed as well.

[Hookmanski]

Lots and lots of people out there fishing cause there wasn't much else to do, it was only a matter of time...

Hopefully all this is over soon.

[Drossi]

Originally Posted by Hookmanski

Lots and lots of people out there fishing cause there wasn't much else to do, it was only a matter of time...

Hopefully all this is over soon.

I doubt it was people fishing. The parks were being used by people to gather and have social events. That became evident by the uptick in trash that was being left behind.

[logs22]

This really pisses me off! I keep my boat at Spruce Run and now I cannot even access it let alone partake in one of the few pleasures left to me during this sh*t situation!? Why close some of the largest open spaces left where people could still go and enjoy the outdoors while maintaining proper ‘social distancing’!? I can understand closing some smaller county parks but closing state parks such as Spruce Run and Round Valley is just stupid in my oppinion. Maybe they should have given some thought before issuing this order so that only those parks likely to encourage people to congregate were closed. Instead the state was just lazy and said f’ it, close them all.

[T&Tfisher]

4/6/20 - All State Parks have recently been closed. The following waters are trout stocked and will not be open for angler access. These closures will also affect angler access areas on rivers within State Park boundaries:
D&R Canal
D&R Feeder Canal
Green Turtle Pond
Lake Aeroflex
Lake Hopatcong (State Park/ramp)
Lake Musconetcong (State Park/ramp)
Lake Ocquittunk
Little Swartswood Lake (State Park/ramp)
Mingamahone Creek
Ringwood Brook
Round Valley (Park area)
Sawmill Pond
Sheppard's Lake
Swartswood Lake (State Park/ramps)
Stony Lake
Wawayanda Creek
Wawayanda Lake

[Billfish715]

https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2020/...-outbreak.html