State Parks and Forests Are Now Closed

[birddog]

But at least we can still buy liquor. Better off drinking at home than being outdoors or on your boat. How about we fine the offenders and leave those that are following the rules alone. I wonder if the governor has spent a day out fishing?

[Mark B.]

Originally Posted by DanH

Thanks Mark!
On a different topic, do you ever hear any Rooster Pheasant crowing in the spring while you are bird watching? We have been keeping a record of this for years.

The only place where I hear them is at The Pole Farm, Mercer Meadows Park near Pennington / Lawrenceville. Heard one this past Monday. But that park is now closed, too.

http://mercercountyparks.org/#!/parks/mercer-meadows

[Billfish715]

Originally Posted by Rich_S

I'm not asking for anyone to give up their spots, but is there a list of trout stocked waters that are accessible by residential street parking and don't require crossing a state/county park or private land? It would be nice if the NJDFW website had a list of "here's where you're actually allowed to fish", not just for informational purposes but also to print out for when the gestapo shows up.

Try this site for starters.

https://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/fishstrm.htm

[Fred E. Goose]

Originally Posted by skippy

Anyone know if the Newark watershed reservoirs will be open? I don't think they are part of a state or county park system. They were suppose to open on the 11th.

Not sure if they'll remain open, but I took a joyride down Canistear Road last weekend and there were a lot of boats on the water. Only saw 1 boat on Oak Ridge from Rt. 23.

[RJHooker]

Originally Posted by 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

Wondering about Upper Wanaque... Its not on the list, but techinically its is in Ironworks since the WMA was transferred. I emailed DFW but no response yet.

[skippy]

Originally Posted by Fred E. Goose

Not sure if they'll remain open, but I took a joyride down Canistear Road last weekend and there were a lot of boats on the water. Only saw 1 boat on Oak Ridge from Rt. 23.

Thank you Fred.

[crewchief2]

I had emailed the state yesterday also about whether the WMA's were still open, just received this reply.

At this time state Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) remain open for hunting and fishing. However, if people do not maintain proper social distancing they too may be closed as state parks and forests have already been. Thanks for your cooperation in helping us maintain hunting and fishing opportunities on state WMAs.
Paul Tarlowe
Wildlife Education Specialist
Office of Information and Education
605 Pequest Rd.
Oxford, NJ 07865
908-637-4125 x114
c: 609-947-3368

[Floattubeangler]

Originally Posted by crewchief2

I had emailed the state yesterday also about whether the WMA's were still open, just received this reply.

At this time state Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) remain open for hunting and fishing. However, if people do not maintain proper social distancing they too may be closed as state parks and forests have already been. Thanks for your cooperation in helping us maintain hunting and fishing opportunities on state WMAs.
Paul Tarlowe
Wildlife Education Specialist
Office of Information and Education
605 Pequest Rd.
Oxford, NJ 07865
908-637-4125 x114
c: 609-947-3368

My first post on here but I spoke to F&W as well and the wildlife management areas are open but THEY STRESSED to me that it will change if the orders to practice social distancing ect...is not followed.

Wear your fishing gaiters as a mask until you're out on the water. Wear them in parking lots and while getting to your fishing spots. Stay away from other people and if you see people not following the orders say something or we will lose the few places left we can enjoy the outdoors.

Stay safe all and good luck.

[RichieFer]

I live right near West Husdon Park on Kearny and the parks closed down. Also the Rahway River in Springfield, they have the lots roped off and you can not park. So the countys are closing stuff also.

[FishnChips]

does anybody know is delawear lake open up on rt80 in hope nj