January 1, 2023 / New Year’s Day / Monksville Report

[Donnie Brasco]

Happy New Year Gents,

First off, best to all you guys on the site for a great, healthy & prosperous New Year !

Took a ride up to Monksville Reservoir today in the unbelievable 50 degree weather for January 1.

Went to the North launch around 2 pm, bright sunshine, water has skim ice on it, looked very thin, some pockets of water coming through and no one fishing.

Went past the South launch and parked at the scenic view lot, walked across the dam area on the sidewalk. Water was open, no ice and saw 3 boats on the water. One was close to the dam, he was fishing with live minnows ( for walleye ? ) my best guess, saw the minnow bucket on the side of the boat. Watched him for about a half hour, didn’t see him pull up anything.

The reservoir is at full pool, Wanaque Reservoir still down about 10 feet.

Enjoy this nice weather while it’s here.

Stay safe all….

[Billfish715]

These are pictures of Monksville back in October. Is water pumped into it or does it fill naturally? Wanaque (along Sloatsville Rd.) was extremely low in the fall to the point where the underwater high spots were fully exposed. It was interesting topography. I wish I had pictures of it. Is Wanaque filled naturally as well?