Mehrhof Pond, Little Ferry?

[logs22]

I was wondering if anyone has ever fished this body of water. It’s a former clay pit that has only recently been opened to the public. I checked it out a few weeks ago (pics below). It is a pretty amazing place, amazing views of manhattan skyline and while I didn’t get any bites I only took a few casts. Seems like a hidden gem. Anyone who has fished this place feel free to shoot me a PM if you would rather not post on the public forum.

http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j416/daniellageman/Mobile%20Uploads/3CC4DCEC-E69B-4FCF-AB34-C1DBDF3A77DC_zpsx6pc0ytb.png (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/daniellageman/media/Mobile%20Uploads/3CC4DCEC-E69B-4FCF-AB34-C1DBDF3A77DC_zpsx6pc0ytb.png.html)

http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j416/daniellageman/Mobile%20Uploads/EB548362-2850-44F7-8B46-DBE68C1891AC_zpsxyobkbsn.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/daniellageman/media/Mobile%20Uploads/EB548362-2850-44F7-8B46-DBE68C1891AC_zpsxyobkbsn.jpg.html)

http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j416/daniellageman/Mobile%20Uploads/5B5C96B3-6C5E-418D-A622-9F789AC7DCDB_zpsxo3jvbfh.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/daniellageman/media/Mobile%20Uploads/5B5C96B3-6C5E-418D-A622-9F789AC7DCDB_zpsxo3jvbfh.jpg.html)

http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j416/daniellageman/Mobile%20Uploads/390B0735-6E4D-488C-A556-997EB837E0E8_zpsamlqsaa5.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/daniellageman/media/Mobile%20Uploads/390B0735-6E4D-488C-A556-997EB837E0E8_zpsamlqsaa5.jpg.html)

http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j416/daniellageman/Mobile%20Uploads/E59BF0C4-96CC-435D-AB84-BBB45DE9B60F_zps0qhq8rcw.jpg (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/daniellageman/media/Mobile%20Uploads/E59BF0C4-96CC-435D-AB84-BBB45DE9B60F_zps0qhq8rcw.jpg.html)

[DanH]

Interesting! I wonder if it's brackish water?

[logs22]

Interesting! I wonder if it's brackish water?

From what I have read it is not brackish, it’s fresh water and up to 60’ deep (that’s how deep the original clay pit was). It looks like in 1998 an environmental assessment and “fisheries study” was completed for Mehrhof Pond commissioned by the Bergen county utilities authority and conducted by Princeton Hydro. I am sure that report would have all the answers I am looking for but I haven’t been able to find a copy anywhere online. I emailed the BCUA and requested a copy. Hopefully it will report an abundance of gamefish and not a hopelessly polluted cesspool devoid of life....

[DanH]

I remember seeing this pond mentioned when they removed the fence. It was in the Meadowlands Review, I was searching for wild Ringneck Pheasants, it a LONG report but I'll see if I can find it.

[briansnat]

Someone posted here last month about catching a few nice bass at a pond in Little Ferry (I think). It may have been this place.

[DanH]

Someone posted here last month about catching a few nice bass at a pond in Little Ferry (I think). It may have been this place.

I think that was at Indian Lake, not sure!

A lot of information about this pond, just nothing about the fishing!

[Skunk City]

I do my fair share of exploring the Meadowlands and have seen this on Google Maps. Did not know it was opened to the public!

[Mark B.]

I contacted the Director of the Bergen Co. Utilities Authority.

He said that currently, the only access is to the bird watching blind and fishing is not allowed there.

I explained that if public fishing were allowed on other shorelines, by kayak, etc. that NJDF&W would survey it, stock it.

He responded: "I will look into that possibility and get back to you. Sounds like a good way to further enjoy this resource."

I am hopeful.

Mark B.

Mark Boriek
Principal Fisheries Biologist
NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife
Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries
PO Box 394
1255 Route 629
Lebanon, NJ 08833
908-236-2118

[thmyorke1]

I contacted the Director of the Bergen Co. Utilities Authority.

He said that currently, the only access is to the bird watching blind and fishing is not allowed there.

I explained that if public fishing were allowed on other shorelines, by kayak, etc. that NJDF&W would survey it, stock it.

He responded: "I will look into that possibility and get back to you. Sounds like a good way to further enjoy this resource."

I am hopeful.

Mark B.

Mark Boriek
Principal Fisheries Biologist
NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife
Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries
PO Box 394
1255 Route 629
Lebanon, NJ 08833
908-236-2118

That's awesome, Mark. Big thanks :)

[DanH]

Thank you Mr. Boriek !

[steve392]

Growing up in Little Ferry, that pond was nicknamed shit lagoon since it was part of the utilities authority where all the untreated sewage goes.