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/parksandforests/parks/parkindex.html

[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/2020/04/nj-orders-all-state-and-county-parks-closed-indefinitely-to-fight-coronavirus-outbreak.html

[Billfish715]

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/parksandforests/parks/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! :rolleyes:

[NJSquatch]

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. :mad:

[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]

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.

[logs22]

Just received this email from Spruce Run:

http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j416/daniellageman/6ADCCB40-5535-4374-9886-E460E63A3DA0_zpsaa09kntp.png (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/daniellageman/media/6ADCCB40-5535-4374-9886-E460E63A3DA0_zpsaa09kntp.png.html)

How nice of them to give me until 7 pm on a workday to get my boat out of the park or else lose access to it ‘for an unknown amount of time.’ Grrrr...

[Billfish715]

Let's see now...... I can go to a supermarket a pharmacy, a Walmart, a convenience store, a drive thru, a gas station and similar places but I can't go to a park. The employees at any of these businesses are at more risk of infection than 100 people walking in a park or fishing along the shoreline of a lake or park.

People waiting in line at a Costco is more than the number of people waiting to launch their boats. Yet, the Costco or Walmart is open and the boat ramp is closed. It is ridiculous. The governor is being given information but not thinking it out very well. As a result, he puts his head in the sand and gives a blanket edict that does not allow for any exceptions. One size fits all.

[Billfish715]

Yeah, it's me again........now, the county parks are closing. In some towns, the local parks are closing tonight as well. So, if you live in Union County, for example, where do you go trout fishing that is not a part of some park system? This really complicates things more. Lots of county parks are stocked with trout. If the local parks close down, those who want to fish will crowd into the remaining open waters thereby increasing the number of fishermen and decreasing the available space to fish. This defeats the purpose. Doesn't it? How long will it be before this "non fisherman/sportsman" closes down all fishing? It's getting to be like a scene out of Deliverence. It's scary.

[bigfishy]

Just one step closer to martial law🤫

[Mark B.]

Those small urban park ponds stocked with trout that no one can harvest will create a health hazard when those trout belly up in June. Though I imagine the turtles and fish eating birds will have a heyday.

[Wilson]

These bans are for your own good. While lots of you out there are younger and stronger not everyone is.
We need to keep our hospitals from getting overwhelmed by covid19 patients so people that are really sick can get care.

Bill Gates love him or not, was on this 5 years ago. Check his Ted talk out.


https://www.ted.com/talks/bill_gates_the_next_outbreak_we_re_not_ready

[DanH]

NJ is shutting everything down while Pa. just reopened their trout season ?????
Crazy times.:confused:

[Livebaiter46]

I’m assuming Lees on Lake Hopatcong will be closed for boat launch

[thmyorke1]

I guess spots on private property where you got permission from the owner is still game?

[reason162]

Let's see now...... I can go to a supermarket a pharmacy, a Walmart, a convenience store, a drive thru, a gas station and similar places but I can't go to a park.

So food - medicine - gas vs. fishing...yeah it sucks for everyone on here but maybe it's time we take this a little more seriously.

You might find your secret honey hole with no one around, but there's a LOT of crowding going on and don't discount the extra pit stops that comes with a fishing trip. Any way you cut it, fishing, hiking, mountain biking etc...are non essential activities right now.

[logs22]

Thank god I still have my kayak. They can’t close down the big D!

[henro]

I’m assuming Lees on Lake Hopatcong will be closed for boat launch

I thought Lee’s is a private ramp so it wouldn’t be closed? That’s what my buddy told me today?

[deaone123]

Im happy they did this im a emt and been on the front lines and squeeze in fishing on my off days but thats business as usual. now every damn spot is packed with cars and people. I feel like people are doing it because they still can. I mean hey ive been in these spots January, February, march doing my fishing and not seen a soul . I generally avoided people pre lock down but come on people of you weren't hiking before what makes it seem like a good idea to do it during a pandemic.

Guess ill just do way off the beating path where i know most wont follow deep
Mud usually deters them hikers

[RWole]

Lees is part of Morris County Park System

[Blackfishhead]

Lees is part of Morris County Park System

And it’s not an essential business .If they are caught open to the public they could be fined big$.

[Billfish715]

McCabe said state parks will remain open despite Bergen County's move last week to shut down all its county parks because people were still congregating en masse and risking transmission of the virus. Social distancing requires that people keep 6 feet from each other to reduce the virus' spread.

McCabe said anglers should stay at least 6 feet away from each other, which is "conveniently the typical length of a fishing pole."

Wig Wag......Flip Flop The DEP Commissioner says one thing one week at a governor's press conference and then she is silent when the governor shuts things down only two weeks later. So, who is running the show? Murphy? Does he run everything? If so, then he should fire everyone and do it all himself. He doesn't need a DEP for any guidance.

I haven't heard a statement from McCabe's office since she appeared with Murphy at the original press conference. It was alright for her to make the above statements as if they were coming from her office. Now, it appears that was all bogus because it is coming from Murphy. If she is in charge of the DEP, she should make the call and not Murphy. She said that the state parks would remain open and for fishermen to stay a rod's length apart from each other. How did things change so drastically in such a short time?

Things didn't change. That's the point. When do people elbow each other out of a fishing spot and not be a rod's length apart? When are so many people crowding a shoreline or standing in the water that they need to wear a mask? Go stand in a line at a grocery store, Home Depot, Walmart, Target, CVS and tell me that in those confined places, there is less likelihood of transferring or contracting the Corona virus than by fishing on a stream or lake!

Let me decide where I can go fishing. If you are afraid that you will contract the virus from me, then stay away. If you think I'm stupid enough to go out while I'm infected, then you have no faith in humans. If you are worried, then wear a mask and steer wide like you would in a store. Doesn't anyone have common sense? In the outdoors, we CHOOSE to come in contact with others. In other circumstances like working or using public transportation or gathering in confined places, coming in contact with others is unavoidable.

Closing the parks is a ridiculous overkill. I've seen lots of fishermen during the last two weeks and we all maintained our distance. Yet, we still managed to talk to each other and share some anecdotes. No one was wearing a mask either. We all enjoyed our time outdoors and then went home to our families where we also did not wear masks while we shared our living quarters, meals and conversations.

I guess the governor and the people who pull his strings and tell him what to say don't trust you or me to know what we're doing. It would be nice to see the governor or DEP chairman, Ms McCabe, outside walking or (heaven forbid) fishing in the fresh air. Then, maybe, they would have a sense of what we are suggesting and why we are so frustrated.

[henro]

And it’s not an essential business .If they are caught open to the public they could be fined big$.

They haven’t had anyone working the booth at Lee’s in over a week. You’d just fill out the envelope and drop your launch fee in the bin.

[Rich_S]

Anyone know if the Manasquan Reservoir is closed? What about Big Pine Lake /Little Pine Lake / Mirror Lake in Browns Mills? Echo lake in Howell?

It seems like everywhere I fish has some sort of "park" attached to it.

[NJSquatch]

They haven’t had anyone working the booth at Lee’s in over a week. You’d just fill out the envelope and drop your launch fee in the bin.

All Morris County Facilities are closed. :mad:

https://www.morrisparks.net/

[Drossi]

McCabe said state parks will remain open despite Bergen County's move last week to shut down all its county parks because people were still congregating en masse and risking transmission of the virus. Social distancing requires that people keep 6 feet from each other to reduce the virus' spread.

McCabe said anglers should stay at least 6 feet away from each other, which is "conveniently the typical length of a fishing pole."

Wig Wag......Flip Flop The DEP Commissioner says one thing one week at a governor's press conference and then she is silent when the governor shuts things down only two weeks later. So, who is running the show? Murphy? Does he run everything? If so, then he should fire everyone and do it all himself. He doesn't need a DEP for any guidance.

I haven't heard a statement from McCabe's office since she appeared with Murphy at the original press conference. It was alright for her to make the above statements as if they were coming from her office. Now, it appears that was all bogus because it is coming from Murphy. If she is in charge of the DEP, she should make the call and not Murphy. She said that the state parks would remain open and for fishermen to stay a rod's length apart from each other. How did things change so drastically in such a short time?

Things didn't change. That's the point. When do people elbow each other out of a fishing spot and not be a rod's length apart? When are so many people crowding a shoreline or standing in the water that they need to wear a mask? Go stand in a line at a grocery store, Home Depot, Walmart, Target, CVS and tell me that in those confined places, there is less likelihood of transferring or contracting the Corona virus than by fishing on a stream or lake!

Let me decide where I can go fishing. If you are afraid that you will contract the virus from me, then stay away. If you think I'm stupid enough to go out while I'm infected, then you have no faith in humans. If you are worried, then wear a mask and steer wide like you would in a store. Doesn't anyone have common sense? In the outdoors, we CHOOSE to come in contact with others. In other circumstances like working or using public transportation or gathering in confined places, coming in contact with others is unavoidable.

Closing the parks is a ridiculous overkill. I've seen lots of fishermen during the last two weeks and we all maintained our distance. Yet, we still managed to talk to each other and share some anecdotes. No one was wearing a mask either. We all enjoyed our time outdoors and then went home to our families where we also did not wear masks while we shared our living quarters, meals and conversations.

I guess the governor and the people who pull his strings and tell him what to say don't trust you or me to know what we're doing. It would be nice to see the governor or DEP chairman, Ms McCabe, outside walking or (heaven forbid) fishing in the fresh air. Then, maybe, they would have a sense of what we are suggesting and why we are so frustrated.

This likely had very little if anything to do with lack of social distancing while fishing. It was ll the people that congregated in groups to hike, bike, walk dogs, party, and socialize in the parks that got them shut down. Blanket shutdown cause they can't police them enough to have exceptions and because they can't shut the parks in the densely populated parts of the state and not expect people to drive out to other parks to resume the same activities.

[thmyorke1]

This likely had very little if anything to do with lack of social distancing while fishing. It was ll the people that congregated in groups to hike, bike, walk dogs, party, and socialize in the parks that got them shut down. Blanket shutdown cause they can't police them enough to have exceptions and because they can't shut the parks in the densely populated parts of the state and not expect people to drive out to other parks to resume the same activities.

agree, they were just encouraging people to go out and fish with the early trout opening. It's more of a blanket fix on those masses in parks, as you stated.

This sucks, most of the places I fish are closed, but there are still plenty of other places to fish.

[Drossi]

agree, they were just encouraging people to go out and fish with the early trout opening. It's more of a blanket fix on those masses in parks, as you stated.

This sucks, most of the places I fish are closed, but there are still plenty of other places to fish.

yeah me too, i think I lost 75% of my spots. Oh well I'll have to find new ones.

[EJS]

Does anyone know if the Wildlife Management Areas or the TCAs have been posted as closed?

[Ike8120]

Some municipal stocked lakes are also closed. If people would have just followed the social distancing rules, I would still be able to fish.

[Reelron]

Tonight, 04/09/20, there will be a session of "Ask The Governor." on News channel 12, Channel 29 or 529 on Verizon, I sent my question in yesterday.

"Governor, Now that you have closed the State & County parks, would it be possible for me to fish in the Navesink from your yard? I promise Just me, I will not bring anyone else."

I guess we will see if he really pays attention or if he is more concerned about what his friends in Lakewood are doing?

[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.

[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.

[Mark B.]

Does anyone know if the Wildlife Management Areas or the TCAs have been posted as closed?

WMA's remain open. I just came back from one,.....birdwatching, not fishing.
TCA's on WMA's will be open. RVR's main boat ramp is closed. It is owned by NJDF&W, but is not an official WMA. I imagine they closed it because it attracts not only boat and shore anglers, but many others.

[Billfish715]

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.

Hi Rich, I see that you have been a member of this board for a few years, yet you have only posted a few threads or responses. This must be very important to you so you deserve a response.

The major trout streams are usually near a major highway. The Pequest River flows alongside Route 46 for quite a distance. The Musconetcong runs along Rout 57. The South Branch runs through many communities along many County and State roads including Route 31.

I guess what I'm saying is that there are many places to trout fish that are easily accessible. A Google map of the area that interests you is an asset. The NJ Div. of Fish and Wildlife Freshwater Digest lists all of the trout stocked waters. You can go to their website for more information about other places that are stocked with other warm water fish.

As you drive along any of the roads that are adjacent to a river, stream, brook or pond or lake, look for the Trout Stocked Waters posters that indicated an access point to trout fishing. When you see a sign, it's most likely that trout were stocked there.

Don't overlook any bridge that crosses a trout stocked area. The bridges are good starting points if you don't know the area. You can take it from there. You'd be surprised at the number of stocked areas that go unnoticed, are seldom crowded and often filled with trout.

[DanH]

WMA's remain open. I just came back from one,.....birdwatching, not fishing.
TCA's on WMA's will be open. RVR's main boat ramp is closed. It is owned by NJDF&W, but is not an official WMA. I imagine they closed it because it attracts not only boat and shore anglers, but many others.

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.

[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.]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[schu7090]

looking for a place to drop a kayak in.
i use to go to Swartswood lake and put her in. i know its a state park. there is 3 launches at that park. there is 2 that i know is a state park launch but the third has no signs that its a state park area. does anyone know??

[NJSquatch]

looking for a place to drop a kayak in.
i use to go to Swartswood lake and put her in. i know its a state park. there is 3 launches at that park. there is 2 that i know is a state park launch but the third has no signs that its a state park area. does anyone know??

The lake is all shut down. Even the boathouse is closed and roped off.

[schu7090]

Anyone know any launch on the Delaware that's still open pa or nj?

[crewchief2]

Anyone know any launch on the Delaware that's still open pa or nj?

Sandts eddy on rt 611

[HBird11]

Belvidere boatramp is open