Wheel chair access help
 

Hi folks
My buddy has 3 adopted special needs sons one of which is in a wheelchair. They will be coming in this weekend for a few days. Any suggestions on easy access fishing lakes or ponds? I know echo lake in Mountainsaide, and the floating dock at Merrill creek. Any other suggestions? I'm checking NJ fish and game websites, but was looking for first hand information in case the official information was outdated or incorrect. Hate to get to a place and not beable to reach the water.
Thank you in advance for any help.
Any place in Jersey is ok, we are in central (near Watchung reservation) but will travel.:)
Bluegill, panfish is fine.
Thanks again!

Re: Wheel chair access help
 

The Bergen County Parks guys told me that the Bergen Bassmasters hold a fishing derby at Darlington Lake in Mahwah every year for the disabled. I have never been there during the event but the fact that they host it there leads me to believe it's a good spot for you guys. It's a little out of the way for you guys though.

http://www.bergenbassmasters.com/

Re: Wheel chair access help
 

Thank You ScowardNJ
I will check it out. Distance doesn't matter, have rod will travel! :D Once his van is loaded, my buddy is a driving fool.

Re: Wheel chair access help
 

Hello Ghost,

I recall Merrill Creek Reservoir has a good handicapped accessible fishing dock by that tower that goes out into the water. It's accessible by the side entrance, not the main entrance that that leads to the visitor's center. Although if someone in a wheelchair did fish off the dock by the boat launch, I couldn't imagine someone kicking them off it, but they might.

Here is a website listing New Jersey’s accessible fishing sites for people with disabilities:

http://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/pdf/wcaccesslist.pdf

Re: Wheel chair access help
 

Thank You Sir
I have fished that dock before, but don't remember if a wheelchair can get to it would you know?
I've been checking out the link you sent.
Thank You again
Tom

Re: Wheel chair access help
 

I can't remember either. I would assume so, since it's that's what it is there for. If he can't access it, maybe you could always move to the boat launch area. I've seen some big bass hanging around the floating dock.

Either way, the water in Merrill Creek Reservoir is freezing cold in the spring. I won't bother to fish it until much later in the month.

Re: Wheel chair access help
 

Round Valley has an area on the swimming part of the res. that has good access by the east picnic area. Call the park office for details.

Re: Wheel chair access help
 

Thank you
I never knew you could fish there, will call the park.