New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife |
Manasquan Reservoir Surprise
by Paul Tarlowe, Wildlife Education Specialist, with
Mark Boriek, Principal Fisheries Biologist
New Jersey anglers are always looking for new waters to explore, especially those with a wide variety and large populations of game fish. The potential to produce a trophy also appeals to many anglers. One such body of water is the 720-acre Manasquan Reservoir in Monmouth County. The reservoir is operated by the New Jersey Water Supply Authority and became operational in 1990. The 4 billion gallon water storage reservoir was formed by constructing a main dam, a dike and a road embankment. The DEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife was involved with the construction process to ensure that good angling would be a product of the project. To enhance the planned fisheries standing timber was left along the edges of the reservoir. While beneficial to a wide variety of wildlife, the timber provides structure for black crappie. Pea-sized gravel was spread along the northern shore to provide spawning areas for largemouth and smallmouth bass and sunfish. Stump fields were left on the bottom, and cabled trees were anchored to provide structure for a variety of fish. As the reservoir filled the Division stocked largemouth and smallmouth bass. Pre-spawn adult alewife were stocked to provide a forage base for hybrid striped bass - both open water species. These bass species now provide an outstanding fishery with catches up to 8 pounds. Other species include channel catfish and sunfish - these too provide for excellent fishing action. Another species stocked by the Division is tiger muskellunge, a sterile hybrid of the northern pike and muskellunge. These fast-growing fish can make for some surprising excitement as described by the following account submitted by Dan O'Reilly, who decided to try fishing the reservoir in September, 2002: The following is a brief summary of the unforgettable fishing trip I took to the Manasquan Reservoir:
|
|
Vali Orza assists Dan O'Reilly with his 20 lb., 45" tiger muskie |
|
As Dan's experience that day illustrates, fishing can often lead to the unexpected. In fact, a similar sized tiger was caught and released by another angler the same week! |
The division rates the fishing quality at the reservoir as "Excellent" for the following species: hybrid, largemouth and smallmouth bass; crappie; and sunfish. There's also pickerel and catfish available, trout during the spring season, and of course the tiger muskies. Recent catches in July, 2003 include 22" largemouth and smallmouth bass and a 30" 13lb. channel catfish. Last August a 4 lb. 12 oz., 27.5" long hybrid striped bass was caught by Brian Czapala drifting live shiners. It was his first trip to Manasquan Reservoir - he said that he will definitely be going back! |
|
There's a boat ramp at the Joseph C. Irwin Recreation Area, operated by the Monmouth County Park System, on Windler Rd. (fee required). There's also shoreline fishing along the 5-mile perimeter trail which can be accessed at the Irwin Recreation Area or the Chestnut Point Parking Area on Georgia Tavern Rd. More information about the area, including a map, can be found at www.monmouthcountyparks.com/parks/manasquan_park.asp or by contacting Monmouth County Parks at:
The Division urges anglers to give the Manasquan Reservoir a try - you never know what surprise it may hold for you! |