Freshwater Dive Sites

There aren't too many options for freshwater diving around here. That's not to say that you can't try jumping into any body of water you find, but most of them are likely to be pretty awful, and a few could get you arrested. Two good freshwater dives in the region are Round Valley Reservoir and the Delaware River Water Gap. Some diving is also done in Lake Hopatcong, although access is a problem.



Dutch Springs contains many interesting artificial reefs for divers to explore. In fact, even the hole itself is man-made - it is an old limestone quarry.

Although all of the land-side facilities have been demolished to make room for warehouses, the quarry itself is still open in a limited way - training dives only.


Round Valley Reservoir
Looking roughly southeast, with the diving cove in the foreground. The natural basin of the valley is evident, as well as one of the two dams, at right. The water level looks pretty high, with a little snow on the ground.
Type:
freshwater artificial reservoir
Depth:
180 ft, but less than 60 ft in the usual area

Bullhead Catfish

Ameiurus melas

Size
to 24"

Description
Ameiurus is Greek and means "primitive" or "curtailed" in reference to the slight notch in the caudal fin; melas is also Greek and means "black." Black bullheads are typically black to greenish-black on the back, ranging to gray or white on the belly. However, in muddy water, the back may be yellowish-brown. Chin barbels are dark or black, never white. The anal fin has 17-21 rays.