Freshwater

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.



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.

Note: In 2020 Round Valley began a period of maintenance which is expected to last several years. During this time, the water volume is reduced by a third. My completely offhand guess is that this will reduce the water level by around ten feet. In the shallow areas where diving is practical, this will significantly alter the shoreline.

https://www.roundvalleyproject.com

Type:
freshwater artificial reservoir
Depth:
180 ft, but less than 60 ft in the usual area

Atlantic Croaker

Micropogonias undulatus

Profile by John McClain, Principal Fisheries Biologist

The croaker is a member of the Sciaenidae, or drum family, which includes the black drum and weakfish. Their name comes from the sound they can make by vibrating their swim bladders.

Printed from njscuba.net