County Project Improves Lake Lenape Fishing

(Press Release)
Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson has announced another effort by the county to enhance recreational fishing at Lake Lenape. The current project involves sinking more than 300 cut Christmas trees in strategic locations along the lake bed to provide cover for target species of game fish as well as the abundance of bait fish in the Lenape fishery. Locations were selected by state biologists based on depth, water flow and oxygen content.The project, a cooperative venture of the Atlantic County Park System, the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, and several volunteer organizations, will improve fishing at Lake Lenape for local favorites such as largemouth bass, chain pickerel, crappie and yellow perch.Approximately two years ago, the county opened a fish ladder at Lake Lenape Dam that allows migratory fish, including native herring and shad, access into the lake and the headwaters of the Great Egg Harbor River with 15 miles of spawning and foraging habitat. The Great Egg Harbor River is a designated National Wild and Scenic River, only the second river in the state to receive this distinction."Not only do these projects benefit recreational fishing, but they also serve to enhance the ecosystem and encourage the interest of osprey, bald eagles and the great blue heron," stated Levinson. "We will continue to protect these valuable resources for the pleasure of our residents and visitors."For more information on Lake Lenape and the Atlantic County Parks System, visit www.aclink.org/parks or call (609) 625-8219.