Fish Salvage at Prospertown Lake

[Bucktail]

What a shame! 

I haven't fished here in quite a few years now, but Prospertown is such a beautiful lake and the fishing there was terrific.

The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has been performing a fish salvage
operation at Prospertown Lake (Ocean County) since the outlet structure failed
earlier this week. The lake, a popular fishing destination, is located within
the Prospertown Lake Wildlife Management Area.

As of Tuesday, September 13, approximately 1,000 black crappies, bluegills,
yellow perch, brown bullheads and largemouth bass have been collected by
division personnel. The fish have been have been relocated to Turnmill Pond
located on the nearby Colliers Mills WMA.

The lake level has continued to drop approximately one foot each day and the
lake is anticipated to drain entirely. Salvage efforts will continue through the
remainder of the week as lake conditions permit.

For more information, as well as a photograph of the salvage operation in
progress, visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/news/2011/prospertown.htm on
the division's website.

[Reckless]

 

[Pfishingruven]

Thanks for the info BT.

Man that sucks!!  It will take quite a while, even after they fix the problem, for the Lake to be right again.

Hope they can salvage most of the fish...wonder where they will put the stocked trout this year?

 

[Hotrod]

 

[Fishin Dude]

This is a tragedy that will take many years to rebuild the fishery, but I'm not sure it will ever be the same. The gene pool from the resident bass population will be lost forever.

One of the great qualities of Prospertown Lake was the restriction of all motors, which included electric motors. This helped keep reduce fishing pressure on alot of the fantastic habitat not accessible by the shoreline angler. Combined with the stocked trout that became easy meals for the bass, made for a peaceful place for big fish. I've got a nice one hanging on the wall of my Florida room. It was always worth the effort to paddle into the back reaches of the lake. I'm heartbroken. I wonder if the broken dam is has any effect on any of the other lakes in the Switlik chain?  <'((((><

[Bucktail]

September 16 Update:

An additional 2000 fish were collected from Prospertown Lake and relocated to Turnmill Pond on Thursday September 15. A total of approximately 3000 fish have been relocated thus far. The lake water level will be monitored over the weekend. Another day of electrofishing is planned for early next week.

[rugman]

If I was down that way I would be all over it with my Metal detector.