Whitewater release planned for experienced paddlers

If you’re an avid paddler and itching for some whitewater boating action, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is promoting a whitewater release for your enjoyment. 

The DCNR will release water from Lake Nockamixon into Tohickon Creek in Bucks County on Saturday and Sunday, March 21-22. 

According to the DCNR, water releases are historically scheduled on a semi-annual basis, usually occurring on the third weekend in March and first weekend in November. The agency says the water releases from Nockamixon Lake offer suitable white-water boating conditions downstream through Ralph Stover State Park that is located near Pipersville, Bucks County.  It’s anticipated from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day paddlers will essentially have a seven-hour window to play in the suds. 

Water releases, says DCNR, begin at 4 a.m. and several hours later will create whitewater conditions at Ralph Stover State Park. Suggested hours for viewing there will be from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The water releases are favored by skilled kayakers, canoeists,  rafters, even extremely proficient (and daring) paddleboarders. And as a reminder, DCNR advises that this whitewater release creates Class 3 and 4 rapids that require experienced boating skills. Added to that, it’s necessary that boaters wear appropriate personal floatation devices and take precautions to prevent hypothermia, plus, use only craft designed for this type water.  

For more details, contact Nockamixon State Park at 215-529-7300, or Delaware Canal State Park at 610-982-5560. 

SALTWATER FISHING REPORT

With higher than normal temperatures, saltwater action for striped bass has been picking up. 
On the Water Magazine issued these reports from northern and southern New Jersey:

In northern New Jersey, bloodworms have been enticing Raritan Bay stripers from shore. The bass have been biting better after dark. In some rivers, casting small plugs on the outgoing tide has also been productive for linesiders. And backwaters have been full of smaller bass. 

Fishermen’s Den has reports of winter flounder up to 18 inches being hooked since the recent season opener. The outgoing tide has been best with sandworms the bait of choice. 

The Reel Seat reports good bass action in the bays and in Tom’s River. The Route 37, Mantoloking and Route 70 bridges are producing fish on small plastics like Fin-S fish and small plugs like Yo-Zuri Inshore Minnows and Daiwa Salt Pro Minnow 13’s. Most fish are 20-24 inches. 

For smaller fish, perch action has been picking up on Tom’s River for anglers using bloodworms and grass shrimp. It’s pointed out that moving around to find schools will produce fast action. Winter flounder, however, will take more effort. Best bet is to chum heavily with clams and drop back sandworm-baited rigs. 

In southern New Jersey, Fishermen’s Den says Long Beach Island is productive for stripers up to 26 inches from the west side of Barnegat Bay and south towards Mullica River. Bloodworms and sandworms will work during the afternoon ebb tides. 

They suggest working local creeks, lagoons and backwater thoroughfares for bass. 
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