Boating & Fishing
Enjoying the Water
Boating has long been a pastime enjoyed by members of all ages. The Club supports active sailing fleets, while many individual members enjoy the use of kayaks, canoes, rowboats, paddle boats, pontoon boats,
and small pleasure boats.
Freeways
Boat & Dock space
Freeways are lakefront locations that provide lake access, boat racks and limited dock space on each of the five lakes and are available to all members in good standing* on a first come/first serve basis.
There are two different types of freeways: neighborhood freeways and Club marina freeways. Neighborhood freeways are located at various locations on all lakes.
The Club area marinas on the Main Lake are: Club Park, Comet Row, Eckhart Sailing Center, Beach 3 and Beach 4.
*Except for dock spaces permanently assigned as of February 15, 2019*
For all racks and docks:
you must put both your permit on the space and your watercraft in the space at the same time.
your watercraft must have a boat sticker on the bow.
How to Claim a
Kayak/Canoe Rack
The Main Lake has kayak/boat racks at 13 freeways and 2 of the beaches, all of which are available on a first-come/first-served basis.
Follow these courtesies to claim a rack:
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If the rack does NOT have the previous year's member sticker, it can be claimed immediately.
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If the rack HAS the previous year's sticker the community courtesy is that those racks are left alone until July 5. Should a rack still not have an updated sticker after July 5, then those racks are up for grabs.
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Do not remove any stickers.
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Do not chain boats or kayaks to a tree or leave them on the ground.
How to Claim a Boat/Kayak Rack
How to Claim a
Boat Dock Space
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Spaces with the green OPEN sticker are free for claiming on a first-come/first-served basis, even if it has the previous year's sticker.
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Each watercraft should only take up one space.
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Pontoon boats should be docked in designated areas.
*Members who have an assigned dock space at Club Park, Comet Row, Beach 3, and Beach 4 will continue to have those spaces as long as the conditions of the assignment are met.*
Reminders
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Place a sticker on the bow of your watercraft.
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Each watercraft should only take up one space.
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Pontoon boats should be docked in designated areas.
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Dock spaces at Eckhart Sailing Center are reserved for members participating in the Club’s sailing fleets.
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Members who have an assigned dock space at Club Park, Comet Row, Beach 3 and Beach 4 will continue to have those spaces as long as the conditions of the assignment are met.
Fishing in the Lakes
One of the favorite activities enjoyed all year round is fishing in our 5 lakes. Varieties caught range from ... to ....
Fishing can be enjoyed both while in the water and from any of the beaches, docks, freeways and dams.
The Fish Committee sponsors several fishing events throughout the season.
Kids’ Fishing Derby
The annual Kids’ Fishing Derby is held on the dam on Lake 4 along Cherry Ridge Road every summer. Check the Newsette and the calendar for the date. Awards are given for the largest bass, muskie, walleye, and panfish caught.
Note: NJ fishing licenses for children under 16 are not required. All NJ Fish and Wildlife Game fishing regulations are in effect. Call 973-764-7561 for more information.
Children’s Catfish Derby
Hot dogs, drinks, and trophies are part of a fun evening in August when children participate in the annual Catfish Derby. This event is held at the clubhouse, rain or shine.
NJ State fishing rules apply (get more information).
Ice Fishing
Many of the avid fishermen in the community don’t take the winter months off, instead choosing to venture out onto our frozen lakes to try their luck at ice fishing. The Fishing Committee sponsors an annual Ice Fishing Derby each Winter.
If you’re considering joining the fun for the first time, here are a few tools you might want in your arsenal:
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To drill your hole in the ice, you’ll either need an old-school ice “spud” or chisel, which can be used to slowly chop a hole, or take the efficient route with the ever-popular ice “auger.” Gasoline-powered augers are prohibited at all times.
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Some fisherman jig a tiny metal fishing lure off the lake’s bottom in an attempt to resemble a small bait fish. Others use a device called a “tip-up” (aka a “fish trap”), which incorporates a spool of fishing line fixed to a spring-loaded flag that’s supported over the hole by a simple “X” of crossed sticks. When a game fish bites, the flag goes up.
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NJ State laws permit no more than five fish taking “devices” by any one person and require the owner’s name and address to be permanently affixed to those “devices.”
