One often thinks that they need to head to a coastal area when going to a new port. Then entire Jersey shore has ports dotted all along it, and many travel from one port to another. There are, however, some landlocked ports as well.
Lake Hopatcong is one of these ports. Its miles of shoreline, many marinas and launch ramps and convenient access make it a top spot for New Jersey’s cruising enthusiasts. For one looking to trailer their boat to a new destination that is close by, Lake Hopatcong has a number of attractions that appeal to the boating enthusiasts.
ABOUT THE LAKE
Lake Hopatcong, affectionately referred to as “the lake” by locals, is approximately 9 miles long and borders both Morris and Sussex Counties. Its only rival in size in New Jersey is Greenwood Lake, an impoundment that is situated on the New Jersey and New York borders. It is a long, narrow lake, only 2 miles wide at most.
When the lake was created, engineers placed a dam at the confluence of a number of small streams and rivers that formed the Musconetcong River. It sits between the hills and mountains found in the Highlands of Northern New Jersey.
Lake Hopatcong’s depths vary from quite shallow (3 to 4 feet) to over 50 feet; one may encounter deep, open water in the part of the lake known as the “main lake,” then travel only a mile and be in a small, narrow channel where lily pads adorn the shore. With so many varied depths and environments, the lake offers plenty for a variety of different types of boaters.
WHAT TO DO
What to do? What not to do! Lake Hopatcong is a place where many different types of boaters converge and enjoy days upon days of boating bliss. Sailboats ranging from sunfish to full-fledged sailing machines cruise around the main lake as they grab gusts of wind. Speedboats buzz the main lake area as they take their afternoon flights. Water skiers practice their slalom skills, while some may be towed for a for a leisurely tube ride.
But wait – there’s more. Personal watercraft operators explore all parts of the lake, either alone or in groups. Swimmers anchor up on one of the lake’s many sand bars and spend the day frolicking with a fleet full of family vessels. Anglers cast to every inch of the main lake and its tributaries in search of the impoundment’s many species…the list goes on and on.
One of the top practices on the lake is water skiing. Lake Hopatcong’s many secluded coves and sections offer water skiers a haven for learning, practicing and perfecting their art. On a typical day, the lake is alive with water skiers carving their turns in many places.
If you’re looking to water ski on the lake, be sure to check the local regulations as they vary based on time of year and time of day. During some parts of the year, water skiing is restricted to only mornings and evenings as doing so with lots of lake boat traffic could be downright dangerous. Any marina that you launch or dock at should have the latest, up-to-the-minute information.
Those that are looking to catch some rays and relax in the water have many places to go at Lake Hopatcong. The edge of Raccoon Island and the River Styx sections both feature full sand bars where boats will anchor and raft up and spend the day swimming. On-the-boat picnics are not uncommon as a family will spend the afternoon in one of these areas.
For those that prefer to picnic on land, there are many marinas that feature picnic areas as well. Many will come to the lake and spend the day at the marina picnicking, but then will head out and take friends and family for hour-long cruises. Some of these marinas even offer swimming areas on the premises, so children and adults alike have plenty to do for the day.
Looking to cruise to one of the local restaurants and have a leisurely dinner? The lake offers dockside dining as well. O’Sullivan’s Restaurant, Pavinchi Restaurant, the Windlass, the Jefferson House and other on-water restaurants provide plenty of docking for those dining on the water.
THEN THERE’S THE FISH
Besides all of these great things for pleasure boaters, those that want to do some freshwater angling have one of the top impoundments in Lake Hopatcong. Bucketmouth largemouth bass can be caught in many parts of the lake, as its structure is a black bass haven. Hybrid striped bass and walleye are also in the lake and are caught by fishing enthusiasts.
There are plenty more species of fish in Lake Hopatcong as well. Channel catfish, crappie, perch and other panfish, trout and more can be caught from the shores or by boat in the lake. The lake’s many species make it a top destination for anglers searching for fine fishing opportunities.
A BOATING BONANZA
Lake Hopatcong is so convenient and such a great location for boaters that many do travel to the lake. Whenever possible, it is best to go to the lake during the week, mornings or evenings; mornings and evenings on the water can be glorious and pleasant, even during the heat of summer or when traffic is at its worst during the day.
State police power Boston Whalers on the lake and enforce all regulations, from no wake zones to driving while intoxicated. Be sure to follow all laws.
Ready to trailer your boat to a new destination? Can you believe that all these opportunities exist in the mountains of North Jersey? They do in Lake Hopatcong!
PLAN YOUR TRIP ACCORDINGLY!
Lake Hopatcong’s prime season begins in May and runs through Labor Day; depending on the year, engineers will drop the level of the lake down a couple of feet so marinas can make dock repairs. They will leave the lake at these levels until the spring, and the time they refill the lake also varies depending on the year.
If you wish to use any marina facilities and take advantage of the lake when it is full, be sure to plan ahead. Either take your trip during the prime season or call ahead.
When the lake is low, using many marina’s facilities is all but impossible – docks are not constructed like saltwater docks as they usually have a fixed level dock. In addition, some launch ramps are unusable when Lake Hopatcong is at its low levels.
