Lake Hopatcong Is For Everyone

The members of the Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club consider New Jersey’s largest lake to be an incredible resource to be enjoyed by all area residents and visitors. However, given its location, the lake gets tremendous use, and therefore it takes special efforts on the part of all to maintain it for current and future generations. With a little extra effort, we can all enjoy the lake for many years to come. With a little common courtesy, and awareness of those around you, everyone can have a “beautiful day on Lake Hopatcong!” Below are a few guidelines to follow. LHYC also supports the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, which through the contributions of many lake residents, as well as working closely with local and state officials, has made tremendous strides over the last 15 years in finding solutions to protecting our lake. For more information on the work of the foundation, visit the foundation website: https://www.lakehopatcongfoundation.org/.

Lake Hopatcong Guidelines

Take precautionary measures to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species by cleaning boats, trailers, fishing gear and other equipment that has recently been in other bodies of water.

  • Never throw trash in the lake. Litter in the lake hurts both humans and fish.

  • Do not feed water fowl.

  • Practice proper fueling techniques. Use pump-out facilities if applicable for your boat.

  • Consider the impact your boat wake has for those fishing, kayaking, enjoying time on a moored boat, and even on shore.

  • Respect private property and do not trespass on private land. However, if your boat is in distress, drift or paddle to a dock and call for help.

  • Lend a hand. Assist anyone in distress on the lake as long as you can do so safely.

  • Pass behind unpowered vessels like sailboats, rowboats, and kayaks.

  • Treat other anglers, boaters and recreational users with courtesy and respect.

  • When anchoring, choose a spot that does not impede navigation.

Byram Cove

  • Enter the cove with little or no wake to reduce waves for others already enjoying the day.

  • Respect your neighbors - both on the water and on land.

  • Sound carries much farther on the water, and you can be heard clearly from quite a distance away.

  • When anchoring for recreational purposes (this does not include boats solely engaged in fishing) maintain a 100-foot navigation corridor of open water between the end of any dock, shoreline, or obstruction and your boat. This allows boats to navigate safely and allows homeowners to swim by their docks.