Best Fishing and Boating in PA State Parks Neshaminy by Kelly Houghton State Park photo-courtesy of DCNR If searching for a unique state park Robert Logan’s estate has now playground, and restrooms are all with countless activities, travel no fl ourished into the gem of the Dela- located close to the pools, which are farther than Neshaminy State Park, ware River, offering a variety of recre- open from the Memorial Day week- located in lower Bucks County. Sepa- ational opportunities that are exceed- end to Labor Day. The swimming fee rated from by the Dela- ingly popular. “During the summer, for the pool is $7 per person. If with a ware River, the 330-acre state park is a picnicking and swimming are our group of 15 or more during the week, perfect day use recreational area. most popular activities, and during the rate is $5.00 per person. For ad- The state park is relatively young in the spring, winter, and fall, trail use is ditional family fun, picnic shelters are relation to other parks in the state, hav- our most popular activity,” said state available on a fi rst-come, fi rst-serve ing been in operation for only 52 years. park Manager Josh Swartley. basis. Two pavilions are also avail- Neshaminy State Park was the former Since Neshaminy lacks a beach able and may be reserved for a fee. estate of Robert Logan. A descendant and swimming from shore isn’t per- The PlayMasters Theatre Workshop, of James Logan, colonial secretary to mitted, visitors cool off during the on State Road, also offers year-round founder , Mr. Logan’s summer months in the park’s large entertainment. property was a gift to the Common- swimming pool and children’s spray Hikers, walkers and joggers are also wealth upon his death in 1956. pool. A food concession, bathhouse, attracted by the park’s 4 miles of trails. (article continued on page 34) www.fi sh.state.pa.us Angler & Boater • May-June 2008 31 www.fish.state.pa.us

Map courtesy of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

32 Pennsylvania Angler & Boater • May/June 2008 www.fi sh.state.pa.us www.fi sh.state.pa.us Pennsylvania Angler & Boater • May-June 2008 33 The Logan Walk, which was once the separates the marina your name on a waiting list to get a original drive to the former Robert from the majority of the park’s acre- seasonal slip. Transient slips may be Logan Home, is a paved, tree-lined age and is a popular stretch of water to available on a fi rst come fi rst serve trail. At the beginning and ending of fi sh. Striped bass are also frequently basis for shorter periods. Private the Logan Walk, you can pick up the caught along and coves or slack water boats may be launched at one of the trailheads for the River Walk Trail. The areas along the bank of the river. state park’s two launching areas. One River Walk’s outside loop is a shoreline Another popular spring and early launch is located within the protect- adventure, providing hikers with great summer fi sh is shad. Shad have re- ed waters of the state park’s marina. views of the river, boating traffi c and cently made a considerable come- The other is located on state park tidal marsh area. If interested in dis- back and offer good sport fi shing in grounds, adjacent to the marina, and covering the park’s plant and animal the . Freshwater fi sh- launches directly into the Delaware life, the inner loop is ideal. ing for American shad begins when River. A daily launch ramp fee of $10 If interested in a unique outdoor these fi sh move from the ocean into is charged. A yearly launch pass is experience, visit the tidal marsh and the Delaware River to spawn. Ameri- also available for $100. For informa- estuary. The Tidal Marsh Natural can shad aren’t typically interested tion on the marina, slip availability or Area makes up 71 acres of the state in food when moving upriver to launch ramp activity, call the marina park and contains wetlands, in ad- spawn. However, this won’t keep offi ce at 215-826-1662. dition to unique plants and animals. them from readily hitting small lures The summer months attract excep- The park’s estuary is also a distinctive and fl ies. April, May, and June are the tionally large crowds of boaters. For feature. Even though the Delaware best months to target shad on the prime fi shing conditions on calmer River fl ows another 116 miles before Delaware. Although a nice-size fi sh, waters, dedicated anglers should avoid it meets the ocean, when the tide reaching up to 30 inches in length, summer weekends and typically fi nd comes in at a New Jersey beach, the most anglers prefer to smoke the greater success on weekdays. Boat- water also rises at Neshaminy State meat because of bones. ers should also be aware of the high Park. Because tides affect this part of When the weather heats up, large- weekend boating traffi c, busy launch- the river, it’s known as an estuary. mouth bass and catfi sh are the pop- es and parking space for boat trailers. Just as the American Indians were ular summer species. Several bass Although Neshaminy normally has successful in using the rise and fall tournaments are held each summer at enough room to accommodate ev- of tides to trap fi sh, anglers today are the park marina. The winter season eryone, they have had to turn people continuing to fi nd success in the Dela- draws anglers who are fans of pan- away on busy weekends in the past. ware River and Neshaminy Creek. The fi shing, while the fall presents oppor- The busy boating waters and most popular warmwater fi sh species tunities for muskies. Although musky crowded launch ramps indicate a state to cast a line for are largemouth bass, fi shermen are sparse, the possibility of park that is an extremely popular day catfi sh, and panfi sh, which are catch- pulling in a musky still exists. “I have escape and weekend retreat. “Our av- able in any month. heard stories of some monster musk- erage yearly attendance over the last During the spring season, fi sh- ies being caught by the marina,” said 10 years is 486,386,” said Manager ermen regularly visit the park for Manager Swartley. Swartley. Perhaps the large attendance striped bass. The striped bass is the The state park also offers excite- numbers are a result of the state park largest member of the true bass fam- ment for more than just anglers. Ca- being only a 22-minute drive from ily and can live in both freshwater and noeing and kayaking are popular with and an hour and a half saltwater environments. Beginning park visitors who prefer calmer waters drive from New York City. Or perhaps in the spring, striped bass may travel and scenic views of the shoreline, tidal crowds visit for the notable boating, up to 100 miles inland to spawn and marsh areas, and estuary. However, if fi shing, hiking, and family activities. feed predominantly on members of you crave a fast-paced excursion and Regardless of your reason, you cer- the herring family such as gizzard boating is your passion, Neshaminy tainly don’t want to miss the unique, shad and threadfi n shad. According State Park is your answer. Unlimited outdoor experience that Neshaminy to Swartley, live herring or cut her- horsepower motors, which are permit- State Park has waiting for you. ring, live shiners, and artifi cial lures ted on park water and on the Delaware Neshaminy State Park itself can be all work well for bass. River, attract boaters, water skiers, jet easily reached from the PA 132 (Street Concerning where to locate strip- skiers, and other water sport enthusi- Road) Exit off Interstate 95. For ad- ers, shores, bays, and estuaries are its asts who love the thrill of speed. ditional information on Nashaminy most common habitats. At Neshami- The park’s boating popularity is State Park, call the state park offi ce ny, striped bass are most commonly evident from its busy, 370-slip ma- at 215-639-4538 or access informa- caught along the jetty at the marina rina. The marina’s slips are high in tion online at www.dcnr.state.pa.us/ and at the mouth of Neshaminy Creek. demand and typically you must put stateparks. 34 Pennsylvania Angler & Boater • May/June 2008 www.fi sh.state.pa.us