Mongaup is closed Dec. 1 – April 1 for eagle nesting. Eagles are easily scared off a nest they are establishing. (By April 1st they’ve laid eggs are less easily scared off).
We’ve all enjoyed the eagles nesting at the our favorite mid river stop below the lunch boof.This regional gem has regularly scheduled recreational releases and frequent power releases from Rio Dam.
We meet either at:
USNPS Upper Delaware River Information Kiosk and Boat Launch (maps.app.goo.gl/enUCeSp7rPqBrzxS6) on the south side of NY 97 just west of the Mongaup.
Look for us on the east (left) side of the lot. We usually meet here in off season as it gets crowded with Delaware river paddlers in season.
Or
what is affectionately known as the make out take out 
(thanks to some long standing graffiti) above the bridge on river right, especially when the weather is nice (as this is less crowded) or the Delaware is high (as you don’t have to paddle upstream). https://maps.app.goo.gl/DGjvWpHinzYp4fgTA From Port Jervis, head west on 97 (don’t speed leaving Port Jervis or thru Hawk’s Nest). Turn right (north) on 31 and then right again on the dirt road after 600 feet.
Mongaup Rio Powerhouse with 1 barrel
The put in is at 46 Power House Rd, Glen Spey, NY 12737. https://maps.app.goo.gl/tE7dFkDg2PoWYSju7
Don’t speed on the dirt road and be a good neighbor up there. We’ve had serious problems with the neighbors in the past.
Releases are 1 tube or barrel (about 500 cfs) and 2 tubes (~1000 cfs).
- One tube requires more maneuvering but has less push making it easier for the less experienced. 1 barrel is practically our definition of a class 2. Swims are bony.
- Two tubes covers a lot more of the rocks which gives flow, holes and power and is practically our definition of a 2+. Swims on some sections can be exciting.
They also publish their energy release schedule a day or 2 ahead of time. In general the hotter and wetter it is the more likely they’ll be be making power. Unfortunately power needs are lower on weekends. Hot summer afternoons with only a few on the river are something special.
For more details on the Mongaup River Whitewater section see American Whitewater.
Relicensing (which should double the # of releases)
As of Spring 2024 Director of Conservation Policy Engagement at Appalachian Mountain Club Mark Zakutansky said he would ‘expect a new FERC hydro license to be issued in 2024, so we can see those 30 releases in 2025. It could still be delayed further, but at least to my knowledge, all the hiccups are resolved and it recently received a NY State Water Quality Certificate with the same terms as what the FERC license would have. So it’s close.‘