Fishermen are scrapping and scraping to save dying fish from Sylvan Lake after construction draining turned parts of the lake into a mud pit.

To the naked eye, it looks as if one could walk directly across Lake Sylvan if not for the silt. Bradley Beach Borough Administrator Gail O'Reilly says the lake was only drained 14 inches and had clearance to drain up to two feet. O'Reilly refutes claims that too much water was drained, fishermen trying to save the lake's fish claim the Sylvan Lake is almost dry.

The fishing group Bradley Beach Surf Casters has netted and moved approximately 200 carp, bass and bluegills to nearby lakes. The fishermen are continuing their work in an effort to save as many fish as they can.

The state has launched an investigation into the construction project at Sylvan Lake.