What is a Weir?

A weir is a structure designed to impound fish. Although the Fair Lawn-Paterson Weir's configuration is "V" shaped and constructed from rock, other shapes have been employed made of wooden stakes, netting material or rock.

The Fair Lawn-Paterson Weir, which spans nearly 100 yards of the Passaic River, is of boulder and cobble construction with an opening at the apex known as a sluice. The apex faces downstream in a southerly direction funneling the water through the sluice. The Weir's height is slightly higher than that of the river at its seasonal depth.

At least six separate methods of using the weir have been identified.

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Anthony DeCondo/allen lutins