Fishing Regulations Lifted Temporarily on Several Lakes in Advance of Rehabilitation Projects
HARRISBURG– The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is alerting anglers that effective immediately, all seasons, sizes, and creel limits have been lifted on several PFBC lakes in anticipation of upcoming dam and infrastructure rehabilitation projects.
The impacted lakes and details about the projects associated with each location are listed below:
· Harris Pond, Luzerne County: A complete drawdown of this 30-acre impoundment is anticipated to begin in fall of 2025. The $1.9 million project will include rehabilitation of the dam embankment and spillway to meet Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) dam safety standards. Once construction begins, the project is expected to last approximately 1.5 years. The reservoir currently offers angling opportunities for warm-water sportfish species including Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Black Crappie, Chain Pickerel, Yellow Perch, and catfish.
· High Point Lake, Somerset County: A complete drawdown of this 338-acre impoundment is anticipated to begin in spring 2026. The $5.5 million project will include rehabilitation of the dam embankment and spillway to meet PA DEP dam safety standards. Once construction begins, the project is expected to last approximately 1.5 years. The reservoir currently offers angling opportunities for warm-water sportfish species including Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Bluegill, Black Crappie, Chain Pickerel, Yellow Perch, and catfish.
· Rose Valley Lake, Lycoming County: A complete drawdown of this 389-acre impoundment is anticipated to begin in spring 2026. The $5 million project will include rehabilitation of the dam embankment and spillway to meet PA DEP dam safety standards. Once construction begins, the project is expected to last approximately 1.5 years. The reservoir currently offers angling opportunities for warm-water sportfish species including Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Bluegill, Black Crappie, Chain Pickerel, Yellow Perch, and catfish.
“We have lifted fishing regulations to reduce the number of fish in these lakes in advance of these upcoming projects,” said David Nihart, Chief of the PFBC Division of Fisheries Management. “We encourage anglers to fish these waters and make good use of as many fish as they can prior to the lakes being drained.”
The temporary regulations will be posted on signage around each lake and remain in place until further notice.
