 |
Recreation on WaterWater is for everyone. If you like to kayak, canoe, fish, boat, jet ski, wind surf, swim, or just enjoy being near the water, there is a place to do it in the Pittsburgh District. Visit our placid lakes, running streams and raging white water. |
|---|
| Berlin Lake | Conemaugh River Lake | ||
|
|
||
Sightseeing |
|||
Fishing/ Ice Fishing
There is a wide range of opportunities available for fishing in the Pittsburgh District's lakes and rivers. In partnership with state agencies, Corps biologists monitor the water quality and fish populations in the rivers and reservoirs. Through stocking, fertilization, water treatment, habitat development, and other management techniques, a healthy fishery is maintained. Water releases from the reservoirs during the dry summer months have also resulted in an improved river fishery. Species of fish vary between projects, depending on such variables as water quality and temperature. Lake trout, bass, brown trout, muskellunge, walleye, panfish and many others are waiting to be caught.
NOTE: Fishing on all Corps lakes and on rivers requires a fishing license from the state (and Seneca Nation of Indians at Allegheny Reservoir) which has jurisdiction over the water you are fishing.
For information on boat launches, go to the "Watercraft Sports" section on this page.
Berlin Lake
Berlin Lake is renowned for its excellent walleye fishing. It is one of
the few inland lakes in Ohio in which natural reproduction of walleye and muskellunge
occurs. Sportsmen will also enjoy fishing for the largemouth and smallmouth bass, channel
catfish, bullhead, white bass, crappie and bluegill which abound in the lake. The outflow
area, though difficult to access, seasonally supports very large numbers of large
sport fish.
The average depth of the lake is about 16 feet and the maximum depth is
about 76 feet.
Fishing supplies are available through concessionaires located at the lake.
Conemaugh River Lake
Until recently, reduced water quality from acid mine drainage limited
the sport fishery at Conemaugh River Lake. However, within the last ten years, water
quality has improved noticeably, particularly in tributary bays. Species include
largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, perch, and bullhead. In the outflow area,
fishing is excellent for yellow perch (especially in the spring), and bullhead.
An indication of the extent of water quality improvement over the last ten years is the diversity of fish in the tailwaters. In 1986, only 3 species were observed, while in 1996, 26 species were observed.
The average depth of the lake is about 7 feet and the maximum depth is about 20 feet.
Crooked Creek Lake
Crooked Creek Lake is host to many species of fish. Largemouth bass,
smallmouth bass, walleye, muskellunge, yellow perch, crappie, bullhead, and carp inhabit
the lake. The lake supports an excellent population of largemouth bass. It is also known
for its good panfish fishery, including crappie, bluegill, and brown bullhead. The outflow
area boasts of a popular fishing enhancement project - the Fishing Embayment and its
associated accessible fishing pier.
The average depth of the lake is about 15 feet and the maximum depth is about 43 feet.
East Branch Clarion River Lake East Branch boasts the only location in the Pittsburgh District which contains lake trout. Once referred to as "The Dead Sea of Elk County", efforts to reduce acid mine drainage have resulted in a much improved fishery. In addition to lake trout, East Branch Lake supports good populations of smallmouth bass, walleye, and muskie. In winter, the lake is a popular ice fishing hot spot.
The average depth of the lake is about 55 feet and the maximum depth is about 147 feet.
Kinzua Dam/Allegheny
Reservoir
The Pennsylvania state record for walleye and northern pike, and the
New York state record for walleye and channel catfish have come from Allegheny Reservoir.
The fishery is managed primarily for walleye, but it also supports good populations of
northern pike, muskellunge, smallmouth bass, brown trout, yellow perch, and white bass. An
intense habitat management program is attempting to revive several fish populations,
including largemouth bass, black & white crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, and
bullhead. For information on how to help improve fishing at Allegheny Reservoir, visit the Kinzua Fish and Wildlife
AssociationWebsite.
The outflow area is well known for its walleye and trout fishing, and its large muskie. Trout fishing is open year round in the tailwaters. In addition, many of the lake's tributary streams host populations of wild brook and brown trout.
The average depth of the lake is about 48 feet and the maximum depth is
about 132 feet.
Fishing supplies are available through concessionaires located at the lake.
NOTE: Fishing licensing for the Allegheny Reservoir falls under three jurisdictions; Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - 75% of the lake's area, Seneca Nation of Indians - 22%, and New York State - 3%. There are no reciprocal fishing agreements. Licenses are required from the appropriate agency for each portion of the lake you wish to fish. For licensing information contact:
| Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission P.O. Box 1673 Harrisburg, PA 17120 |
New York Dept. of Environmental Conservation Region #9, 128 South Street Olean, NY 14760 |
Seneca Nation of Indians Clerk's Office, Haley Building P.O. Box 231 Salamanca, NY 14779 |
Loyalhanna
Lake
Fishing is popular at Loyalhanna with an abundance of inlets, coves,
and backwater areas to entice the angler. Especially plentiful in the waters of the lake
are largemouth bass, saugeye, and brown bullhead. There are also good populations of black
crappie, white crappie, and bluegill.
Fishing is particularly good in the area where Serviceberry Run flows into the lake and in the outflow area below the dam. The tailwaters produce good numbers of walleye and saugeye in the spring.
The average depth of the lake is about 10 feet and the maximum depth is about 49 feet.
Mahoning Creek Lake
Mahoning Creek Lake anglers will find abundant walleye, muskie,
northern pike, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass inhabiting the lake and tailwaters. As
a result of improving water quality downstream, brown and rainbow trout are now stocked in
the outflow by thePennsylvania Fish and Boat
Commissionwho lease 860 acres of land and water.
The average depth of the lake is about 32 feet and the maximum depth is about 90 feet.
M. J. Kirwan Dam &
Reservoir
Fishing at Michael J. Kirwan can be a very rewarding activity. The
numerous deep feeder channels and shallow shoreline provide habitat for a variety of fish
species. The reservoir has yielded many trophy size walleye, muskie, and striped bass.
Largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, and bluegills are also found in abundance. During
the winter months, ice fishing is popular and many fine catches of walleye and panfish are
taken. The outflow area is inhabited by large walleye, musky, channel catfish, and a
variety of panfish species.
A fishing area for the physically challenged is available at the outflow area. The area is accessible by vehicle only for the physically challenged. Permits must be obtained at the Corps Resource Manager's Office on the dam access road. An accessible comfort facility is also available at the site during the recreation season, typically May through October.
The average depth of the lake is about 21 feet and the maximum depth is about 58 feet.
Mosquito Creek Lake
Renowned for its excellent walleye fishing, anglers will also find
crappie, bass, northern pike and catfish plentiful in Mosquito Creek Lake's waters. Many
fishermen likewise enjoy trying their angling skills in the tailwaters below the dam. This
area also supports good populations of many of the reservoir fishes. On several occasions,
it has also produced large flathead catfish. Fishing through the ice during winter's
freeze is very popular with fishermen, and Mosquito Creek Lake's icy waters have yielded
many fine catches of walleye and panfish.
The average depth of the lake is about 11 feet and the maximum depth is about 44 feet.
Shenango River Lake
Many fishing enthusiasts are attracted to the waters of Shenango River
Lake for the bass, walleye, muskellunge, and the variety of panfish that inhabit the lake.
In addition, thousands of anglers are drawn to the dam's outflow area to fish for not only
trout, which are stocked annually by the Pennsylvania
Fish & Boat Commission during the spring and fall, but also for the large
warm water sport fish that concentrate there seasonally.>
The average depth of the lake is about 11.5 feet and the maximum depth is
about 34 feet.
Fishing supplies are available through private stores located near the lake.
Stonewall Jackson Lake
Stonewall Jackson Lake is the youngest project in the Pittsburgh
District, and as such, many of the trees on the reservoir bottom are still standing in the
bays. These backwater areas, which provide excellent fishing opportunities, are easily
accessible either by boat or by foot. The Corps provides excellent fishing access in the
dam outflow area where there is an accessible fishing area. The fishing at Stonewall
Jackson Lake is especially good for largemouth bass.
Other species providing angling opportunities in the lake include crappie, walleye, bluegill, yellow perch, muskellunge, channel catfish, bullhead, and carp. In addition to reservoir fishes, the tailwaters contain trout stocked by the >West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.
The average depth of the lake is about 19 feet and the maximum depth is about 82 feet.
Tionesta Lake
Fishermen have found the variety of fishing waters in the Tionesta Lake
area enticing and productive. The clear mountain streams and placid lake have yielded many
fine catches of trout, muskie, walleye, bass, and several species of panfish. A newly
constructed access ramp below the dam in the outflow area provides excellent accessible
fishing for tailwater anglers.
Ice fishing is available but the US Army Corps of Engineers does not monitor ice conditions or thickness. Please be cautious and fish at your own risk.
The average depth of the lake is about 20 feet and the maximum depth is about 40 feet.
Tygart Lake
Tygart Lake is considered by many to be one of the best bass waters in
the area and fishing its deep waters can be a rewarding and exciting experience. In
addition to large and smallmouth bass, anglers will find walleye, channel and flathead
catfish, crappie, bluegill, white bass, rock bass, bullhead, yellow perch, and carp.
All species of fish found in Tygart Lake are sustained through natural reproduction rather than by stocking, attesting to the exceptional water quality of the lake. Fishing for rainbow and golden trout, which were introduced into the tailwaters of Tygart Dam, is also popular with many anglers. In recent years, the lake has supported very good populations of smallmouth bass and channel catfish.
The average depth of the lake is about 63 feet and the maximum depth is about 134 feet.
Union City Dam
Since Union City Dam seasonally has a dry bed reservoir behind it,
fishing opportunities are mostly limited to the tailwaters which include the stilling
basin, embayment area, and the river. In spite of this, fish diversity and abundance is
among the highest in the Pittsburgh District. The tailwaters supports good populations of
bluegill, smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, bullhead, northern pike, and large
carp. The river boasts a wide variety and range in size of minnows, shiners, darters, and
suckers.
Woodcock Creek Lake
Woodcock Creek Lake is one of the smaller but more productive
reservoirs in the Pittsburgh District. The lake contains good numbers of walleye, bass,
and muskellunge. Panfish species include crappie, yellow perch, bluegill, and bullhead.
The tailwaters are easily accessible and provide excellent angling opportunities for all
the lake's fishes, and are also stocked seasonally with trout by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission.
The average depth of the lake is about 15 feet and the maximum depth is
about 44 feet.
Fishing supplies are available through concessionaires located at the lake.
Youghiogheny Lake
For the fisherman, there are numerous coves and backwater areas along
the lake which provide excellent fishing. The lake is inhabited by a large variety of game
and panfish and is especially known as a hotspot for walleye and smallmouth bass.
A license has been granted to the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission for fish management purposes in the Pennsylvania portion of the lake. The Fish Commission has also developed, and maintains, the Jockey Hollow Boat Launching Area. The tailwaters of the dam are very popular for trout fishing. Youghiogheny River Lake's outflow area is one of the few areas in Pennsylvania open for trout fishing year round (except for the two weeks immediately preceding Opening Day) and is stocked on a regular basis throughout the spring and summer.
The average depth of the lake is about 54 feet and the maximum depth is
about 121 feet.
Fishing supplies are available through concessionaires located at the lake.
Underwater Diving
In general, underwater recreational diving is permitted at most
Pittsburgh District Lakes, except in restricted areas. Restricted areas are usually around
the dam and water intakes, but other areas may be included. Divers must display the
required safety flag on the water surface. Some lakes require written permission before
diving. In any case divers should stop at the Resource Manager's or Park Office on the day
of dive to make park rangers aware of dive plans. Click on the hyperlink below for more
detailed information about diving at each Pittsburgh District lake.
Berlin Lake
Diving is permitted at Berlin Lake. Check in at the office on Bedell
Road prior to entering water.
Conemaugh River Lake
Diving is permitted at Conemaugh but access to the lake is limited by
lack of boat launches.
Crooked Creek Lake
Diving is permitted at Crooked Creek in limited areas. Check in at the
park office prior to entering the water.
East Branch Clarion River Lake
Diving is permitted at this project. East Branch Lake is a cold deep
lake (up to 140 feet) with very limited visibility.
Kinzua Dam/Allegheny
Reservoir
Allegheny Reservoir near the dam can reach depths of 130 feet or more during the summer months. The upper reaches of the lake are fairly shallow. Diving is permitted in the Pennsylvania and New York sections of the reservoir. A diving flag must be displayed. Divers should exercise extreme caution on weekends as surface boat traffic can be very heavy at times.
Please - No diving or swimming in areas marked with orange fish structure buoys.
Loyalhanna Lake
Diving is permitted at Loyalhanna. Check in should be done at the
resource manager's office located at the dam.
Mahoning Creek Lake
Diving is permitted at Mahoning Creek Lake. Diving is not allowed in
the stilling basin below the dam.
This lake is leased to the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission. Divers should check with this agency for more information on diving rules for this lake.
M. J. Kirwan Dam &
Reservoir
Diving is permitted. Divers should check in at the Corps Resource
Manager's office near the dam or at the West Branch State Park office located at the west
end of the lake on Rock Springs Road.
Mosquito Creek Lake
Diving is permitted at Mosquito Lake. Check in should be done at either
the state Park office located at the southwestern part of the lake near the Damsite
area,
or at the Corps Resource Manager's office located near the dam on Ohio State Route 305.
Shenango River Lake
Shenango is a relatively shallow lake (30-40 foot maximum depth at
summer pool). Diving is permitted. Divers should check in a either the resource manager's
office at the dam in Sharpsville or at the ranger station located in the Shenango
Recreation Area off Pennsylvania State Route 18.
Note: Turbidity levels at Shenango River Lake are high and underwater visibility is not good.
Stonewall Jackson Lake>
Diving is permitted. Check in at either the State park office located
off of US Route 19 or the Corps Resource Manager's office at the dam. Stonewall is a
relatively shallow with trees still standing in the numerous bays.
Tionesta Lake
Diving is permitted at Tionesta. Check in at the ranger office located
at the dam.
Tygart Lake
Diving is permitted. The exceptional clarity of Tygart Lake is
attractive to many divers, especially in the area of Henderson's Rocks. The lake is deep
with steep surrounding topography and many drop-offs. Divers should check in at either the
State Park office located off US 119 or at the resource manager's office located at the
dam.
Union City Dam
Union City is a dry bed reservoir that only contains a pool during high
water events. Due to possible dangerous currents no diving is permitted at any time.
Woodcock Creek Lake
Diving is permitted at Woodcock. The lake is small and shallow with an
average depth of less than 30 feet. Check in at the Resource Manager's Office at the dam.
Youghiogheny Lake
Diving is permitted at Youghiogheny Lake. This lake is very deep with
fairly clear water. Check in at the ranger office at the dam.
Watercraft Sports
Explore calm backwaters with your canoe. Enjoy the open areas of the
lakes while you water ski, jet ski, or wind surf. Spend the day on the river in your
runabout or in a raft crashing through rapids. Most projects have public boat launches.
Some have marinas. While most are unrestricted horsepower, a few post a 10-horsepower
limit at night. Some areas of the lakes and rivers are also designated no-wake zones or restricted
areas. Boaters are encouraged to become familiar with these local restrictions and other
applicable federal and state boating regulations prior to their visit. For specific
boating and other watercraft information on a particular lake or river, you can click on a
link below. If additional details are needed please contact or stop by any Corps of
Engineers office.
Boating Safety Tips Pittsburgh District Boat Launch Ramps
Berlin Lake
• With 3,590 acres of water surface Berlin is a lake made for all kinds of
watercraft sports.
• The lake has an average width of 3/4 mile and it is approximately 18 miles long.
• No horsepower limit.
• All types of watercraft are permitted.
• Located entirely in State of Ohio.
Special watercraft regulations or areas of concern:
There are 5 special zones for on Berlin Lake that designate varying rules for speed
limits, wake zones, water-skiing, and sailboats only. For more information on these zones
contact the Resource Manager's office at Berlin Lake.
Resource Manager's Office
7400 Bedell Rd.
Berlin Center, OH 44401-9707
Phone (330) 547-3781
Conemaugh River Lake
• Watercraft sports are permitted on the lake, but at the present time Conemaugh
has no launching ramps into the lake. Therefore, access is limited to mostly canoes and
car-top boats.
• The lake is approximately 7.6 miles long
• 800 surface acres
• The operation of boats powered by internal combustion motors is prohibited by
the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Their web site is http://sites.state.pa.us/Fish/spbtregs.htm#west
Crooked Creek Lake
• Crooked Creek Lake is a smaller lake of only 400 water surface acres.
• The lake is narrow and approximately 5 miles long.
• No horsepower limit.
• No wake zones are located around the beach area.
Special watercraft regulations or areas of concern:
This is a small, narrow lake, so a counter-clockwise travel pattern is maintained. A limit
of one skier at a time per vessel is enforced.
East Branch Clarion River Lake
• The lake has 1,161 surface acres at summer pool.
• Average width is 1/4 mile and length is approximately 5.7 miles.
• No horsepower limit.
• Ideal for power boating and fishing.
• Located entirely in the State of Pennsylvania.
• There is a launch ramp at each end of the lake.
• The ramp at the northern end of the lake is operated by Elk State Park and may be
unusable by Labor Day due to water level draw-down.
East Branch Lake, in cooperation with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, is attempting to organize a flotilla in the St. Mary's area with the base operations located at the Lake. Interested persons are encouraged to call (814) 642-9497 for further information.
Kinzua Dam/Allegheny
Reservoir
• No horsepower limit.
• Kinzua is 25 miles long and less than 1 mile wide in most places.
• 12,080 surface acres at summer pool
• Steep hills and narrow valley generally make the lake a challenge for sailboats.
• On weekends during the summer, heavy use generally makes this a less desirable time
for non-motorized watercraft.
• Boat rentals are available in the area.
• There are numerous boat ramps throughout the lake which are administered by various
agencies.
Special watercraft regulations or areas of concern:
The lake is in parts of New York and Pennsylvania. Boaters are governed by each state's
laws. Portions of the reservoir are also under the jurisdiction of the Seneca Nation of
Indians.
NOTE: Boating regulations for the Allegheny Reservoir fall under three jurisdictions; Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - 75% of the lake's area, Seneca Nation of Indians - 22%, and New York State - 3%. There are reciprocal boating agreements. Rules may vary according to which portion of the lake you boat in. For more boat licensing information contact:
| Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission P.O. Box 1673 Harrisburg, PA 17120 |
NYS Department of Motor Vehicles Swan Street - ESP Albany, NY 12228 1-800-225-5368 |
Seneca Nation of Indians Clerk's Office, Haley Building P.O. Box 231 Salamanca, NY 14779 |
Loyalhanna Lake
• The lake is 5 miles long and averages approximately 1/4 mile wide.
• There are 475 surface acres for water activities.
• No horsepower limit.
Mahoning Creek Lake
• The lake is 5 miles long and averages approximately 1/8 mile in width.
• There are 280 surface acres for water activities.
• 10 mph horsepower limit.
M. J. Kirwan Dam &
Reservoir
• The lake is 10 miles long and averages approximately 1/2 mile in width.
• There are 2,650 surface acres of water for water activities.
• No horsepower limit.
Special watercraft regulations or areas of concern:
Please observe all buoys and their meanings. Buoys are placed around the Control Tower to
"Keep Out" due to a potentially dangerous situation with the intakes.
Mosquito Creek Lake
• This lake is 9.6 miles long and averages approximately 1 mile wide.
• The northern portion of the lake is part of a wildlife management area and is
closed to boating.
• There are 7,850 acres of water surface.
• No horsepower limit
Special watercraft regulations or areas of concern:
There is a 15mph speed limit on the lake north of the Route 88 Causeway.
Shenango River Lake
• This lake is relatively wide and shallow.
• The lake is 11 miles long with an average width of 3/4 mile.
• 3,560 surface acres
• There are many bays and inlets ideal for boat fishing.
• The Shenango River which flows into the lake is ideal for a canoe trip.
• There is no horsepower limit on the lake, however there are areas of slow speed,
and no wake sections.
Stonewall Jackson Lake
• This lake is wide and relatively shallow; approximately one fifth of the lake is
designated as No Wake zone for fishery management. There are many bays and inlets
ideally suited for fishing.
• The lake is 26 miles long and averages 1/4 mile wide.
• 2,650 surface acres.
• No horsepower limit.
Tionesta Lake
• The lake is approximately 6 miles long at summer pool.
• It has an average width of 1/4 mile or less.
• Total surface acres are 540.
• It is ideal for most types of watercraft sports.
• Tionesta Creek which flows into the lake, provides more than 20 miles of very
scenic canoeing in the spring and fall.
• No horsepower limit, however there are 2 no-wake/slow speed sections.
Tygart Lake
• The lake is 10 miles long and has an average width of 1/2 mile wide.
• There are 1,750 surface acres.
• No horsepower limit.
Union City Dam
This is a "dry bed" reservoir which has no permanent pool. When the reservoir
does contain water, boating is not permitted.
Woodcock Creek Lake
• This lake is only 2.1 miles long and has an average width of 1/2 mile.
• There are 333 surface acres.
• Due to its small size there is a 10 horsepower limit on the entire lake.
• The size of the lake makes it ideal for small motor boats and sailing.
Youghiogheny Lake
• No horsepower limit.
• All major coves are No Wake
areas.
• The lake is almost 16 miles long and averages 1/2 mile wide.
• There are 2,840 surface acres of water at summer pool.
• The lake is often crowded on busy weekends.Yough Weekend Recreation
Outlook.
• The lake provides water for rafting in the river below the dam. For river levels
and current conditions jump to
Special watercraft regulations or areas of concern:
Shallow areas appear south of the Route 40 bridge toward the end of summer. Boating in the
upper end of the lake should be done with caution at these times.
Ice Skating
Ice skating is permitted at all Pittsburgh District Corps of Engineers
lakes, except for Union City Dam. The "smoothness" or "roughness" of
the ice depends on what the weather conditions were like when the ice was forming (i.e.
windy). As a general rule, ice is safe to skate on if it is at least 4 inches thick.
NOTE: YOU SKATE AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!
Ice thickness varies on the lakes. Just because ice is 4 inches thick at one spot on the lake doesn't mean that it is 4 inches thick over the entire lake. Also, at some of the Pittsburgh District lakes, water levels can fluctuate greatly. This fluctuation of water levels can render ice unsafe to skate on.
Recreational Figure Skating FAQ
Berlin Lake
Berlin Lake can be a good lake for ice skating because of its many
access points.
Conemaugh River Lake
A good place to access Conemaugh River Lake for ice skating is the
Blairsville Recreation Area which is south of Blairsville off of Route 217.
Crooked Creek Lake
Crooked Creek Lake has two ponds open for public ice skating. The ponds
are located 100 yards on either side of the Resource Manager's office.
East Branch Clarion River Lake
Ice skaters can access the lake from the East Branch Launch Area or the
Instanter Launch Area. There are plenty of parking spaces at either of the boat launch
ramp areas.
Loyalhanna Lake
There are many remote access points for ice skaters at Loyalhanna Lake.
However, the most readily accessible points are at the developed recreation areas at the
Dam Site & Bush Recreation Areas.
Mahoning Creek Lake
Mahoning Creek Lake is surrounded by steep hills that hinder access for
ice skaters. Water levels at this lake are constantly fluctuating and ice skating is not
recommended here.
M. J. Kirwan Dam &
Reservoir
There are numerous access points at this lake for ice skaters. Almost
all of the access points are operated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Try
getting to the lake at one of the picnic areas, or the marina at the southeast side of the
lake.
Mosquito Creek Lake
Mosquito Creek Lake has numerous access points for ice skaters. Some of
these access points are operated by agencies other than the Corps of Engineers. Try
getting to the lake at either the Lakeview or Damsite Recreation Areas where you'll find
plenty of parking spaces.
Stonewall Jackson Lake
There are a few places for ice skaters to access this lake. Try getting
to it at Jacksonville, Vandalia, Georgetown, or Glady Fork Access Areas.
Tionesta Lake
Tionesta Lake is hard for ice skaters to access. Try getting to the
lake from the Tionesta Boat Launch Area where you'll find plenty of parking spaces.
Tygart Lake
Almost all access points at Tygart Lake are administered by agencies
other than the Corps of Engineers. Try getting to the lake at the marina off of Route 9|7
or at the Tygart Lake State Park picnic areas. All of these access points are on the east
side of the lake and they should have plenty of parking spaces.
Woodcock Creek Lake
The best places for ice skaters to access Woodcock Creek Lake is from
the launch ramp, picnic areas, or swim beach at Colonel Crawford Park on the south side of
the lake. Colonel Crawford Park is administered
by Crawford County.
Swimming
Generally, swimming is permitted in the unrestricted portions of Corps
lakes and rivers. However, some projects permit swimming only at designated swimming areas
and a few do not permit swimming at all. Make sure you swim in a permissible area, and
remember YOU SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK. With a few exceptions, NO lifeguards are on duty, so
have fun but be careful!
NOTE: It is both illegal and extremely unsafe to swim near the dams,
outflows, locks, discharges, powerhouse intakes or boat launching ramps of any Corps
reservoir or lock and dam.
Berlin Lake
There is a designated swimming area within the Mill Creek Recreation
Area which is located off of Bedell Road on the eastern side of the lake.
Conemaugh River Lake |
There are no designated swimming areas at this lake.
Crooked Creek Lake
There is a designated swimming area in the Tunnelville Beach Recreation
Area. Tunnelville Beach is centrally located in the Day Use Area.
East Branch Clarion River Lake
Swimming is not permitted at this lake.
Kinzua Dam/Allegheny
Reservoir
The Corps of Engineers does not operate any developed swimming areas at
the reservoir but there are swimming areas provided by the U.S. Forest Service such as Kiasutha and Kinzua
Beach, and the nearby New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and
Historic Preservation, such as Quaker, and Red House.
Loyalhanna Lake
The swimming beach at Loyalhanna Lake, in Bush Recreation Area, has
been closed for several years.
Mahoning Creek Lake
Swimming is not permitted at this
lake.
M. J. Kirwan Dam &
Reservoir
There is a concessionaire operated swim beach located on the
southeastern part of the lake off of Cableline Road.
Mosquito Creek Lake
The only swimming area on the lake is in Mosquito Lake State Park.
Shenango River Lake
Chestnut Run Swim Beach is located on the north shore of the lake just off the eastern side of Route 846. This swim beach is run by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This beach is a swim-at-your-own-risk area and has no lifeguard on duty.
Stonewall Jackson Lake
There is no developed swimming area at this lake.
Tionesta Lake
There is a developed swimming area in Tionesta Park run by the Borough of Tionesta. Tionesta Park is below the dam, on the Tionesta
Creek, just off of Route 36.
Woodcock Creek Lake
There is a developed swimming area at Woodcock Creek Lake that is
located in Colonel Crawford Park. Colonel
Crawford Park is administered by Crawford County.
Youghiogheny River Lake
There are three swimming areas at Youghiogheny River Lake. The areas are
located at Spillway Recreation Area, Mill Run Recreation Area, and
Tub Run Camping Area (limited to use by campers only).
Water-skiing is allowed at most of the Pittsburgh District lake
projects. There are public boat launches at most of the lakes and there are marinas at
some of the lakes. Most of the lakes have no horsepower restrictions for boats but a few
have a 10hp limit. Some areas of the lakes and rivers are also designated no-wake zones or
restricted areas.
Berlin Lake
No HP limit• 3,590 surface acres
• Average width is 3/4 mile and length is about 18 miles.
• Average depth is 16 feet
• 6 boat launch ramps
Additional Information:
There are 5 special zones for on Berlin Lake that designate varying rules for speed
limits, wake zones, Water-skiing, and sailboats only. For more information on these zones
contact the Resource Manager's office at Berlin Lake.
Resource Manager's Office
7400 Bedell Rd.
Berlin Center, OH 44401-9707
Phone (330) 547-3781.
Conemaugh River Lake No HP limit
• 800 surface acres
• Approximately 7.5 miles long
• Average depth is about 7 feet
• No launching ramps
Additional Information:
Access to the water at Conemaugh River Lake is very difficult (nearly impossible for
anything larger than a canoe).
Crooked Creek Lake No HP limit
• 400 surface acres
• The lake is narrow and approximately 5 miles long.
• Average depth is about 15 feet
• 1 boat launch ramp
Additional Information:
This is a small, narrow lake, so a counter-clockwise travel pattern is maintained. A limit
of one skier at a time per vessel is enforced.
East Branch Clarion River Lake No HP limit
• 1,161 surface acres
• Average width is 1/4 mile and length is about 5.7 miles
• Average depth is 55 feet
• 2 boat launch ramps
Kinzua Dam/Allegheny
Reservoir No HP
limit
• 12,080 surface acres at summer pool
• Average width is 3/8 mile and length is about 25 miles
• Average depth is 48 feet
• 8 boat launches
Additional Information:
Rules for skiing in Allegheny Reservoir come from 3 different jurisdictions; Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania - 75% of the lake's area, Seneca Nation of Indians - 22%, and New York
State - 3%. There are reciprocal boating agreements. Rules may vary according to which
portion of the lake you boat in. For more information contact:
| Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission P.O. Box 1673 Harrisburg, PA 17120 |
NYS Department of Motor Vehicles Swan Street - ESP Albany, NY 12228 1-800-225-5368 |
Seneca Nation of Indians Clerk's Office, Haley Building P.O. Box 231 Salamanca, NY 14779 |
Loyalhanna Lake No HP limit
• 350 surface acres available for Water-skiing
• Average width is 1/4 mile and length is about 4 miles
• Average depth is 10 feet
• 2 boat launches
Mahoning Creek Lake 10 HP limit
• 280 surface acres
• Average width is 1/8 mile and length is about 5 miles
• Average depth is 32 feet
• 2 boat launches
Additional Information:
Water skiing is prohibited at this lake.
M. J. Kirwan Dam & Reservoir
No HP limit
• 2,650 surface acres
• Average width is 1/2 mile and length is about 10 miles
• Average depth is 21 feet
• 4 boat launches
Mosquito Creek Lake No HP limit
• 7,850 surface acres
• Average width is 1 mile and length is about 9.6 miles
• Average depth is 11 feet
• 4 boat launches
Additional Information:
Mosquito Lake usually has smooth waters ideal for water skiing.
Shenango River Lake There are horsepower restrictions
in some areas
• 3,560 surface acres
• Average width is 3/4 mile and length is about 11 miles
• Average depth is 11.5 feet
• 8 boat launches (6 for trailered boats)
Additional Information:
Some areas of the lake are designated for electric motor powered boats and minimum wake
operation.
Stonewall Jackson Lake No HP limit
• 2,650 surface acres
• Average width is 1/4 mile and length is about 26 miles
• Average depth is 19 feet
• 5 boat launches
Tionesta Lake No HP limit
• 540 surface acres
• Average width is 1/4 and length (available for Water-skiing) is about 4 miles
• Average depth is 20 feet
• 2 boat launches
Tygart Lake No HP limit
• 1,750 surface acres
• Average width is 1/2 mile and length is about 10 miles
• Average depth is 63 feet
• 3 boat launches
Youghiogheny River Lake No HP limit
2,840 surface acres
Average width is 1/2 mile and length is about 16 miles.
Average depth is 54 feet at the dam
6 boat launches
[Return to Top]
Updated: 01-Dec-2011