HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has begun draining two northeastern Pennsylvania lakes ahead of $9 million in dam rehabilitation projects that will restrict recreational use and keep the reservoirs below normal levels through at least 2028 and 2029.
Ford’s Lake in Lackawanna County and Rose Valley Lake in Lycoming County will both undergo full drawdowns as the commission prepares the dams for work required to meet Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection safety standards.
The $3.1 million Ford’s Lake project will reinforce the existing dam embankment and spillway with new concrete. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2027 after final permits are issued and take about 18 months, with the 73-acre lake expected to refill in fall 2028.
Rose Valley Lake, a 389-acre impoundment, is slated for a $5.9 million rehabilitation that will include construction of a new spillway and improvements to the existing dam embankment.
Construction there is expected to begin in summer 2027 following final permitting and continue for about 18 months. The commission anticipates refilling Rose Valley Lake in spring 2029.
Both lakes are owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and managed by the Fish and Boat Commission for public fishing and boating.
Water levels will be lowered gradually over the next several weeks, with the pace dependent on rainfall. A small pool will remain in each reservoir to control sediment movement into downstream waterways.
The commission completed fish health testing at both lakes earlier this summer and plans fish salvage operations this fall to relocate as many fish as possible to other waterways.
Fishing and boating will remain available for as long as conditions permit during the drawdowns. The commission cautioned visitors to avoid muddy areas along shorelines, exposed lakebeds, and boat launches as water levels decline.
Fishing seasons, size restrictions, and creel limits at both lakes are currently suspended to encourage anglers to remove fish before the reservoirs are drained.
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