31-03-2025
Fishing regulations temporarily lifted for Somerset County lake
SOMERSET COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — Effective immediately anglers can now fish without limits at several lakes across Pennsylvania for a limited time.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) announced that all seasons, sizes and creel limits have been lifted at three lakes, including one in Somerset County, due to upcoming projects. The dam and infrastructure rehabilitation projects are expected to last for over a year.
Here are the lakes and project details:
High Point Lake, Somerset County:
Starting in spring of next year a complete drawdown of this 338-acre impoundment will begin. The $5.5 million project will include rehabilitation of the dam embankment and spillway to meet Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) dam safety standards.
The project is expected to last approximately 1.5 years once it begins. Anglers can catch warm-water sportfish species including Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Bluegill, Black Crappie, Chain Pickerel, Yellow Perch, and catfish at this lake.
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Harris Pond, Luzerne County:
A complete drawdown of this 30-acre impoundment will begin in the fall of 2025. The $1.9 million project will include rehabilitation of the dam embankment and spillway to meet PA DEP dam safety standards.
The project is expected to last roughly 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.
Rose Valley Lake, Lycoming County:
A complete drawdown of this 389-acre impoundment will begin in the spring of 2026. The $5 million project will include rehabilitation of the dam embankment and spillway to meet PA DEP dam safety standards.
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,' David Nihart, Chief of the PFBC Division of Fisheries Management said. '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.
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