HARRISBURG, PA — As summer heats up, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is urging anglers and boaters to safely enjoy the state’s numerous waterways. During the quarterly business meeting on July 22, PFBC President William Gibney emphasized the importance of safety and mindfulness while participating in water activities.
“There is still plenty of time this summer to enjoy the water safely and continue to make fishing and boating memories with family and friends,” said Gibney. “With the recent stretch of hot and dry weather across the Commonwealth, even more people are flocking to our rivers, lakes, and streams to have fun and find some relief from the heat. While there is plenty of room for everyone, please continue to be courteous to others and be mindful of our aquatic resources. Please keep our natural areas clean and always wear your lifejacket.”
Operation Dry Water
Executive Director Tim Schaeffer provided an update on Operation Dry Water, a special enforcement operation aimed at preventing boating accidents and fatalities. Conducted over the Independence Day weekend from July 4-6, the operation involved 61 Waterways Conservation Officers (WCOs) and 34 deputy WCOs. The initiative, held in partnership with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the U.S. Coast Guard, resulted in 12 Boating Under the Influence (BUI) arrests. One individual was found operating a boat with a Blood Alcohol Concentration of .25, more than three times the legal limit. Additionally, 234 general boating citations and 876 warnings were issued.
To date, nine recreational boating fatalities have been reported in Pennsylvania in 2024. For more information on boating safety, including life jacket requirements, visit the PFBC website.
Boating Regulations
The Commissioners approved several proposed rulemakings related to boating safety and regulations:
- Engine Cut-Off Switches: A new section (58 Pa. Code § 95.10) will align PFBC regulations with U.S. Coast Guard rules, requiring operators of boats under 26 feet to use an engine cut-off switch when operating at speeds greater than slow no-wake. This amendment, if approved, will take effect on January 1, 2025.
- Boat Capacity Plates: The PFBC will remove the section of the code (58 Pa. Code § 99a) pertaining to boat capacity plates, as federal capacity plate requirements are enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard. This change will take effect upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
- Boating Facility Grant: An additional $64,000 was approved for Wayne County to complete a new canoe/kayak access along the Lackawaxen River. The original grant, approved in April 2021, was for $193,682.
Fisheries Management
The Board also approved several changes to fishing regulations across the state:
- Atlantic Striped Bass: Proposed changes to the Atlantic Striped Bass fishery in the Delaware River and Estuary will revise harvestable length and creel limits to comply with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASMFC) Addendum II to Amendment 7. These changes aim to reduce fishing mortality and support stock rebuilding by 2029. Specific size and creel limits will be implemented, along with filleting requirements, starting January 1, 2025.
- Chapman Dam Reservoir: The 68-acre impoundment will be removed from Miscellaneous Special Regulations and managed under Commonwealth Inland Waters regulations. The reservoir was recently restocked and evaluated, showing improved sportfish populations.
- Glade Run Lake: The 52-acre lake will transition to management under Big Bass and Panfish Enhancement special regulations. The lake was refilled and restocked after dam repairs, with sportfish populations now capable of sustaining limited harvest.
- Meadow Grounds Lake: The 204-acre lake will be removed from the Catch-and-Release Lakes program and managed under Commonwealth Inland Waters regulations. The lake was recently restocked and evaluated, showing improved sportfish populations.
- Bradford City Number Two Reservoir: The 39-acre reservoir will be removed from the Catch-and-Release Lakes program and managed under Commonwealth Inland Waters regulations. Sportfish populations have shown improvement.
- Lower Woods Pond: The 91-acre pond will be designated for management under the Catch-and-Release Lakes program. The pond was partially dewatered for dam repairs and will be restocked starting fall 2024.
- Little Bear Creek: A .27-mile section of the creek in Lycoming County will be designated as an Exclusive Use Fishing Area for children and special populations. This section will receive supplemental stockings and host year-round events.
- Class A Wild Trout Streams: The Board approved the addition of 31 new waters to the Class A wild trout streams list and 95 new waters to the wild trout streams list.
The PFBC continues to monitor and manage Pennsylvania’s aquatic resources, ensuring sustainable and enjoyable fishing and boating experiences for all.
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