Boating
What could be more exciting than boating on one of our lakes? Tionesta Lake features a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Power boating, water skiing and canoe enthusiasts will find unlimited opportunities for water-based recreation on the six mile long lake formed by the Tionesta Dam. More than 3,000 acres are available for swimming, fishing, lakeshore and boat only access camping and picnics. The East Branch Lake boasts fishing and unlimited horsepower boating, two boat launches and 41 campsites for trailers & tents.
Water enthusiasts can choose from a variety of settings ranging from wild and scenic rivers to miles of open waterways and scenic coves.
Unlimited horsepower boating is permitted on East Branch Clarion Lake, Tionesta Lake, and the Clarion Reservoir at Piney Dam, Rt. 68 in Clarion.
The Wild and Scenic Clarion River meanders for more than 100 miles past undisturbed forests and steep-sided hillsides, providing spectacular views and a sense of isolation. The Clarion is located in northwestern Pennsylvania and is a major tributary to the Allegheny River. The East and West Branches of the river originate in McKean County and flow southerly before merging at Johnsonburg in Elk County. The East Branch Dam located near Wilcox controls the headwaters. From the confluence at Johnsonburg, the river flows 95 miles before emptying into the Allegheny just south of Foxburg. From Ridgway in Elk County to the backwaters of the Piney Reservoir in Clarion County, 51.7 miles is designated as a National Wild and Scenic River with recreational and scenic segments. The Clarion has a unique picturesque quality with diverse and mature vegetation, sinuous channels and varying water conditions. This river is truly a wild and scenic waterway. The Clarion is popular for family canoeing, as well as for trophy brown trout and small mouth bass fishing. Public access locations are available at Portland Mills and Irwin Run Bridge.
Our second Wild and Scenic River is 87 miles of the Allegheny River. This stretch of the Allegheny was so designated to protect its natural, cultural and recreational features. This designation protects its free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Beginning at the Kinzua dam, this prestigious river flows through areas of narrow forest valleys and broad rural landscapes. There are over one hundred undeveloped islands, including seven Wilderness Islands included in this stretch of river.
The region offers many places to fish for species such as trout, bass, walleye and muskellunge. Wild trout are abundant in cold streams and fast flowing rivers. The Tionesta Creek headwaters and the upper Clarion River are excellent. Smallmouth bass can be found in rivers and large streams like the Tionesta Creek. Largemouth bass are plentiful in Buzzard Swamp, Kyle Lake and Kahle Lake. Muskellunge are catchable throughout the Allegheny River Basin, including the Tionesta Reservoir.
Online maps are available by county for boating and fishing through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. You can access their website at http://www.fish.state.pa.us to print a map for the area you are interested in.
