Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2014 - 54

Mega Water Recreation at

Lake Wallenpaupack
by Alex Zidock Jr.
At the visitor center near the dam
at Lake Wallenpaupack, Pike and
Wayne counties, there is an old
dugout canoe on display. Now
protected from the elements, the
canoe is a reminder of days gone
by when Minisink, Lenape and Paupack Native Americans
used the Wallenpaupack River for transportation. Dammed
and flooded in 1926, a portion of the river became a lake.
Canoes are still abundant, but paddleboats, kayaks, personal
watercraft, row boats, runabouts, sailing vessels, pontoon
boats, fishing boats and cruisers are also plentiful. You can
even take a ride on a parasail.
Lake Wallenpaupack is a hydroelectric facility owned
and operated by PPL under the guidelines of the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). A steel, 14-foot
wide enclosed flow line carries water from the 1,280 foot long
and 70 foot high dam near Hawley, 3.5 miles to the power
generating turbines capable of producing 44 megawatts
of electricity, enough power for about 35,000 homes. The
by-product of this commercial venture is a 5,700-acre lake
that is 13 miles long and reaches 60 feet deep in some places.
Dubbed the "Gem of the Poconos," Lake Wallenpaupack
has become the prime destination for those in northeastern
Pennsylvania seeking extensive water recreation.
Along the lake's 52-mile shoreline, and positioned around
the lake, PPL maintains four camping and recreation areas
open for general camping from the last Saturday in April
through the third Sunday in October. Beside regular camping
amenities, each campground has a boat launch, boat docks,
small store, showers and many campsites close to the water.
Each of the launch ramps charges a nominal fee for boat
launching and each rents boat slips. Near the dam at Mangan
Cove, there is a free Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission

54

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * July/August 2014

photo-courtesy of Lighthouse Harbor Marina

photo inset-Alex Zidock Jr.

(PFBC) launch ramp with boat trailer parking. On summer
weekends and holidays, the popular launch is very busy. At
Mangan Cove, there is a specially constructed handicap access
area. The second handicap access area is at Ironwood Point
Recreation Area.
I have not been able to turn up written records of what
few species of fish were native to the Wallenpaupack River,
but through the efforts of PFBC, there are now 26 species
of fish that call the lake their home. Fish stockings in recent
years include mostly Striped Bass, Walleyes and Channel
Catfish. However, in the past, the Commission introduced
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Chain Pickerel, Black Crappies
and even tiger muskellunge to the lake. The healthy Alewife
population keeps larger fish fed. Dock and shoreline anglers
catch abundant Yellow Perch, assorted panfish and catfish.
Plentiful Smallmouth Bass and Largemouth Bass keep
recreational and tournament anglers casting, pitching and
flipping lures around and between the many private docks
of the 1,500 lakefront property owners. Most homes around
the lake are vacation properties. Somewhat unique to Lake
Wallenpaupack is that PPL owns most of the lake shoreline.
Since hybrid striped bass and purebred Striped Bass were
introduced in the early 1980s, these feisty jumbo bass are
regularly reaching 20 pounds with some a bit heavier. The
lake record is just above 30 pounds. Although all buildings
and structures were razed and mostly removed during dam
construction, concrete foundations, old bridge piers and
similar objects provide cover for fish. The irregular bottom
from the original riverbed to the natural contour of humps
and points appeal to the lifestyle of many fish species.
Contour maps of the lake are available at area sport shops and
campground stores.
Boating on Lake Wallenpaupack takes on many forms.
The lake allows unlimited horsepower. However, there
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2014

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