Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022 - 15

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
owns 992-acre West Branch French
Creek Conservation Area, the sole
public access currently on this branch.
Non-adjacent land parcels and three
parking areas in this conservation
preserve are best suited for anglers who
like an extended walk before casting a
line. The primary parking lot with picnic
pavilion is on Route 8 near Lowville. It is
the hub for a loop trail, which includes
a ½-mile hike before reaching West
Branch French Creek.
The main stem
The main stem of French Creek starts
photo-Marilyn Black
near Sherman, New York and crosses
into Pennsylvania close to Lowville,
proceeding to Wattsburg. It next goes
downstream through State Game Lands
#162 near Arbuckle, extensive wetlands
including State Game Lands #109, the
dry-bed Union City Dam, and under
Route 97 to its rendezvous with the
mouth of the South Branch French
Creek Mile 73.
In 1971, the United States Army Corps of Engineers
(USACE) constructed Union City Dam for flood control.
Unlike most USACE facilities with adjustable gates, this
is an uncontrolled detention structure that automatically
stores and releases water during periods of peak flow.
Paddlers do not attempt navigating upstream of Union
City Dam.
Instead, enter the main stem either at the dam outflow or
approximately 1 mile downstream where it gurgles under
the Route 97 bridge. An unmarked access, which local
residents refer to as Troyers Field, has grass-covered parking
on the south side of the highway along the east bank of
French Creek.
Downstream at about French Creek Mile 68 is
Wheelertown Flats, a Western Pennsylvania Conservancyowned
33-acre preserve. The parcel for kayaking sits
on the east edge of Flatts Road, bound on the north by
Wheelertown Road. LeBoeuf Creek enters the main stem
near French Creek Mile 66.
Private businesses located on the west bank at French
Creek Mile 64 (intersection of Routes 6-North and 19) offer
the last public access where watercraft may launch within
Erie County. Park & Float Kayak Rentals at 13939 Route 19
rents kayaks, charges for parking, and will shuttle customers
upstream. Just a stone's throw downstream from this
outfitter is Creekside Bar & Grille, 13973 Route 19, which
encourages paddlers and anglers to park and eat. Also, there
is an antiques store, where you may drop your boat into
French Creek but cannot park. Unattended vehicles will be
towed away.
LeBoeuf Creek, tributary
to French Creek
LeBoeuf Creek is the final major tributary to join French
Creek in Erie County. Most enthusiasts find it convenient
to utilize a public launch on LeBoeuf Lake, a 72-acre opensystem
(no dam) lake. The PFBC's ramp with parking is
situated on Hazel Street, reached by Water Street from
Route 19 in downtown Waterford. The second access is a
gravel launch with parking at the south tip of LeBoeuf Lake,
beside Lakeside Tavern on Route 19. Paddlers journey 3 miles
before entering the main stem of French Creek.
Resources for maps and updates
French Creek Valley Conservancy
www.frenchcreekconservancy.org
814-337-4321
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
www.fishandboat.com
PFBC's Northwest Region Office: 814-336-2426
Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
wpcgis.maps.arcgis.com
412-288-2777
photo-Darl Black
William J. Wieczorek, Union City, fishing the main stem of
French Creek beneath the Route 97 bridge.
May/June 2022
15
http://www.frenchcreekconservancy.org http://www.fishandboat.com http://wpcgis.maps.arcgis.com
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2022

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