Pennsylvania Lifts Fishing Rules at Three Lakes

The state is removing catch and size limits ahead of upcoming dam safety renovations.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Fishing

Pennsylvania Lifts Fishing Rules at Three Lakes

Live Poll

Does removing fishing restrictions at your local lakes improve the outdoor experience for the community?

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has eliminated fishing seasons, size limits, and catch limits at Beechwood, Hunters, and Stevens lakes. These changes allow anglers to harvest fish more freely before the lakes are drained for required safety work.

Why it matters

The removal of restrictions ensures that local anglers can utilize the fish populations before the lakes undergo mandatory dam rehabilitation projects. These drawdowns are necessary to comply with state safety standards established by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

The impacted sites include 67-acre Beechwood Lake, 117-acre Hunters Lake, and 62-acre Stevens Lake. Renovation costs for these projects are estimated at $8 million, $3 million, and $2.4 million respectively.

The players

Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission

This state agency is responsible for the protection, propagation, and management of fish and aquatic resources in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

This state department oversees the implementation of dam safety standards to ensure the protection of public infrastructure and the environment.

The details

Anglers may now harvest all game fish at Beechwood and Hunters lakes, with the exception of trout, while Stevens Lake allows for the harvest of all game fish including trout. The lakes are slated to be drained starting in fall 2027 to facilitate construction projects expected to last approximately 18 months.

October 13, 2026: The commission announced the regulatory changes.
Through Spring 2027: Trout stocking will continue at the affected lakes as scheduled.
Fall 2027: The scheduled drawdown of the three lakes begins.

Culture Shift

These lake modifications reflect a broader push toward aging infrastructure renewal in Pennsylvania to meet modern environmental safety protocols. This shift prioritizes long-term dam integrity over the immediate maintenance of historical recreational fishing limitations at these sites.

Local anglers can take advantage of the lifted restrictions to harvest more fish than typically permitted until the drawdown begins in fall 2027. Residents should prepare for significant changes to accessibility at Beechwood, Hunters, and Stevens lakes once the construction phase commences.

The takeaway

Anglers should note that while current harvest rules are suspended, these lakes will remain unavailable for the duration of the 18-month construction period beginning in 2027. Planning trips before the fall 2027 drawdown is recommended for those wishing to utilize these specific public waters.