Rose Valley Lake continues to be a hot topic. I have entertained several rumors. They need to make some repairs. We have chatted back and forth for the past 3 years. Many new conversations of late. It looks like they will need to drain the entire lake. It takes time to secure the funds. Many organizations are involved. Permits and signatures are needed.
Rose Valley Lake is the largest body of water in Lycoming County. The man-made reservoir covers 389 gorgeous acres. The lake is owned by the Commonwealth. She is managed by Pennsylvania Fish and Boat. Rose Valley is a popular destination for local paddlers and bird watchers. But its primary use is for fishing. The Spencer family and many others take full advantage of these opportunities.
Rose Valley was constructed in the mid-60s. The idea of a recreational lake was tossed around for several seasons. It took eight years for the Fish and Boat Commission to build her. They blocked and redirected Mill Creek by creating a dam measuring 25 feet high and 410 feet long. Water eventually poured into the basin to form our existing lake. Again. This dam is the reason for our concerns.
Located a few miles north of Williamsport, Rose Valley can be fished year-round. She yields a variety of warm-water species. We catch a ton of Largemouth Bass and Pickerel. Ice fishermen routinely harvest monster Panfish and some healthy Yellow Perch. There is also a good population of Walleye. Perhaps a few Muskies. But finding these prized fish can be quite difficult. My family and I have been visiting Rose Valley for eons. Kayaks. Canoes. Several of our friends even paddleboard. Hundreds of photos and many fantastic memories.
State Representative Joe Hamm provided an update. He hosted a TOWN HALL in Eldred Township last week. My man Joe wanted to clear the air. He later provided a summary. Lots of great information. He answered many of our questions. Here are a few lines from his presser. I am a fan of Representative Hamm.
“The estimated $6.9 million project will include rehabilitation of the dam embankment and spillway to meet the PA Department of Environmental Protection dam safety standards. Currently, the dam has inadequate spillway capacity, a deteriorating spillway and training walls, and an obsolete embankment drainage system. The dam is not in immediate danger of failure. Rather, this project is a proactive approach to avoid long-term closure and to provide the best conditions for fish repopulation. Last year, Fish and Boat lifted all seasons, sizes, and creel limit restrictions at Rose Valley Lake in anticipation of the lake drawdown. This will remain in place until further notice.”
“The Fish & Boat Commission has applied for the proper permits and received a technical review from the DEP. Please note that contract bidding and award, lake drawdown, and construction will not proceed until all permits are obtained. Currently, the lake drawdown is tentatively scheduled for the Fall of 2026. Rose Valley will be initiated at a rate of 2 feet per week until dewatered. Bank seeding and erosion control will occur at that time. The Fish Salvage operations will continue until the lake is drained. The Dam Area will be prepared to allow for hatchery truck access. The discharge channel will be modified to ease the capture of fish.”
“Once construction begins, the project is expected to last approximately one and a half years. The current timeline is tentative for Fall 2027 through Summer 2029. The lake refill will take approximately 6-9 months following construction completion. Again. These timeframes are subject to change as everything is contingent on when the Fish & Boat Commission receives its permits. The Fish & Boat Commission will reintroduce fish immediately after the lake fills. Bureau of Fisheries staff plan to stock species that are currently in the lake.”
“I appreciate everyone who attended, as the TOWN HALL led to many great discussions and a better understanding of the Rose Valley Dam Project. I will continue to press the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission to complete this large project on time. I will also ensure the Lake restoration creates enhanced outdoor opportunities for many generations to come. Thank you”
Change is hard. It is never easy. Hang in there, folks. This should all work out for the better. I applaud my friend Joe Hamm for hosting. This is a proactive approach to make Rose Valley Lake shine. She is in a fantastic place. So many memories. More thoughts and articles to come. Cheers.
