The PFBC is expected to maintain the lake at the current water level while the agency’s engineering staff makes plans to fix deficiencies with the dam’s spillway discovered during a July 2009 inspection. “Boaters can still use the launching facilities while this repair process goes through the stages of completion,” said Daniel Leonard, director of the PFBC Bureau of Engineering and Property Services. “However, boaters should exercise patience and extra precautions to safely launch and retrieve their boats.”

The PFBC has established a preliminary estimate of repairs at $500,000. While the timeline for completing the repairs depends on acquiring funding, the dam is tentatively scheduled to be repaired by summer 2012.

In the past, routine winter drawdowns have been successful at reducing aquatic vegetation congestion in the lake by exposing shallow areas to drying and the freezing temperatures of winter. This management practice kills the plants, which can impact fishing conditions and some fish species. Normal pool level is usually reestablished in the spring, but with the recent discovery of repairs needed, boaters and anglers are asked to be patient so this excellent fishery can be maintained well into the future.

Kahle Lake is a 251-acre, PFBC-owned impoundment located on the border of Clarion and Venango counties near Emlenton. It is managed to allow fishing opportunities for largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, black crappies, walleye and brown bullhead.

For specific information about Kahle Lake or other lakes in the area, contact Area Fisheries Manager Allen Woomer at 814-755-3890 or awoomer@pa.gov.

The mission of the Fish and Boat Commission is to protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities. For more information about fishing and boating in Pennsylvania, please visit our website at www.fishandboat.com.

CONTACT

Keith Edwards
kedwards@pa.gov
814-336-2426