The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission has taken a step toward amending boating regulations on the Allegheny Reservoir.

The action is a “notice of proposed rulemaking” and will impact the Allegheny Reservoir in McKean and Warren counties.

“Many of the controlled areas on the lake are indicated in PFBC regulations and are marked with aids to navigation (i.e., buoys) by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,” Mike Parker, PFBC Communications Director said in a statement. “The area near Elijah Run, in the southeastern portion of the reservoir in McKean County, is currently marked by USACE as a slow, no wake zone to protect the boat launch area; however, it is not part of the PFBC’s regulations.”

Commission action on Monday adds the area near Elijah Run to the existing McKean County regulations for the reservoir “so that these speed restrictions may be enforced by PFBC Waterways Conservation Officers.”

A “generic subsection referring to other coves, bays, inlets, arms, and areas marked with slow, no-wake buoys” will be added to the regulations for both McKean and Warren counties.

The Commission says that would “allow the USACE to respond quickly to areas that become problematic by marking them accordingly.”

A final action on these proposed changes would require action at a future meeting.

SUCCESSFUL SEASON OPENER

Trout season opened April 1 and officials with the Commission took a minute in this week’s meeting to talk about this year’s opener.

“The excitement that surrounds our spring fishing opportunities, especially the Opening Day of trout season earlier this month, can still be felt all across Pennsylvania,” Tim Schaeffer, PFBC Executive Director, said. “The quality of the trout raised at our state fish hatcheries this year has been incredible, and anglers have flocked to the water to test their skills, relax, and make lasting memories with friends and family.”

He noted that stocked trout fishing opportunities will continue statewide with in-season stockings through the end of May.

“When you take advantage of the plentiful stocked trout, our phenomenal wild trout streams, panfish and catfish action that is starting to pick up as the water warms, and the opening of Walleye season on May 6, there truly is no better time than right now to hit the water,” Schaeffer said.