Times Observer file photo A group of volunteers assisted Corry Fish Hatchery Fish Culturist Toby Goble (left) in releasing about 1,700 rainbow and brown trout into the lake at Chapman State Park in May 2023. The FIsh and Game Commission has approved an action - effective Jan. 1 - to remove fishing regulations that had been in place since the lake was dewatered in 2017.

The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission has approved an action – effective Jan. 1, 2025 – to remove fishing restrictions for the reservoir at Chapman State Park.

The commission took the action during a Monday meeting.

“Under these changes, the 68-acre impoundment will be removed from Miscellaneous Special Regulations which require catch-and-release for all species except trout,” the Commission said in a statement, “and allow PFBC staff to consider this reservoir for management of all species with Commonwealth Inland Waters regulations.”

This step brings to a close the restoration process stemming from the 2017 dewatering of the lake which was required “to upgrade the dam and spillway structures per Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection dam safety standards,” according to the Commission.

The reservoir was refilled in 2018 and stocked with “select fish species to establish a high-quality, warm-water and cool-water fishery” from 2019 through 2023

“Sportfish abundance and population size structure have improved to levels where populations can now sustain harvest,” the Commission concluded.

“There is still plenty of time this summer to enjoy the water safely and continue to make fishing and boating memories with family and friends,” PFBC President William Gibney said during the meeting. “With the recent stretch of hot and dry weather across the Commonwealth, even more people are flocking to our rivers, lakes, and streams to have fun and find some relief from the heat.

“While there is plenty of room for everyone, please continue to be courteous to others and be mindful of our aquatic resources. Please keep our natural areas clean and always wear your lifejacket.”