HARRISBURG, Pa (March 15) – On March 8, 2021, The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) was notified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) about a rapid release of water from Woodcock Creek Lake located in Crawford County. This event resulted in a near total dewatering of the impoundment, which the USACE indicated was due to a malfunction with the outflow structure that regulates water releases.
Immediately upon being notified of this unanticipated drawdown of water, PFBC staff visually surveyed the lake and Woodcock Creek, Section 03 (outflow of the lake downstream to its confluence with French Creek). No dead or distressed fish were observed in the lake or stream at that time.
Additional follow-up is ongoing to fully evaluate the effect that this incident may have had on the lake and downstream watershed. At this time, it is premature for PFBC staff to speculate on status of the lake's fishery and any potential impact to downstream waters and aquatic organisms. Staff will continue to monitor the situation and gather additional details to inform future management actions to optimize the fishery at Woodcock Creek Lake.
Woodcock Creek, Section 03, remains scheduled to receive its preseason stocking of adult hatchery trout on March 27, 2021.
Questions regarding the cause of the incident should be directed to the USACE.
About Woodcock Creek Lake
Woodcock Creek Lake is located in Woodcock Creek Township, Crawford County, approximately five miles northeast of the City of Meadville. This 333-acre impoundment is owned by the USACE and the fishery is managed by the PFBC. The dam impounds Woodcock Creek at river mile 3.5 upstream from its confluence with French Creek.
Constructed in 1973, Woodcock Creek Lake was designed primarily to reduce downstream flooding as part of the French Creek flood control system, but also to improve downstream water quality and to provide a diversified array of recreation activities. The USACE maintains the lake at a summer pool elevation at 1,180 feet for recreational purposes and the lake undergoes an annual winter drawdown starting in September which maintain a pool elevation of 1,165 feet.
Woodcock Creek Lake is managed in the PFBC's Brood Stock Lakes program and is stocked by the Commission with yearling Muskellunge and fingerling Walleye to maintain fishing opportunities for those species. The lake also provides quality fishing opportunities for Smallmouth Bass and panfish. During 2020, the PFBC partnered with the USACE and the Crawford County Conservation District to complete a habitat enhancement project utilizing funding from the Commission's Voluntary Bass Permit.
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Media Contact:
Mike Parker
Communications Director
(717)585-3076
michparker@pa.gov