WATERCRAFT RENTALS RETURN FOR THE 2024 BOATING SEASON
The Montour Area Recreation Commission is pleased to announce that unpowered watercraft rentals at the Montour Preserve will return for the 2024 boating season (May 1 – October 31, 2024).
Whether you’re looking for a canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or other unpowered watercraft, the staff at the Riverside Adventure Company look forward to serving you again during the 2024 boating season on Lake Chillisquaque. Learn more about available options and book your rental now by calling (570) 854-2437 or by visiting the Riverside Adventure Company’s site.
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2024 VOLUNTARY LAUNCH TAGS NOW AVAILABLE
Show your support for the Montour Preserve by getting a 2024 Voluntary Launch Tag.
These tags are not required to use Lake Chillisquaque or the Montour Preserve’s boat launch,
but your voluntary support will help keep the lake and Preserve facilities open to the public.
To download an application form, please click the image above or click here.
LAKE CHILLISQUAQUE HISTORY AND OVERVIEW
Lake Chillisquaque, a 165-acre reservoir on the middle branch of Chillisquaque Creek, was built as a backup cooling water supply for the nearby Montour Steam Electric Station. The name ‘Chillisquaque’ comes from the native American term meaning ‘song of the wild goose’.
The lake is home to a naturally reproducing fish population monitored by the PA Fish & Boat Commission. The following game species can be found in the lake:
- Northern pike
- Largemouth bass
- Channel catfish
- Bullhead catfish
- Black crappie
- Bluegill
- Yellow perch
- Walleye
In cooperation with the PA Fish & Boat Commission and a local bass club, a variety of fish structures have been placed in the lake over the years to enhance fish habitats, recreational fishing, and provide shelter and spawning sites for fish. To learn more about the PA Fish & Boat Commission’s habitat improvement efforts, please click here.
When fishing in Lake Chillisquaque, the most effective baits are often minnows and worms. Anglers and fish favor some artificial baits such as jigs, buzz baits, Rapalas/Rebels, crankbaits, and plastic worms.
A line of buoys, shown on the map above, designates the boundary of the Montour Preserve Wildlife Refuge. Fishing and boating are not allowed within the refuge at any time.
LAKE RULES
- Launch permits are not required to boat on Lake Chillisquaque (voluntary launch tags are encouraged)
- Preserve hours are dawn to dark; however, night fishing is allowed from the Heron Cove boat launch parking lot with proper boat lighting (the Goose Cove side of the lake is closed at dark)
- Leave all pets at home; dogs (except service dogs) are not allowed at the Montour Preserve, even in watercraft
- Vehicles and trailers must be parked on paved surfaces in designated spots
- Do not swim in the lake, ponds, or streams
- Alcoholic beverages, narcotics, and discharging of firearms are prohibited
- Boating in Lake Chillisquaque is prohibited from March 15 – April 30; shore fishing is allowed during this time
- Boating and fishing in the Goose Cove wildlife refuge area is prohibited year-round (watch for buoys)
- Gasoline engines may not be used on the lake; electric motors are allowed
- Inflatable boats used on the lake must be at least 7ft in length, made of durable, reinforced fabric, and have at least two separate buoyancy chambers, exclusive of any inflatable floor or bottom
- Fishing is allowed in Lake Chillisquaque, but not in preserve ponds or streams
- Radios and other sources of noise must be kept at a level that will not disturb other preserve visitors
- From Nov. 1 – April 30, ALL BOATERS must wear a life jacket in boats less than 16ft in length or in any canoe or kayak; all boaters are strongly encouraged to wear a life jacket/PFD year-round
- Life jackets/PFDs are required for all watercraft occupants
- All PA Fish & Boat Commission regulations apply and are enforced by state waterways conservation officers
These rules are enforced by the PA Fish & Boat Commission, PA State Police, and the Montour Area Recreation Commission to provide a safe and enjoyable visit for all. To contact these agencies, please use the following telephone numbers:
- PA Fish & Boat Commission – Northcentral Regional Office – (814) 359-5250
- PA State Police – Troop F – 911
- Montour Area Recreation Commission – (570) 336-2060 or support@MontourPreserve.org
ICE FISHING
Ice fishing is a popular winter activity at Lake Chillisquaque when the weather allows the safe formation of ice.
WARNING – NO AGENCY INSPECTS THE ICE THICKNESS
ICE THICKNESS WILL VARY ACROSS THE LAKE
ICE FISHING OR OTHER ACTIVITIES PERFORMED ON THE ICE ARE DONE AT YOUR OWN RISK
To learn more about ice fishing safety, tips and tricks, please visit: http://www.fishandboat.com/Fish/Fishing/Pages/IceWinterFishing.aspx
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MORE FISHING / BOATING INFORMATION
The PA Fish & Boat Commission’s website contains a wealth of information for PA anglers and boaters. Please visit: