General Information
- 5,700 Acres
- 13 miles long
- 52 miles of shoreline
- 60 feet at maximum depth
- 2 miles at greatest width
A little history…
Lake Wallenpaupack in the Pocono Mountains is a comfortable drive from many cities in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
PPL (Pennsylvania Power & Light) built the 13 mile long 5,700 acre lake in 1926 as part of a hydroelectric project to increase its electric generating capacity. Today, with much greater demands for electricity, Wallenpaupack is an important auxiliary electric generating facility. The lake and hydroelectric projects are now owned by Brookfield Renewable.
The lake was formed by damming Wallenpaupack Creek on the boundary of Pike and Wayne Counties in northeastern Pennsylvania.
The lake, about 60 feet at its maximum depth, offers year-round recreation opportunities, including fishing, boating, and water-skiing. For more information on boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking, swimming and islands, contact the Brookfield office at (570)226-1373 or the Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center at (570)226-2141.
Brookfield maintains areas for family camping and recreation around the lake, each with its own resident director who oversees camping registrations and site management. Campers have access to electricity, coin-operated washing machines and clothes dryers, and hot showers between the last Saturday in April and the third Sunday in October. Each area has a small general store, dock rentals, launching ramps and picnic areas. PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED. Registered campers with self-contained trailers may use the dumping stations without charge. Please visit www.wilsonvillecampground.com, www.ledgedalerecarea.com, or www.ironwoodpoint.com for more info on camping directly on Lake Wallenpaupack.
Fishing
Lake fish includes small and largemouth bass, rock bass, walleye, muskellunge, pickerel, rainbow trout, brown trout, and yellow perch. Striped bass have been stocked in the lake. Note: When on the Lackawaxen River, watch for sudden rises in water level that occur when water is released periodically from the hydroelectric plant during generation. For electricity generating schedules and Lake Wallenpaupack water levels, call 1-800-807-2474.
Fishing Licenses
A PA fishing license is required for anyone who is 16 years of age and older. It is illegal to fish without a fishing license. PA fishing licenses are required to be displayed on an outer garment while fishing. Contact the campgrounds or the Wallenpaupack Sports Shop at 570-226-4797 for licensing info.
How Can I Get A Boating Safety Education Certificate?
Mandatory Boating Education – Boaters must successfully complete a classroom or long distance leaning Fish and Boat Commission approved boating course (a fee may be charged). PA residents must have a certificate issued by the Commission or by another state. To find a boating course near you, contact one of the following resources:
- PA Fish & Boat Commission site: www.fish.state.pa.us
- PA Fish & Boat Commission Boating Course Hotline: 1-888-PAFISH-1 (1-888-723-4741)
- Long Distance Learning Course: www.boat-ed/com/pa/ to access the Boat Pennsylvania Internet Course
1-800-830-2268 to order the video / correspondence course.
MORE RESOURCES
Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission
Visit www.fishandboat.com for info.