East Branch Lake

Authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1938, East Branch Clarion River Lake is one of 16 flood damage reduction projects in the Pittsburgh District. East Branch Clarion River Lake is a key link in a system of flood damage reduction projects for the Allegheny and Upper Ohio Rivers, Clarion River Valley and especially the Boroughs of Johnsonburg and Ridgway, Pennsylvania. Since its completion in 1952, East Branch Clarion River Lake has prevented flood damages estimated to be more than 88 million dollars. The reservoir also provides low flow augmentation during dry periods when water quality or flow is critical to reduce pollution and provide water for domestic, industrial and recreation uses downstream of the dam. Water released from the reservoir helps maintain commercial river traffic in coordination with other Pittsburgh District and Great Lakes and Ohio River Division flood damage reduction projects.

  • Contact
    East Branch Clarion River Lake Office:
    (814) 965-2065

    Daily Lake and Recreation Information:
    (814) 965- 5851
  • Location
    East Branch Lake
    631 East Branch Dam Road
    Wilcox, PA 15870-9748
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Recreation, Events, Facilities & Activities

In the heart of Elk County and scenic upper Clarion River Valley, the US Army Corps of Engineers invites you to visit and enjoy the ideal setting for a variety of recreational experiences. East Branch Lake is surrounded by Elk State Park, Elk State Forest and State Game Lands to further enhance the idyllic setting of your visit.

With its clean, clear, deep waters, East Branch Clarion River Lake offers anglers the opportunity to harvest tiger muskellunge, smallmouth bass, walleye or lake trout. Try fly fishing in the delayed harvest area below the dam to land a trophy trout. For the hearty angler, try ice fishing during the winter months.

Boats with unlimited horse power, canoes and kayaks can take the opportunity recreate and visit secluded bays and experience unspoiled scenery and nature.

The East Branch campground provides a unique, tranquil setting for a camping experience. The campground has 5 pull-through electric sites, 18 RV electric sites, 3 tent-only non-electric sites and 4 cabins. The cabins each include electric with multiple outlets, a small front porch, and a full-size bedframe with a twin-bunk bedframe. A shower house with restrooms is available within the campground. Camping reservations must be made on recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

For a relaxing picnic with family and friends, take advantage of the Overlook Picnic Area and enjoy the panoramic view of the lake and dam. Take a hike on the adjacent self-guided Shady Ridge Nature Trail.

Hunting is prohibited on federal property, however adjacent to East Branch Clarion River Lake is Elk State Forest and state game land that will provide hunters with an abundance of game such as, deer, turkey, bear and small game.

Interactive Reservoir Map

 

East Branch Lake News

Army Corps to reopen East Branch Dam with ribbon-cutting ceremony, open-house for public
5/17/2021
The Pittsburgh District will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and an open house at the East Branch Clarion River Lake May 27 to mark the completion of the cutoff wall construction and dam repairs that began in 2014. The event also marks the district’s plans to return normal pool levels per the lake’s Water Control Manual.
East Branch Dam Safety Modification Project Returning to normal operations, weather permitting
10/19/2020
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District announces its intent to return East Branch Dam, located in Wilcox, Pennsylvania, to pre-2008 normal operations.
Boat Launch Ramp to Close, Dam Face Work Continues
8/12/2020
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District’s East Branch Lake Dam announces its boat launch ramp will close Monday, Aug. 24 due to falling lake levels and urges continued caution to travelers as dam construction work continues.

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