---
title: "East Branch Clarion River Lake boating rules"
url: https://lakepennsylvania.org/lakes/east-branch-clarion-river-lake/
verified: 2026-10-04
checked: 2026-11-01
verdict: "Unlimited horsepower (as listed by DCNR)"
---

# East Branch Clarion River Lake boating rules

DCNR lists unlimited horsepower for East Branch Clarion River Lake, with a 45 mph speed limit. Personal watercraft only where the park posts the lake open without an hp limit — check posted signs. Sources: DCNR Elk State Park; 58 Pa. Code §111.24(1). Verified Oct. 4, 2026.

## Rules

- Gas (internal-combustion) motors are allowed. — [58 Pa. Code §111.24(1)](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/058/chapter111/s111.24.html) — verified 2026-10-04
- Speed limit 45 mph. — [58 Pa. Code §111.24(1)](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/058/chapter111/s111.24.html) — verified 2026-10-04
- Boats with inboard engines that use over-the-transom or straight-stack exhausts may not be operated. — [58 Pa. Code §111.24(1)](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/058/chapter111/s111.24.html) — verified 2026-10-04
- Slow, no-wake in Sevenmile Run Bay, South Fork/Straight Creek Bay, and the East Branch bay from the no-wake buoys to the backwaters. (Sevenmile Run Bay; South Fork/Straight Creek Bay; East Branch Clarion River Bay from the no-wake buoys to the extreme backwaters) — [58 Pa. Code §111.24(2)](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/058/chapter111/s111.24.html) — verified 2026-10-04
- Life jackets must be worn at all times on boats under 16 feet and on any canoe, kayak or paddleboard. (at all times) — [58 Pa. Code §111.24(3)](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/058/chapter111/s111.24.html) — verified 2026-10-04
- DCNR lists unlimited horsepower for this lake. — [DCNR Where to Boat table: Elk State Park](https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/what-to-do/boating/where-to-boat) — verified 2026-10-04
- DCNR's park page: unlimited horsepower motors permitted. — [DCNR Elk State Park boating page](https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/elk-state-park/boating) — verified 2026-10-04
- Personal watercraft only where the park posts the lake open to motorboats with no horsepower limit; check posted signs. — [17 Pa. Code §11.219(f)(3)](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/017/chapter11/s11.219.html) — verified 2026-10-04

## Ramps

- Instanter Boat Launch: 41.60607, -78.5597

## Sources

- [§ 111.24. Elk County.](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/058/chapter111/s111.24.html) (changes effective through 56 Pa.B. 5370 (August 8, 2026))
- [Where to Boat](https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/what-to-do/boating/where-to-boat)
- [Boating at Elk State Park](https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/elk-state-park/boating)
- [§ 11.219. Boating.](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/017/chapter11/s11.219.html) (changes effective through 56 Pa.B. 5370 (August 8, 2026))

PA Lake Rules Atlas is an independent website operated by WeldonPC; not affiliated with any agency. Summaries, not legal advice; the official text and posted signs control.