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.
- Motors
- Unlimited horsepower (as listed by DCNR)
- Max horsepower
- Unlimited (as listed by DCNR)
- Electric boats
- No lake-specific electric rule listed
- PWCs
- PWCs only where posted open without an hp limit — check posted signs
- Speed limits
- 45 mph
- Towing / skiing
- No lake-specific towing rule listed +3 more rules
- Paperwork
- Motorboats (gas or electric): registration required. PFBC: Register/Title a Boat A boat registered in its home state is fine while visiting. 58 Pa. Code §93.11(c)
- Boating Safety Education Certificate: required for PWCs, and for motors over 25 hp if born on or after Jan. 1, 1982. PFBC: Apply for a Boating Safety Education Certificate
- Unpowered boats: registration, a PFBC launch permit or a DCNR launch permit. PFBC: Launch Permit vs. Unpowered Boat Registration
- Ramps
- 1 PFBC-verified ramp
- Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · official text re-checked Nov. 1, 2026
Summary of DCNR Where to Boat table: Elk State Park. The official text and posted signs control.
All rules for East Branch Clarion River Lake
Gas (internal-combustion) motors are allowed.
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The operation of boats powered by internal combustion motors is permitted.
Speed limit 45 mph.
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The speed of boats is limited to 45 mph.
Boats with inboard engines that use over-the-transom or straight-stack exhausts may not be operated.
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It is unlawful to operate boats equipped with inboard engines with over-the-transom or straight stack type exhausts.
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.
Where: Sevenmile Run Bay; South Fork/Straight Creek Bay; East Branch Clarion River Bay from the no-wake buoys to the extreme backwaters
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Boats are limited to slow, no wake speed in the following areas: (i) Sevenmile Run Bay. (ii) South Fork/Straight Creek Bay. (iii) East Branch Clarion River Bay from the no-wake buoys to the extreme backwaters of the lake.
Life jackets must be worn at all times on boats under 16 feet and on any canoe, kayak or paddleboard.
When: at all times
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Persons shall wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device at all times when on board boats less than 16 feet in length or any canoe, kayak or paddleboard.
DCNR lists unlimited horsepower for this lake.
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Elk State Park | unlimited | 1,160 acres
DCNR's park page: unlimited horsepower motors permitted.
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Unlimited horsepower motors permitted
Statewide rules that apply here
Personal watercraft only where the park posts the lake open to motorboats with no horsepower limit; check posted signs.
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(3) Operating personal watercraft unless the body of water is posted as being open to motorboats without a limit on horsepower.
Ramps
| # | Name | Paved ramp | Trailer parking | Dock | ADA | Fee | Coordinates | Open in maps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Instanter Boat Launch | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not listed | No | 41.60607, -78.5597 | geoGoogleAppleOSM |
DCNR says: “One boat launch is on Instanter Drive. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also provides a boat launch by the dam.” Boating at Elk State Park
PFBC access data as of Aug. 27, 2026.
Before you go
Conditions change. Water levels, drawdowns, closures and algae advisories are posted by the agencies, not by us. Check before you leave:
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Questions
Can I use a gas motor on East Branch Clarion River Lake?
Yes. DCNR lists unlimited horsepower. Source: DCNR Where to Boat table: Elk State Park.
What is the horsepower limit on East Branch Clarion River Lake?
DCNR lists unlimited horsepower. Source: DCNR Where to Boat table: Elk State Park.
Are personal watercraft (PWCs, often called jet skis) allowed on East Branch Clarion River Lake?
PWCs only where posted open without an hp limit — check posted signs. Source: 17 Pa. Code §11.219(f)(3).
Is there a speed limit on East Branch Clarion River Lake?
45 mph. Source: 58 Pa. Code §111.24(1).
Do I need a permit to launch on East Branch Clarion River Lake?
Launching needs a DCNR launch or mooring permit, or a PFBC registration or use permit. Source: 17 Pa. Code §11.219(i)(3).
Where can I launch on East Branch Clarion River Lake?
1 PFBC-verified public ramp is listed below, with coordinates.
Nearby lakes with the same motor rule
- Allegheny Reservoir28.6 mi, straight-line
- Treasure Lake30.6 mi, straight-line
- Curwensville Lake45.5 mi, straight-line
- Tionesta Lake45.7 mi, straight-line
- Foster Joseph Sayers Lake60.8 mi, straight-line
Sources & verification
- § 111.24. Elk County. — fetched Oct. 4, 2026, re-checked Nov. 1, 2026. The Pennsylvania Code website reflects changes effective through 56 Pa.B. 5370 (August 8, 2026).
- Where to Boat — fetched Oct. 4, 2026, re-checked Nov. 1, 2026
- Boating at Elk State Park — fetched Oct. 4, 2026, re-checked Nov. 1, 2026
- § 11.219. Boating. — fetched Oct. 4, 2026, re-checked Nov. 1, 2026. The Pennsylvania Code website reflects changes effective through 56 Pa.B. 5370 (August 8, 2026).
How to cite: PA Lake Rules Atlas, lakepennsylvania.org, East Branch Clarion River Lake boating rules, verified Oct. 4, 2026.
https://lakepennsylvania.org/lakes/east-branch-clarion-river-lake/
Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · official text re-checked Nov. 1, 2026