Francis E. Walter Reservoir boating rules

Carbon and Luzerne counties

Motors up to 10 hp, gas or electric (about 7.5 kW, our conversion), are allowed on Francis E. Walter Reservoir. A boat with a bigger motor may launch, but that motor can't be used. Sources: 58 Pa. Code §111.13(b); 58 Pa. Code §111.40(b). Verified Oct. 4, 2026.

10 hp max≈ 7.5 kW, our conversion

Motors

10 hp max

Max horsepower

10 hp (≈ 7.5 kW, our conversion)

Electric boats

Within 10 hp (≈ 7.5 kW, our conversion)

PWCs

No lake-specific PWC rule found (statewide PWC rules apply)

Speed limits

No mph limit listed

Towing / skiing

No lake-specific towing rule listed

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

No PFBC-verified ramp listed — see agency notes

Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · official text re-checked Nov. 1, 2026

Summary of 58 Pa. Code §111.13(b). The official text and posted signs control.

All rules for Francis E. Walter Reservoir

Motors over 10 hp may not be used (Carbon County section of the Code).

58 Pa. Code §111.13(b) · Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · re-checked Nov. 1, 2026

Read the exact wording
The use of motors in excess of 10 horsepower is prohibited.
Motors over 10 hp may not be used (Luzerne County section of the Code).

58 Pa. Code §111.40(b) · Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · re-checked Nov. 1, 2026

Read the exact wording
The use of motors in excess of 10 horsepower is prohibited.

Statewide rules that apply here

The limit counts electric motors too. A boat with a bigger motor may still launch, but that motor may not be used.

58 Pa. Code §107.1 · Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · re-checked Nov. 1, 2026

Read the exact wording
On waters where horsepower limitations are prescribed, as set forth in Chapter 111 (relating to special regulations counties), horsepower limitations apply to both internal combustion motors and electric motors. Boats with motors larger than the maximum horsepower shall be permitted but the motors may not be used.

We did not find a public access point for this lake in our sources. The rules still apply to anyone boating here.

Ramps

Simplified outline from PFBC lake data. Not for navigation.

PFBC's access data lists no verified public ramp on this lake.

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:

Questions

Can I use a gas motor on Francis E. Walter Reservoir?

Yes, up to 10 hp. Source: 58 Pa. Code §111.13(b).

What is the horsepower limit on Francis E. Walter Reservoir?

10 hp, which also covers electric motors (about 7.5 kW, our conversion). Source: 58 Pa. Code §111.13(b).

Are personal watercraft (PWCs, often called jet skis) allowed on Francis E. Walter Reservoir?

No lake-specific PWC rule found (statewide PWC rules apply). Source: 58 Pa. Code §111.13(b).

Is there a speed limit on Francis E. Walter Reservoir?

No mph limit is listed for this lake. Statewide, boats must go slow, no-wake within 100 feet of shore, docks, launch ramps, swimmers and anchored boats. Source: 58 Pa. Code §103.3(a).

Do I need a permit to launch on Francis E. Walter Reservoir?

Motorboats must be registered; unpowered boats at PFBC and state park or forest access areas need a registration or launch permit. Source: PFBC: Launch Permit vs. Unpowered Boat Registration.

Where can I launch on Francis E. Walter Reservoir?

PFBC's access data lists no verified public ramp here.

Nearby lakes with the same motor rule

Lakeside Pond39.2 mi, straight-line
Quaker Lake60.1 mi, straight-line
Bimini Lake155.8 mi, straight-line
Mahoning Creek Lake182.1 mi, straight-line
Keystone Lake (Armstrong Co.)188.3 mi, straight-line

Copy summary

Francis E. Walter Reservoir (Carbon Co.): 10 hp max. Motors over 10 hp may not be used (Carbon County section of the Code). Motors over 10 hp may not be used (Luzerne County section of the Code). Source: 58 Pa. Code §111.13(b). Verified Oct. 4, 2026. https://lakepennsylvania.org/lakes/francis-e-walter-reservoir/

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<a href="https://lakepennsylvania.org/lakes/francis-e-walter-reservoir/"><img src="https://lakepennsylvania.org/badge/francis-e-walter-reservoir.svg" alt="Francis E. Walter Reservoir: 10 hp max — rules at PA Lake Rules Atlas" width="300" height="80"></a>

Sources & verification

§ 111.13. Carbon 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).
§ 111.40. Luzerne 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).
§ 107.1. Horsepower restrictions. — 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, Francis E. Walter Reservoir boating rules, verified Oct. 4, 2026.

https://lakepennsylvania.org/lakes/francis-e-walter-reservoir/
Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · official text re-checked Nov. 1, 2026