McWilliams Reservoir boating rules

Columbia and Northumberland counties · Managed by Weiser State Forest (DCNR)

McWilliams Reservoir is state forest water, where only electric motors may propel a boat; electric boats stay at slow, no-wake. Personal watercraft aren't allowed. Sources: 17 Pa. Code §21.109(c); DCNR Boating page: Weiser State Forest. Verified Oct. 4, 2026.

Electric motors only

Motors

Electric motors only

Max horsepower

Not applicable: only electric motors may be used.

Electric boats

Slow, no-wake only

PWCs

PWCs not allowed

Speed limits

Slow, no-wake

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 17 Pa. Code §21.109(c). The official text and posted signs control.

All rules for McWilliams Reservoir

On state forest waters, only electric motors may be used to propel a boat.

17 Pa. Code §21.109(c) · Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · re-checked Nov. 1, 2026

Read the exact wording
(c) Prohibition. The use of a motor type other than electric motor for propulsion of motorized watercraft is prohibited.
DCNR lists this lake among Weiser State Forest boating waters where electric motors are permitted.

DCNR Boating page: Weiser State Forest · Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · re-checked Nov. 1, 2026

Read the exact wording
Electric motor and non-motorized boats are permitted on two of the three reservoirs on the Roaring Creek tract within Weiser State Forest -- the 184-acre McWilliams' Reservoir and the 31-acre Kline's Reservoir.

Statewide rules that apply here

Electric-powered boats: slow, no-wake speed only.

58 Pa. Code §107.2(1.1) · Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · re-checked Nov. 1, 2026

Read the exact wording
(1.1) Boats propelled by electric motors where boating is permitted and internal combustion engines are prohibited shall not be operated at greater than slow, no-wake speed.
A gas engine may stay attached to the boat, but it may not be run.

58 Pa. Code §107.2(2) · Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · re-checked Nov. 1, 2026

Read the exact wording
(2) Internal combustion engines attached to or installed in boats need not be removed, but the operation of engines is specifically prohibited.
A personal watercraft is defined by its internal-combustion engine, so PWCs can't be used where those engines are banned.

58 Pa. Code §109.3(a)(1) · Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · re-checked Nov. 1, 2026

Read the exact wording
(1) Uses an internal combustion motor powering a water jet pump as its primary source of motive propulsion.

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 McWilliams Reservoir?

No. Only electric motors may be used. Source: 17 Pa. Code §21.109(c).

What is the horsepower limit on McWilliams Reservoir?

Not applicable: only electric motors may be used. Source: 17 Pa. Code §21.109(c).

Are personal watercraft (PWCs, often called jet skis) allowed on McWilliams Reservoir?

PWCs not allowed. Source: 58 Pa. Code §109.3(a)(1).

Is there a speed limit on McWilliams Reservoir?

Slow, no-wake. Source: 58 Pa. Code §107.2(1.1).

Do I need a permit to launch on McWilliams Reservoir?

Launching needs a DCNR launching or mooring permit, or a PFBC registration or use permit; boats on trailers launch only at designated launch areas. Source: 17 Pa. Code §21.109(e)(3).

Where can I launch on McWilliams Reservoir?

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

Nearby lakes with the same motor rule

Kline's Reservoir2.8 mi, straight-line
Locust Lake15.6 mi, straight-line
Briar Creek Lake17.4 mi, straight-line
Tuscarora Lake20.5 mi, straight-line
Lake Chillisquaque23 mi, straight-line

Copy summary

McWilliams Reservoir (Columbia Co.): Electric motors only. On state forest waters, only electric motors may be used to propel a boat. DCNR lists this lake among Weiser State Forest boating waters where electric motors are permitted. Source: 17 Pa. Code §21.109(c). Verified Oct. 4, 2026. https://lakepennsylvania.org/lakes/mcwilliams-reservoir/

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<a href="https://lakepennsylvania.org/lakes/mcwilliams-reservoir/"><img src="https://lakepennsylvania.org/badge/mcwilliams-reservoir.svg" alt="McWilliams Reservoir: Electric motors only — rules at PA Lake Rules Atlas" width="300" height="80"></a>

Sources & verification

§ 21.109. 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).
Boating — fetched Oct. 4, 2026, re-checked Nov. 1, 2026
§ 107.2. Electric motors. — fetched Oct. 4, 2026, re-checked Nov. 1, 2026. The Pennsylvania Code website reflects changes effective through 56 Pa.B. 5370 (August 8, 2026).
§ 109.3. Personal watercraft. — 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, McWilliams Reservoir boating rules, verified Oct. 4, 2026.

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