Tionesta Lake boating rules
No horsepower limit is listed for Tionesta Lake in 58 Pa. Code §111.27(1), but other rules apply: life jackets must be worn at all times on boats under 16 feet and on any canoe, kayak or paddleboard. Source: 58 Pa. Code §111.27(1). Verified Oct. 4, 2026.
- Motors
- No horsepower limit listed
- Max horsepower
- None is listed in 58 Pa. Code §111.27(1)
- Electric boats
- No lake-specific electric rule listed
- 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 +2 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 58 Pa. Code §111.27(1). The official text and posted signs control.
All rules for Tionesta 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
Read the exact wording
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.
Slow, no-wake upstream of the Little Piney Run confluence.
Where: upstream from the confluence of Little Piney Run
Read the exact wording
Boats are limited to slow, no wake speed upstream from the confluence of Little Piney Run.
Ramps
| # | Name | Paved ramp | Trailer parking | Dock | ADA | Fee | Coordinates | Open in maps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nebraska | Yes | Yes | No | Not listed | No | 41.47101, -79.38282 | geoGoogleAppleOSM |
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 Tionesta Lake?
Gas motors aren't banned, and no horsepower limit is listed in 58 Pa. Code §111.27(1). Source: 58 Pa. Code §111.27(1).
What is the horsepower limit on Tionesta Lake?
None is listed in 58 Pa. Code §111.27(1). Source: 58 Pa. Code §111.27(1).
Are personal watercraft (PWCs, often called jet skis) allowed on Tionesta Lake?
No lake-specific PWC rule found (statewide PWC rules apply). Source: 58 Pa. Code §111.27(1).
Is there a speed limit on Tionesta Lake?
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 Tionesta Lake?
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 Tionesta Lake?
1 PFBC-verified public ramp is listed below, with coordinates.
Nearby lakes with the same motor rule
- Allegheny Reservoir36.7 mi, straight-line
- Treasure Lake41.9 mi, straight-line
- Lake LeBoeuf42.8 mi, straight-line
- East Branch Clarion River Lake45.7 mi, straight-line
- Conneaut Lake46.6 mi, straight-line
Sources & verification
- § 111.27. Forest 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).
How to cite: PA Lake Rules Atlas, lakepennsylvania.org, Tionesta Lake boating rules, verified Oct. 4, 2026.
https://lakepennsylvania.org/lakes/tionesta-lake/
Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · official text re-checked Nov. 1, 2026