Youghiogheny River Lake boating rules
No horsepower limit is listed for Youghiogheny River Lake in 58 Pa. Code §111.56(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 (Somerset County section). Source: 58 Pa. Code §111.56(1). Verified Oct. 4, 2026.
- Motors
- No horsepower limit listed
- Max horsepower
- None is listed in 58 Pa. Code §111.56(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 +4 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 §111.56(1). The official text and posted signs control.
All rules for Youghiogheny River Lake
Part of this lake is in Maryland; Maryland rules apply in Maryland waters.
Life jackets must be worn at all times on boats under 16 feet and on any canoe, kayak or paddleboard (Somerset County section).
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.
Life jackets must be worn at all times on boats under 16 feet and on any canoe, kayak or paddleboard (Fayette County section).
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 in Wilkins Hollow Cove, Tub Run Cove (inside the marked line) and the marked area near the Somerfield launch ramp and marina.
Where: Wilkins Hollow Cove; Tub Run Cove inside the marked line; Somerfield Recreation Area near the boat launch ramp and marina
Read the exact wording
Boats are limited to slow, no wake speed within the following areas: (i) Wilkins Hollow Cove. (ii) Tub Run Cove from a line extending in a southwesterly direction between the outermost points of land on each side of the cove as marked. (iii) Somerfield Recreation Area as marked in the vicinity of the boat launch ramp and marina.
Slow, no-wake in Fall Run, Hall Run, Braddocks Run and Reason Run coves, and off Somerfield Hill.
Where: Fall Run Cove; Hall Run Cove; Braddocks Run Cove; Reason Run Cove; off Somerfield Hill
Read the exact wording
(iv) Fall Run Cove. (v) Hall Run Cove. (vi) Braddocks Run Cove. (vii) Reason Run Cove. (viii) Off Somerfield Hill.
Ramps
| # | Name | Paved ramp | Trailer parking | Dock | ADA | Fee | Coordinates | Open in maps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jockey Hollow | Yes | Yes | No | Not listed | No | 39.74948, -79.41464 | 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 Youghiogheny River Lake?
Gas motors aren't banned, and no horsepower limit is listed in 58 Pa. Code §111.56(1). Source: 58 Pa. Code §111.56(1).
What is the horsepower limit on Youghiogheny River Lake?
None is listed in 58 Pa. Code §111.56(1). Source: 58 Pa. Code §111.56(1).
Are personal watercraft (PWCs, often called jet skis) allowed on Youghiogheny River Lake?
No lake-specific PWC rule found (statewide PWC rules apply). Source: 58 Pa. Code §111.56(1).
Is there a speed limit on Youghiogheny River 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 Youghiogheny River 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 Youghiogheny River Lake?
1 PFBC-verified public ramp is listed below, with coordinates.
Nearby lakes with the same motor rule
- Loyalhanna Lake47.3 mi, straight-line
- Crooked Creek Lake63.8 mi, straight-line
- Raystown Lake76.9 mi, straight-line
- Curwensville Lake92.7 mi, straight-line
- Treasure Lake103.5 mi, straight-line
Sources & verification
- § 111.56. Somerset 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).
- § 111.26. Fayette 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, Youghiogheny River Lake boating rules, verified Oct. 4, 2026.
https://lakepennsylvania.org/lakes/youghiogheny-river-lake/
Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · official text re-checked Nov. 1, 2026