SPEEDWELL FORGE LAKE
Located in
Lancaster County,
Speedwell Forge Lake is a 106-acre impoundment owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and managed by the Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) for public fishing and boating. The commonwealth acquired the property in 1963, the dam was constructed in 1966. The Commission's Southeast Region office (law enforcement, education, maintenance) is located at the lake.
Speedwell Forge is a popular destination for un-powered boat (mainly canoes and kayaks) users looking for a peaceful place to watch wildlife, exercise, or just to enjoy some time on the water. A pavilion with picnic tables is available by the lake. Portable restrooms are available seasonally.
FISHING
The Commission historically has
stocked the lake with Channel Catfish fingerling.
A fishing pier for persons with disabilities is scheduled to be built in the Fall of 2017. Access for shore fishing is good. Numerous habitat improvement structures are present in the lake as a result of PFBC/sportsmen cooperation.
Trout are stocked in Hammer Creek immediately downstream from the lake, part of that stretch is on Commission property.
Fish habitat structures have been placed in the lake (view PDF map) over the years as part of the Commission's
Fish Habitat Improvement Program.
BOATING
Boating is limited to boats powered by electric motors and un-powered boats. Three launch ramps are available along with associated parking facilities.
Un-powered boats may be moored at the lake in accordance with Commission property regulations. To be used at the lake, boats must be registered or have a valid launch permit (permits are issued by the Commission or PA Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources).
GENERAL INFORMATION RELATED TO PFBC LAKES