Speedwell Forge is a small lake in Lititz, PA. According to Big Bass program rules, anglers can keep up to four bass per day, as long as each bass is at least 15 inches long. A month later, fish and boat commission officials began drawing down the lake and essentially declared open season on Speedwell. Fished Speedwell today. Un-powered boats may be moored at the lake in accordance with Commission property regulations. Fish habitat structures have been placed in the lake (view PDF map) over the years as part of the Commission's Electrofishing surveys where biologists pound the water and count temporarily stunned fish conducted in 2017 and again in 2020 bear this out. Two fishermen troll through the waters at Speedwell Forge Lake on Monday morning, June 7, 2021. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Fishing is also a very popular activity, with a wide variety of fish to be caught in the Speedwell Forge lake. Anglers who are familiar with Speedwell Lake and want to make a suggestion to the information provided are asked to use the suggest changes button below on this page. According to the report, electrofishing found large numbers of minnows and other forage species, leading biologists to conclude that fish populations in Speedwell Forge Lake are developing at an appropriate rate.. That would make Speedwell the only Big Bass lake in Lancaster County. One of these days I'd like to tangle with those carp. Lancaster County, CWA owns the two-billion-gallon Octoraro Reservoir. Its been a decade since anyone has legally kept a fish caught on Speedwell Forge Lake. Speedwell Forge Dam has the following amenities based off of 32 reviews . View our maps and read detailed fishing reports from nearby anglers. Another electrofishing excursion last year yielded a catch rate of 20 bass per hour at 15 inches. Its the latter part thats about to change. Hammer Creek runs through the length of the Preserve on its way to Speedwell Forge Lake before emptying into the Conestoga River and furthermore into the Susquehanna River just beneath the Safe Harbor Dam. General Board. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site! Be mesmerized by the swifts and the swallows darting over the lake snatching insects. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. An email address is required to associate with your Fishidy premium subscription. Speedwell Forge Lake was created as a recreational impoundment along the Hammer Creek in 1969. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Hunting and fishing are allowed in the park during authorized seasons. Created in 1966, Speedwell Forge Lake was drained from 2011 to 2012 to repair the 830-foot-long dam and spillway, which were damaged by Tropical Storm Lee in September 2011. Ample access is available to shoreline anglers fishing at Speedwell Forge Lake, including shoreline areas and fishing piers near each boat launch. Nothing. Channel Catfish with a live worms, 8 in. Species included 1,900 fry of largemouth bass, golden shiner, crappie, muskellunge and channel catfish. Fishing spots and baits to use at Speedwell Lake? The benefit of Big Bass Lake is that fishing clubs like the Lancaster County Bassmasters will be able to host smaller tournaments with eight to 10 boats with 15 to 20 anglers, Lamborn said. The reports Ive heard over the last three or four years are that the fishing is much better than it was before the decline, Lamborn said. So once Speedwell is removed from the Catch and Release Lakes program, for example, an angler can keep one muskellunge per day, as long as that fish measures at least 40 inches long. Hunting Information. Anglers are already pleased with their fishing for Largemouth Bass at Speedwell Forge Lake, near Lititz. Speedwell Forge Park is a birders paradise, with ruffed grouse, wood thrushes, veeries, and several species of woodpeckers seen all throughout the park. MARSH CREEK. All other species of fish in the Speedwell will be governed by normal state regulations regarding size and reel limits for each species. Yes, fishing with a valid fishing license is allowed in any of the public recreation areas, including on the lake south of the buoys. There have always been smallmouth bass in there. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The New York Post called it the new Brooklyn highlighting Lancaster Countys art galleries, boutique shops, and restaurants. No fishing or boating is allowed in the area above the dam, and certain parts of the shoreline are also restricted. AboutPressCopyrightContact. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Brent grew up spending his summers out on the water, exploring the many rivers, streams, and lakes of the region. Situated at 480 Speedwell Forge Road, Lititz, just outside of Brickerville, Speedwell Forge Park is 415 acres of undisturbed natural beauty. Speedwell Forge Lake 499 Lakeview Drive Lititz, Pennsylvania 17543 7.45 Mile (s) Lake Duffy Lebanon Valley Rail-Trail Lebanon, Pennsylvania 17042 8.92 Mile (s) Myerstown Reservoir 595 Stracks Dam Road Myerstown, Pennsylvania 17067 16.18 Mile (s) Lebanon Reservoir 317 Pine Meadow Road Lebanon, Pennsylvania 17046 18.87 Mile (s) Blue Lake Make your fishing dreams come true today and tomorrow, Commonwealth Water Company Reservoir Number Three. In 2013, Brent decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and launched "Safe Harbor Fishing". 45 in. Pennsylvania, United States. 1st fish of a 7 fish day. %PDF-1.6 % Looks easy enough to navigate putting in even if you are a beginner. Admission is free. The best lure color for lake trout is silver and blue. of Conservation and Natural Resources). Speedwell is problematic for the lower hammer because it is a top release. The most popular species caught here are Rainbow trout, Chain pickerel, and Bluegill. Lake type: reservoir . Since it was refilled, fishing on Lake Speedwell Forge has been strictly catch and release. But fishs stomachs are , Use large-sized baits such as dead bluegill, live chubs, water dogs, crayfish and frogs when seeking larger catfish. Spider structures are synthetic bushes submerged in a lake to provide hiding places for game-attracting bait. Most specially regulated trout waters are closed to taking fishbait and baitfish at all times. Minnows are usually the best option. Salamanders of PA Nature How do you see the snow geese at Middle Creek? The presence of more largemouth bass over 15 inches suggests anglers have opportunity to catch more quality-sized fish, a 2020 commission report on the lake states. Anglers are already pleased with their fishing for Largemouth Bass at Speedwell Forge Lake, near Lititz. Portable restrooms are available seasonally. In 2020, that rate jumped to 107 bass per hour. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Speedwell Forge County Park 415.1 Acres PENN TOWNSHIP ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP Speedwell Forge Lake H a m m e r 5 C r e e k 6 O A K 5 L N L A K E E V I E WD S R PE E D W L L F O R G E R D n n Utilit y E a s e m e nt MOUNTAINRD N P E N R Y N 7 R D N. 5 P E N R Y N R D 4O A K L N L ON G LN A I R Y H I L L R D S P E E D W E L L F O R G E 5 R D S C E . You are trying to access a feature that requires a Fishidy account. The presence of more largemouth bass greater than 15 inches in length indicates that anglers have the opportunity to catch better-sized fish, the commissions 2020 lake report said. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Check out our Fishing Times tab to determine when the fish will be most active. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Embark on an outdoor adventure with your family and friends on 700 acres of woodland and rolling fields. Anglers who are familiar with Speedwell Forge Dam and want to make a suggestion to the information provided are asked to use the suggest changes button below on this page. It does not store any personal data. Many of these spots are open to public fishing. Continued. Since it was refilled, fishing on Speedwell Forge Lake has been governed. Follow the lake under a bridge, into a secret cove, around a lush island, all the while growing in your kayak skills, watching the ever-present shore birds, and listening for the odd howl from the nearby Wolf Sanctuary. In 2020, that rate jumped to 107 bass per hour. If you go: Boating is permitted on Octoraro Reservoir from April 1 through Oct. 31. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Speedwell Forge is a Bed and Breakfast located in Lititz, PA. Sunfish of various species are still small, as are Brown Bullheads. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". At the end of the year the top 10 anglers in points will compete in a two day Club Classic. As usual LMB in new or reclaimed impoundments are fairly easy to catch. Sasquatch I am not going to argue why it was rebuilt. Reilly is an LNP | LancasterOnline outdoors writer. Add Your Recent Fishing ReportSpeedwell Forge Dam. About the Campground OPEN March 25 Oct. 30, 2022 There are 189 sites (148 camper sites with electric and water hookups available, 38 tent sites, and 3 primitive group sites). Our daily sports newsletter, delivered at 6 a.m. Pennsylvania has successfully brought back elk, otters, ospreys, bald eagles, peregrine falc, The Appalachian Trail spans 2,181 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin , The final section of the 14-mile Northwest River Trail was officially opened Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting at the Falmouth Boat Launch in Ba, Outdoors Calendarpublishes submittedinformation on hunting, fishing, hiking and other outd, Rail biking pedaling a steel-wheeled platform on railroad tracks is a new outdoors pastime sweeping the country, and two of the three plac. Anglers can soon keep catches on Speedwell Forge Lake, By opting into newsletters you are agreeing to our, State feasibility study brings good news: It's time to reintroduce martens to Pa. forests [column], Hitting the midpoint of the Appalachian trail, the easy way [column], Final section of Northwest River Trail opens along Susquehanna [photos], Outdoors calendar for the week starting Aug. 14, New local outdoors adventure: rail biking [column], Applications due for Middle Creek archery deer hunt [column]. 177 catches are logged on Fishbrain. Good natural freshwater fishing baits include worms, leeches, minnows, crayfish, crickets and grasshoppers. But fishs stomachs are , Use large-sized baits such as dead bluegill, live chubs, water dogs, crayfish and frogs when seeking larger catfish. Mike I do think it's a bit of a mystery. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Brent grew up spending his summers out on the water, exploring the many rivers, streams, and lakes of the region. Speedwell Forge Lake (PA Fish and Game Commission): 717-626-0228 Speedwell Forge County Park (Accessible from Speedwell Forge Rd and Oak Lane) Elizabeth Township Tot Lot (Sleepy Hollow Road and Southview Drive) Elizabeth Township Community Park (Route 322 East and Elizabeth Park) Hiking areas around the Pumping Station Anglers who are familiar with Speedwell Forge Dam are asked to suggest changes using the link above. Lower Hammer is one thing. 177 catches are logged on Fishbrain. Amphibians & Reptiles The lake supports warm water fish species including largemouth bass, white crappie, catfish (stocked), walleye, yellow perch, rock bass, bluegill, sunfish and others. 6 in. What kind of fish are in Middle Creek Reservoir? %%EOF It had been ten years since anyone had legally kept fish caught at Speedwell Forge Lake. Lake trout are the largest of the chars; the record weighed almost 102 pounds (46 kg) (netted) with a length of 50 inches (130 cm), and 1540-pound (6.818.1-kilogram) fish are not uncommon. But he said if his club were to return to fishing tournaments at Speedwell, it would not be until 2024, as next years tournament schedule has already been decided. Boating is limited to boats powered by electric motors and un-powered boats. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Speedwell Forge Lake is located at 499 Lakeview Drive Lititz, PA 17543. Its scenic setting provides visitors the perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of the everyday rat race. They were not there when the lake was drawn down. PFBC Historical WW/CW Stocking. Businesses Located Nearby. "The work the. Certain lake trout guides like using silver because it resembles an actual fish while blue is visible at deeper depths. The upper Hammer? Due to its nature as a drinking water source, no swimming nor gasoline motors are allowed on it, which makes for a peaceful paddle even when busy. # small boat b. Ultimately a decision was made. The commonwealth acquired the property in 1963, the dam was constructed in 1966. Anyone interested in fishing Speedwell Forge Dam or waters within the wider area around Warwick should consult with local resources before heading out to fish. You must log in or register to reply here. Only sunfish and small bass for us at this point. Due to its nature as a drinking water source, no swimming nor gasoline motors are allowed on it, which makes for a peaceful paddle even when busy. In the rush to avoid disaster, the lake was drained. I don't know. Speedwell Forge Lake 2.25 hrs (orientation + kayaking) | Lititz, PA This quiet lake is an ideal adventure for all ages. Large catfish like a good-sized meal and the movement of these creatures will get their attention. Frog & Toad Photos Freshwater bottom-feeders like catfish and carp are also attracted to cut fishing baits (cut-up bait fish) and prepared baits called dough balls. More cribs, rockpiles and other fish-drawing structure were built while the lake was drained. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. General. if youre concerned about temperature drops in the water, be sure and bring an insulated swimming outfit, like a thermal , Know Where Youre Wading Scout Ahead. 1001 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<962650977D0B3F439DC09D761675CE46><504A278C2808DF4D9AE928F76422ECB5>]/Index[984 26]/Info 983 0 R/Length 93/Prev 621157/Root 985 0 R/Size 1010/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream Bass caught between April 9 and June 10 must be released immediately. Nu8+@F*@ * The blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the sport. Most of the snow geese have moved through and Tundra swans are no longer calling Middle Creek home. Purchase your fishing license on the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission website, in-person . Harden, Maxey lead Embiid-less 76ers past Washington | Sport, Jim Harbaugh expects 4 Michigan State players to face charges, Jack McCaffery on the Philadelphia Phillies spending on Noah Syndergaard. Lamborn said Speedwell might be a good place to hold a tournament limited to kayak anglers. Tucquan Creek. Access for shore fishing is good. Enjoy a quiet and romantic Bed & Breakfast in Lititz, PA that will likely be the cleanest and most comfortable lodging you have ever experienced. The commonwealth acquired the property in 1963, the dam was constructed in 1966. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The decision to change the rules at Speedwell came after five years of monitoring the fish population, which followed four years of draining the popular lake. The storm dumped 15 inches of rain on Lancaster County over three days, causing widespread flooding and massive damage. A pavilion with picnic tables is available by the lake. Report Hunting Violations: PA Game Commission at 888-742-8001 or 610-926-3136. He has since expanded the blog to include gear reviews, fishing reports, and even recipes for cooking up your catch. Commission officials said those regulations, along with excellent habitat and natural reproduction, have led to a thriving Speedwell bass population. See details for 180 SPEEDWELL FORGE, Lititz, PA 17543, Land, MLS#: PALA2025542, Status: Pending, Courtesy: Bold Realty, Provided by: Fish Real Estate Speedwell Forge Lake is a 106-acre reservoir located in the northeast part of the county and is managed by the Fish and Boat Commission. There was an error processing your request. The rivers temperature can vary from temperate in the shallows to near-freezing in open water. Get a Head Lamp with White and Red Light. In 2017, biologists recorded a catch rate of 78 bass per hour on the Speedwell. If you need fishing tackle, or are looking for a fishing guide or fishing charter please visit Tackle, Guides, Charters How many snow geese are at Middle Creek now? You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. The local Lancaster County Bassmasters Club, which promotes bass tournaments and is involved in local bass conservation efforts, has installed 40 spider structures that have been planted on the lakes north shore, according to club president Doug Lamborn. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Additionally, the 2017 catch ratio of 4.1 bass 15 inches and larger nearly doubled to eight bass per hour in 2020. From 2011 to 2016, the lake was drained so the dam that forms the lake could be repaired. During the last several years, the abundance and population size structure of largemouth bass at Speedwell Forge Lake have steadily improved, suggesting this population can now sustain some harvest, said Mike Porta, the commissions area fisheries manager responsible for the lake. , Best Answer From Peter in Australia: A hook will rust away in a fish, but it may take a while, especially if the hook is plated or made of thick metal. . - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. He has since expanded the blog to include gear reviews, fishing reports, and even recipes for cooking up your catch. 2009/02/16/ - This is a great lake to fish for crappie.. Canoeists, kayakers and paddleboarders must adhere to the life jacket, sound-producing device, and unpowered registration/launch permit requirements. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. JavaScript is disabled. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. But I still struggle to find the logic of building a man-made lake. Keystone State. Therefore, most bass tournaments are catch and release, but since bass are temporarily stored by anglers, speedwell rule changes are needed to resume tournaments on the lake. First time ever fishing Speedwell Forge Lake mainly because the lake was drained up until a few years ago but the water and the fish are back! 21.0 in. Please enable JavaScript to properly view our site. Fish Habitat Improvement Program. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Located in These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. And since it was refilled in 2016, any fish caught on Speedwell had to be released immediately. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site! Deer, ruffed grouse, wood thrushes, veeries, and several kinds of woodpeckers live in Speedwells forest. Over the past several years, the numbers and size of the largemouth bass population at Speedwell Forge Lake has steadily improved, indicating that this population can now support a certain harvest, said Mike Porto, Fisheries Commission manager responsible for the lake. Always use barbless hooks for trout unless you plan to eat what you catch. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. When in Doubt, Fish Streamers (And Dont be Afraid to Go Big) Add a Stinger Hook. Email him at preilly@lnpnews.com. Electric motors are allowed on the lake. Petrie caught the trout in Twizel, New Zealands (South Island) Ohau Canal on Oct. 27, 2020. Speedwell Forge Lake in Lancaster County remains closed to all fishing and boating activities. Get a Head Lamp with White and Red Light. Oh well who am I to oppose the do gooders! Our club used to hold events on the lake every year years ago.. You can still see a variety of duck species making their way back to their breeding grounds but if you make it to Middle Creek in the coming weeks, keep your eyes out for the next group of migrants songbirds! Fish Habitat Improvement Plans Brent Pollock is a passionate angler and the founder of the popular fishing blog "Safe Harbor Fishing". The commission plans to stock the 106-acre lake north of Lititz shortly after it is refilled with minnows and other forage fish to establish a food base for sport fish. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. The Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is open year-round. This is a great place to go kayaking and fishing. Most specially regulated trout waters are closed to taking fishbait and baitfish at all times. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Trout over 36-inches long caught and aged by researchers in the past have varied from 15 to 30 years old, he said. Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Largemouth Bass with a Strike King Mr. Crappie Jig Heads. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The Lancaster County Bassmasters fishing club has 10 fishing tournaments annually for members only. Make your fishing dreams come true today and tomorrow. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Live bait is generally the most consistently effective way to fish for lake trout. DISCLAIMER: Lake-Link Inc assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions of the information for Speedwell Forge Dam. What is unusual, based on angler reports and yesterday's electrofishing, LMB are already reaching 15 inches.