- Size
- 2,840 acres as listed by the Fish and Boat Commission's PA Lakes map
- Boat traffic
- Busy water possible: no motor limit, so expect powerboats and wakes. As listed by the Fish and Boat Commission's access map, checked Oct 2026.
- Permit
- PA boat registration or a PFBC/State Parks launch permit is required to launch here. Paddling rules →
- Dam
- This lake is held back by a dam. Stay well away from the dam, spillway and outlet structures.
Where to put in
Jockey Hollow access area
Ramp · paved ramp
39.74949, -79.41464 (about ±50 m)
Parking: 10 spaces or more
PA boat registration or a PFBC/State Parks launch permit is required to launch here.
Breast Access
Ramp · paved ramp, dock
39.79682, -79.36541 (about ±50 m)
Parking: 10 spaces or more
Run by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Check its rules. (PA's launch-permit rule applies at PFBC and state park/forest launches.)
Somerfield North access area
Ramp · paved ramp, dock
39.75394, -79.39545 (about ±50 m)
Parking: 10 spaces or more
Run by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Check its rules. (PA's launch-permit rule applies at PFBC and state park/forest launches.)
Somerfield South access area
Ramp · paved ramp
39.74973, -79.39219 (about ±50 m)
Parking: 10 spaces or more
Run by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Check its rules. (PA's launch-permit rule applies at PFBC and state park/forest launches.)
Tubs Run access area
Ramp · paved ramp
39.76771, -79.39809 (about ±50 m)
Parking: 10 spaces or more
Run by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Check its rules. (PA's launch-permit rule applies at PFBC and state park/forest launches.)
Access notices
No access notice on file (we last checked Oct 4, 2026). Check Corps of Engineers lake page before you go.
About Youghiogheny River Lake
Youghiogheny River Lake holds spot 53 on the LakePA 100. It is a 2,840-acre reservoir in Somerset and Fayette counties, part of the Southwest region. That acreage is the figure given by the Fish and Boat Commission's PA Lakes map. At a thousand acres or more it is Big Water, so plan for wind and long crossings. There is no motor limit, so expect powerboats and their wakes. (Boat rules as listed by the Fish and Boat Commission's access data.) We list five put-ins, including Jockey Hollow access area, Breast Access and Somerfield North access area. Jockey Hollow access area has a paved ramp and parking listed as 10 spaces or more. Launching at a Fish and Boat Commission or state park site requires a Pennsylvania boat registration or a PFBC or State Parks launch permit. A dam holds the water back, so keep well away from the dam, the spillway and any outlet structures. It counts toward the Southwest region milestone. In a straight line, it is about 44 miles from Johnstown to the nearest put-in. Check the operator's notices, the weather and posted signs before you launch.
Rules for paddlers
Pennsylvania's paddler rules (permits, life jackets, whistle and light) are on one dated page. Paddling rules →
Safety
Paddling has real risks. Wear your life jacket. Pennsylvania requires it to be worn on canoes, kayaks and paddleboards from Nov 1 through Apr 30, and by children 12 and under all year. Check the weather, posted signs and the operator's notices before you launch. Stay well away from dams, spillways and outlet structures. You paddle at your own risk.
Nearby on the list
Straight-line distance between the lakes, not driving distance.
Questions about Youghiogheny River Lake
Where do I put in at Youghiogheny River Lake?
Youghiogheny River Lake has five listed put-ins: Jockey Hollow access area, Breast Access, Somerfield North access area, Somerfield South access area and 1 more. Jockey Hollow access area is at 39.74949, -79.41464 with paved ramp; parking: 10 spaces or more.
Are motorboats allowed on Youghiogheny River Lake?
Busy water possible: no motor limit, so expect powerboats and wakes. As listed by the Fish and Boat Commission's access map, checked Oct 2026.
Do I need a launch permit at Youghiogheny River Lake?
Yes, at the Fish and Boat Commission launch: a Pennsylvania boat registration or a PFBC or State Parks launch permit is required.
Source: PFBC, “Registration vs. Launch Permit”, checked 4 Oct 2026.
How big is Youghiogheny River Lake?
2,840 acres, as listed by the Fish and Boat Commission's PA Lakes map.
Sources
- PFBC PA Lakes map (lake layer) — checked Oct 4, 2026
- Fish and Boat Commission access map — checked Oct 4, 2026
- USACE National Inventory of Dams (Youghiogheny Dam, PA00109) — checked Oct 4, 2026
- 58 Pa. Code § 111.26 — checked Oct 4, 2026
- USGS National Hydrography Dataset — checked Oct 4, 2026
Every fact on this page comes from these public sources. Posted signs and official notices always control.
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