HARRISBURG, Pa. (February 24) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) announced today that a partial drawdown of Hemlock Lake (formerly Straight Run Dam), located in Banks Township, Indiana County, is scheduled to begin on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
During a recent routine inspection of dam infrastructure, deficiencies were identified within the concrete auxiliary spillway. The partial drawdown is a precautionary measure to allow the auxiliary spillway to remain in a dry condition until repairs can be completed as part of a planned dam rehabilitation project tentatively scheduled to begin in summer 2029.
Over the next several weeks, depending on local precipitation and snowmelt conditions, the water level within Hemlock Lake will be gradually lowered by approximately three feet from its current level. Because the lake is already approximately three feet below its full pool elevation due to drought conditions in fall 2025, this additional drawdown will bring the water level to approximately six feet below full pool.
Effective immediately, and until further notice, walk-in ice fishing will be prohibited at Hemlock Lake, and the east and west access launch ramps will remain closed.
The PFBC thanks the public for their patience and understanding as it works to ensure the long-term safety and functionality of this facility.
Project Details:
The planned $5.3 million dollar rehabilitation project at Hemlock Lake will include the construction of a new, reinforced concrete auxiliary spillway and improvements to the dam’s earthen embankment to meet Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection dam safety standards. Following the issuing of final permits, a full drawdown of the lake will occur, and construction is anticipated to begin in summer 2029. Once construction begins, the project is expected to last approximately 1.5 years.