PFBC moved about 100,000 fish out of Fords Lake ahead of dam work, but some died

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission issued a statement Oct. 19 about its fish salvage at Fords Lake in Lackawanna County. The lake is being drawn down ahead of a $3.1 million dam rehabilitation project set to start in spring 2027.

On Oct. 14–15, PFBC crews filled 10 hatchery trucks with about 30,000 pounds of fish and released them into the Susquehanna River at the agency's West Falls Access. Because the fish varied so much in species and size, PFBC estimates more than 100,000 were moved. In January the commission had lifted seasons, size limits and creel limits at Fords Lake so anglers could harvest fish before the drawdown, which began Sept. 16.

PFBC said no salvage is 100% efficient. Some fish died as the water dropped, and in the final stage, fish that could not survive or be safely moved were buried in the lakebed. The agency acknowledged that the dead fish upset some people in the community. It said it will do better at educating the public and setting expectations for future salvages. Salvage work is limited to trained staff because of safety, invasive species and disease concerns. Once the dam is fixed and the lake refills, expected in fall 2028, PFBC plans a multi-year restocking to rebuild a self-sustaining fishery.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission — PFBC Statement on Fish Salvage Operations at Fords Lake, Lackawanna County (Oct. 19, 2026).