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Boating at Bald Eagle State Park

The 1,730-acre FJ Sayers Lake is a key feature of Bald Eagle State Park, and offers lots of boating opportunities. The nearly eight-mile long lake has 23 miles of shoreline.

Unlimited horsepower motors are permitted. The speed limit on the lake is 45 mph. Boaters must follow a counterclockwise traffic pattern on the lake.

Boats with inboard engines with over-the-transom or straight-stack type exhausts are not allowed.

Boat Launches

Most boat launches have picnic tables, grills, and restrooms:

  • Hunter Run West Launch, by the Russell P. Letterman Campground, allows 24-hour access.
  • Hunter Run East Launch, off East Launch Road, allows 24-hour access.

  • This activity or structure is ADA accessible. Winter Launch, located along the lake north of the beach, provides year-round boating, a fishing pier which can accommodate persons with disabilities, and 24-hour access. This launch is usable at all water levels.

  • Bald Eagle Boat Launch, in the town of Howard, is lighted and provides 24-hour access.
  • Lower Greens Run Boat Launch, off PA 150, has a fishing pier provides 24-hour access.
  • Upper Greens Run Boat Launch, off PA 150, provides 24-hour access.

Marina and Boat Concession

Three hundred and sixty-nine marina dockage slips can be rented on a seasonal basis. Transient slips are rented on a daily basis. Boat and trailer storage is available for the summer and winter seasons. Contact the park office for additional information.

When available, the boating concession, located at the marina rents boats and sells gasoline.

The concession is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and weekends during the months of September and October, weather permitting. Contact the park office for additional information.

Boat Registration

Motorboats must display a boat registration from any state. Non-powered boats must display one of the following:
  • Boat registration from any state
  • Launch permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania state parks -- available at most state park offices
  • Launch use permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations and laws apply. Complete information about boating rules and regulations in Pennsylvania is available from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
 

Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir

Because of its role in flood damage reduction and downstream water quality, the operation of the dam is the responsibility of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Lake levels vary throughout the year.

The normal summer pool level for boating is 630 feet above sea level. Weather and/or drought conditions may impact the water level of the lake.

When the water elevation is below 628 feet or above 632 feet, boat launches and marina access are not available. For current lake level, visit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lake level website.

In early November, the USACE begins a five-foot lake level draw down. Between mid-February and early March, the water level is lowered an additional 15 feet to maximum flood protection pool.

The reservoir usually reaches the summer recreational pool level by mid-May, depending on weather conditions, winter snow melt, and spring rains.