Downey Duck Youghiogheny Lake

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites you to experience the clean waters, mountains and steep-sided valleys which encompass the project and provide an unsurpassed setting for outdoor recreation opportunities.

Check in at the ranger office at the dam.

Please Note:

  • The Yough Reservior is deep water - 100+ feet!
  • There are several other hazards that you must be alert for:
    1. Boat Traffic with unlimited horsepower, MUST SHOW DIVE FLAG!
    2. DO NOT DIVE INSIDE TRASH BOOM AREA! There is an 18 ft. diameter intake Pipe, off the right bank as you face the Breastwork , with tremendous suction from the Lake!
    3. MONITOR your depth and time continously!
    4. VISIBILITY ranges from 5 to 20 feet.
    5. Water Temperature on the bottom is always 42 Degrees, all seasons!

What To See

The lake is inhabited by a large variety of game and panfish and is especially known as a hotspot for walleye and smallmouth bass.

The average depth of the lake is about 54 feet and the maximum depth is about 121 feet.

How to Get There

From Pittsburgh

  1. Take the PA Turnpike to exit 9
  2. Take a left on Route 31 for 5 miles
  3. Turn right on 711/381 for at least 10 miles
  4. Turn left on 381 for 10 miles
  5. Turn left across from River access to Confluence
  6. Take a left on 281 for 3 miles
  7. Turn right at RV Park
  8. Turn Left at Park Office

Rates

There is no "entry fee" to dive the lake, however, a boat is useful for diving most of the Lake.

Local Contacts

Youghiogheny Weekend Outlook - updated every Thursday afternoon

Youghiogheny Lake - Resource Manager

Address: 260 Mefford Road, Confluence, 
PA 15424-9103. Phone: (814) 395-3242 Recorded Recreation Information: 
(814) 395-3166

Current Weather Conditions

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