RICKETTS GLEN STATE PARK -- Lake Jean at Ricketts Glen State Park on the border of Sullivan and Luzerne counties is a popular spot for swimmers, boaters and anglers.
Next spring, state officials said the serene lake will be drained, so a dam control tower can be replaced.
Since that water is being drained, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is temporarily lifting all fishing restrictions there,all seasons, sizes and creel limits.
"I've got to tell my son. I have five sons. I'll tell them to come fishing," laughed Larry Cassar of Bushkill Falls.
"That makes sense. You have a renewable resource. So you're essentially going to give the fishermen, open the doors and take as much as they can harvest," Norm Conrad of Mifflinburg.
State officials said they know draining this lake will be an inconvenience, but they said the most important thing is the safety of the dam and the safety of the park visitors.
"I agree that it has to be fixed, you know so I think they need to research everything and decide which is the best way to handle it," Maureen Cassar of Bushkill Falls.
Anglers said they will be happy to take advantage of the fishing free-for-all at Lake Jean.
"This way the fish will be used by somebody. Yeah, otherwise, they waste the fish," said Larry Cassar.
Lake Jean at Ricketts Glen State Park was drained once before in 2001, so a new park office could be built.
It took months to fill back up.
