Jockey Hollow Boat Launch is a public fishing-and-boating access on Youghiogheny River Lake’s western side in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. It is a separate destination from Somerfield North across the lake. Choose the launch by name, then check the current status before towing.
Find the boat launch, not just the recreation-area name
PFBC’s public-access lease record places Jockey Hollow Launch Area on the western side of the lake, north of US 40 in Henry Clay Township. Search navigation for Jockey Hollow Boat Launch, Youghiogheny River Lake, Pennsylvania, and check the destination before departing.
The USACE recreation directory lists “Jockey Hollow Boat Launch” and “Jockey Hollow Recreation Area” separately. Use the boat-launch entry for your boating plan. The lake office’s Confluence address is useful for contacting the project, but it is not the ramp destination.
Read the date on the parking-improvement closure
A PFBC improvement notice announced a closure for October 8–24, 2025 to work on the parking area. Those dates belong to 2025; they are not an October 2026 closure announcement.
When checked for this October 20, 2026 guide, the USACE directory displayed an open status for the boat launch. That listing helps with planning, but check it again before traveling and follow any on-site closure signs. A dated directory entry cannot establish the ramp’s condition for your boat on arrival.
Confirm the details that affect your tow
The lake project’s listed phone number is 814-395-3242. Ask about water level, ramp usability, seasonal courtesy-dock availability and any current access restrictions. Also confirm applicable fees, permits and payment arrangements before leaving home.
Give the person answering enough detail to help: your planned launch date, boat type and whether you will need a dock to load passengers. This is more useful than asking only whether the lake is open. A lake can remain available for recreation while a particular launch arrangement does not fit your needs.
Prepare for a lake-fishing or paddling outing
Organize gear and remove trailering straps away from the ramp lane. Inspect the visible launching surface before backing down, and keep passengers clear of the trailer while maneuvering. Leave dock space for loading and retrieval rather than using it as a place to finish preparing tackle.
Choose a modest first route if you are unfamiliar with the reservoir. Wind, weather and the distance back to the launch should shape the day’s plan. Put on properly fitted life jackets, carry water and leave a comfortable fuel, battery or paddling reserve for your return.
Check current fishing-license and species regulations for the water you intend to fish. Youghiogheny River Lake extends into Maryland, so include the state line in your route planning rather than assuming one set of rules covers every destination.
Compare another launch on the same lake
The Somerfield North access guide covers the public ramp near Addison, with marina and picnic-shelter distinctions. For a different reservoir outing, compare Bush Recreation Area at Loyalhanna Lake. Confirm conditions at whichever access you choose.
Map: Jockey Hollow Boat Launch
This map searches for the named Pennsylvania launch. Compare the result with the official access description and follow local ramp signs for the final approach.
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