Lake at Tink Wig

Special Note: 11/2022 – Lake Draw Down – As in past years we are doing a lake drawdown.  This is a widely accepted best practice performed by many lakes like ours which has several benefits. It freezes and dries the root system of weeds in shallow water helping control weed growth, especially invasive species (like Fanwort) which tend to originate in warmer climates and are less tolerant of the cold.  Additionally, this gives lakefront homeowners a chance to clean up their shoreline and is helpful in managing snow melt in the spring.  Years ago Tink Wig installed an underground set of valves and pipes to be able to perform a drawdown to lower lake levels about 2ft.  The valves were opened on Nov. 13, the lake is down about 9-12″.  Rain and snow may slow the process.  Like every year we review this with the PA Department of Environmental Protection and they issue us an annual permit which allows us to perform the drawdown within specific parameters: maximum 4ft drop, specific timing (October to end of March 2023), etc.

Tink Wig Lake is a precious little jewel in the Poconos situated in the middle of the community opposite the clubhouse and pool. It was made by flooding 3 separate ponds, resulting in an impoundment of approximately 110 acres. Water depth ranges from 2 inches to a little over 10 feet. As a result of this flooding, there are several islands and structures consisting of stumps and sunken trees that were left when they first made the lake.

All this structure is ideal for providing cover for the fish and wildlife. The islands are an attraction for turtles, beavers, muskrats, snakes, migrating birds, eagles, ducks, geese and otters as well as other wildlife.

Fishing can be quite good depending on the skill of the person fishing. Fish consist mainly of large mouth bass, pickerel, perch, crappie, bluegills, sunfish and catfish. Catch and release is encouraged except for bluegills and sunfish.

Boating is also popular and encouraged. No gas-powered motors are allowed; only electric motors, paddles and oars. A launching ramp is available as are racks for small boats, kayaks and canoes. See governing documents for specifics. All state and federal laws apply for fishing and boating.

The community hires Aqua Link to manage the lake. They monitor water quality and apply chemicals for aquatic weed control. In 2020, Tink Wig was awarded the 2020 Lake Management Award by the Pennsylvania Lake Management Society in recognition of valuable contributions to the science of Pennsylvania lake and watershed management. Our lake is a valuable asset to the community and should be appreciated and enjoyed by its members.