Pennsylvania Power & Light Co. has a new toll-free information line at Lake Wallenpaupack to provide people with quick information on hydroelectric generation at the lake, which affects the lake's level and the water flow in the Lackawaxen River.

The number is 1-800-807-2474.

Fishermen, rafters, boaters and anyone who uses Lake Wallenpaupack or the Lackawaxen River for recreation often are interested in water conditions. When the hydroelectric plant is generating, the lake level decreases and the amount of water in the river increases, making the river more turbulent.

"We get a lot of calls from fishermen about conditions on the river," said Dave Lamberton, Lake Wallenpaupack project manager. "When we're generating, the river becomes too wild for fishing but great for rafting. The fly fishermen are very interested in when generation stops because that's the best time for fly fishing."

The information line will be especially useful to fishermen and others who travel long distances for a day of recreation in the Wallenpaupack area. The information is updated daily or when there is a change in the generation schedule.

"One phone call could help people better plan their recreation activities and save them a frustrating trip," Lamberton said.

Dock and boat owners along Lake Wallenpaupack also could find the information useful to monitor lake elevation levels. As lake elevation drops or rises, most docks must be moved. Dock owners away from the lake for extended periods of time can check the lake's elevation periodically to determine if their docks need attention, Lamberton said.

Lake Wallenpaupack, on the border of Wayne and Pike counties in the Pocono Mountains, was built by PP&L in 1926 to supply water to the nearby Wallenpaupack hydroelectric power plant