Fishing at Pymatuning State Park
The 17,088-acre Pymatuning Reservoir is a warmwater fishery.
Common species are:
This activity or structure is ADA accessible. There is ADA accessible fishing access in the Jamestown Day Use Area and ADA accessible fishing piers at the Espyville and Linesville marinas and the Shenango River.
When fishing by boat, fishing licenses issued by either Ohio or Pennsylvania are honored anywhere on the lake.
When fishing from the shore, only Ohio licensed fishermen can fish from the Ohio shore and Pennsylvania licensed fishermen from the Pennsylvania shore.
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations and laws apply.
Ice Fishing
Walleye, perch, and crappie are most often caught through the ice.
Ice thickness is not monitored.
Be Safe on the Ice
Test ice thickness with an auger before recreating. Four inches of solid ice is the minimum recommended thickness for a single person. Seven inches of solid ice is the minimum recommended thickness for small group.
Always carry safety equipment and know how to use it.
Spread out. Crowds can put too much weight onto one area.
Be aware of changes in ice thickness across a body of water. Perimeter ice is weaker due to shifting, expansion and sunlight reflecting off of the bottom.
Avoid areas with protruding logs, brush, plants, and docks. These structures absorb heat, weakening the surrounding ice.
Avoid areas with multiple or intersecting cracks, and standing water over ice.
Venturing out on ice alone is not advisable. Take a friend along for fun and for safety.
Wear a PFD (life jacket).
Check the weather and plan accordingly. Several days with temperatures above freezing will weaken the ice.