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Pymatuning Reservoir

Boat Ramps
27
Access Points
39
Species
23

Spanning 17,088 acres across the Pennsylvania-Ohio border, Pymatuning Reservoir stands as one of the largest man-made lakes in either state. Created in 1934 by damming the Shenango River, this hook-shaped body of water stretches 17 miles with 70 miles of shoreline. Originally a vast wetland area, Pymatuning now serves multiple purposes including flood control, water supply for the Shenango and Beaver valleys, and recreation. The reservoir is primarily managed through two state parks - one in Pennsylvania (covering about 80% of the lake) and one in Ohio. With its diverse underwater habitats, clear waters, and thriving ecosystems, Pymatuning has earned a reputation as one of the finest warm water fisheries in the region, attracting anglers seeking everything from trophy muskellunge to abundant panfish.


Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

  • Walleye4,000,000 fish · Fry2026
  • Walleye589,500 fish · Fingerlings2026
  • Walleye4,000,000 fish · Fry2025
  • Walleye293,000 fish · Fingerlings2025
  • Muskellunge4,000 fish · Yearlings2025

Source

Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

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Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Pymatuning Reservoir. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Pymatuning Reservoir

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Ohio licenses and regulations

Ohio Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Ohio Fishing License

Persons under 16 years of age are not required to purchase a fishing license.

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Ohio Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Ohio Stream Access Laws

Ohio does not believe there is a precise definition for navigability, so it is determined on a case-by-case basis. However, the state generally accepts waterways capable of recreational boating, with a history of recreation and with public access. The public is allowed to recreate freely on all navigable waters but streambeds are not publicly owned.

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Take Pymatuning Reservoir with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Pymatuning Reservoir to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Pymatuning Reservoir to find where and when fish are biting for you.

  • HD depth charts from Garmin

    Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.

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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Pymatuning Reservoir and check the forecast before you go.

Shenango River at Pymatuning Dam, PA

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Pymatuning Reservoir fishing guides

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