Fishing At Pymatuning Lake

AKA: Pymatuning Reservoir

What to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, white bass, yellow perch and muskie at Pymatuning Lake in Pennsylvania.

Straddling the Ohio-Pennsylvania border in northwest PA, Pymatuning Lake provides a wide variety of angling opportunities. This 14,600-acre reservoir is the largest impoundment in PA, and boasts healthy populations of bass, crappie, walleye, muskie, perch, catfish and sunfish. There is a 20-hp limit for watercraft, so the boat traffic is quite placid.

Lake Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Marinas
Boat Launch Ramps
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

The purpose of this page is to deliver an overview of this lake, the fishing options, and area amenities. Our goal is to provide info to first time visitors, as well as beginner and novice anglers. We gathered details from personal experience, numerous trusted websites, and videos of fishing activity on the lake. These websites include the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, marinas at the lake, campgrounds, boat rental agencies and others. By consolidating this information to one page it allows visitors to see the entire picture, all in one place.

Pymatuning Lake, located in both Pennsylvania and Ohio, is a renowned fishing destination that offers exceptional angling opportunities. Covering a vast surface area of approximately 17,000 acres, this expansive lake provides a wide range of fishing options for both casual and avid anglers alike. The lake is particularly famous for its abundant population of walleye, muskellunge, crappie, bluegill, perch, and catfish. Anglers flock to Pymatuning Lake to test their skills and try their luck at catching these prized fish species.

Lake Video

It is very relaxing for fishing. Kayaks and canoes are ideal here, as well as boats powered by electric motors. When fishing from a boat, fishing licenses issued by either OH or PA are valid. Shoreline anglers are required to hold a license for the state in which they are standing. Submerged brush and vegetation is a magnet to baitfish, which attracts the bass, crappie and other species. In winter, come experience the fun of ice fishing for black crappie, white crappie, walleye and yellow perch.

Primary fish species residing in Pymatuning Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Pymatuning Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Pymatuning Lake, offering visitors the chance to explore its vast waters and access prime fishing locations. The lake permits motorized boats, making it ideal for powerboating, water skiing, and sailing. Boaters can launch their own vessels at the lake's numerous boat ramps or rent boats from marinas. Navigating through the lake's calm and picturesque waters, discovering hidden coves, or enjoying a leisurely cruise are all options available to boating enthusiasts at Pymatuning Lake.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Espyville Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, kayaks and pontoon boats
724 927-2001

Marinas

Jamestown Marina
15573 Marina Dr
Jamestown, PA 16134
724 932-3267

Linesville Marina
3293 W Erie St Ext
Linesville, PA 16424
814 683-4339

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Alcatraz Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and limited parking.

Espyville Launch
Located in Pymatuning State Park, just south of the Highway 285 bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and a decent amount of gravel parking.

Four Islands Bay Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, this is a single-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and limited parking.

Jamestown Boat Ramp
This is a popular, three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and plenty of gravel parking. It is located in the southwest corner of the lake near Jamestown Marina.

Linesville Marina Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and plenty of parking.

Manning Boat Ramp
Located just south of the Pymatuning State Park, Tuttle Beach Area, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and plenty of parking.

Orchard Boat Ramp
Located on the east side of the main lake, this is a single-lane, concrete ramp with docks and very limited parking.

Westinghouse Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, this is a single-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and limited parking.

Tuttle Boat Launch
Located on the northern tip of Pymatuning State Park, Tuttle Beach Area, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with limited parking.

Wilson Road Boat Ramp
Located at the northern tip of the lake, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and limited parking.

Click here for a Pennsylvania Fishing License.

Camping options abound around Pymatuning Lake, allowing visitors to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the area. Pymatuning State Park in Pennsylvania and Ohio offers camping facilities with both tent and RV sites. The campgrounds provide a peaceful and scenic environment, allowing visitors to wake up to the sounds of nature, enjoy lakeside activities, and relax in the tranquil ambiance of the park.