Pymatuning Reservoir

Pymatuning Lake is a lake on the Ohio-Pennsylvania border in Ashtabula County. Pymatuning Lake covers about 16,254 acres and reaches a recorded 30 feet.

What Makes Pymatuning Lake Different

Pymatuning Lake is a broad, shallow lake shared by Ohio and Pennsylvania. The old Shenango River route, many coves, islands and the causeway divide the water into smaller areas that are easier to learn.

The lake was built over the old Pymatuning swamp, and the reservoir was completed in 1934. It is known for walleye, crappie, perch, muskellunge, bass and the large groups of carp near the spillway.

Fish and Baits at Pymatuning Lake

Fish reported from Pymatuning Lake include black crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, common carp, freshwater drum, largemouth bass, muskellunge, pumpkinseed, smallmouth bass, white bass, and yellow perch.

Bass

For bass at Pymatuning, fish weeds, wood and shade with a jig, spinnerbait or Texas-rigged worm for largemouth, and drag a tube or Ned rig across rock and firm points for smallmouth.

Crappie, Perch and Sunfish

For panfish at Pymatuning, use a small jig or live minnow beside brush for crappie, and fish a worm, cricket or tiny jig near weeds and shade for sunfish, and keep a small jig, minnow or worm close to bottom for yellow perch.

Walleye, Saugeye and White Bass

For roaming fish at Pymatuning, follow shad with a small spoon, jig or crankbait for white bass.

Catfish, Bullheads and Carp

For bottom fishing at Pymatuning, put cut bait, chicken liver or a nightcrawler on bottom for channel catfish, and fish corn or dough bait on a simple bottom rig for carp.

Muskellunge and Pike

For large predators at Pymatuning, throw a large bucktail or jerkbait along points and weed edges for muskellunge.

Other Reported Fish

Another option at Pymatuning is to bounce a jig, worm or crayfish bait near bottom for freshwater drum.

Where to Start at Pymatuning Lake

Start with the old river channel or a causeway edge. Use jigs and minnows for crappie or walleye, a worm near the bottom for perch, and large moving lures along weed edges for muskellunge.

On a first trip to Pymatuning, check one quiet cove, one rocky or firm point and the nearby deep water with a moving lure, then use a jig or worm where you find fish.

Fishing Pymatuning Lake Through the Year

Spring at Pymatuning is a good time to check warm coves and incoming water, and summer is a good time to fish shade, weeds and the first drop into deeper water. Fall at Pymatuning can bring fish back to windy points and banks, while winter calls for smaller baits fished slowly.

Tackle for Pymatuning Lake

A medium spinning rod covers smaller lures at Pymatuning, while a heavier rod and stronger leader are better for pike or muskellunge.

Pymatuning Lake FAQs

Why does the old Shenango River route matter at Pymatuning Lake?

It gives fish a deeper path through a lake where much of the surrounding water is fairly shallow.

What makes the Pymatuning spillway unusual?

Carp have gathered below the spillway since the 1930s, making it one of the best-known fish-watching spots in the region.

Which fish make a useful cold-weather plan at Pymatuning Lake?

Walleye, yellow perch and crappie are the main choices when safe winter conditions develop.