Fishing At Pymatuning Lake

AKA: Pymatuning Reservoir

What to fish for...

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 Ohio.

Splitting the Ohio/Pennsylvania state border, Pymatuning Lake is a 14,600-acre recreation reservoir offering a scenic boating and fishing experience. The lake has over 75 miles of shoreline, with less than half of that in Ohio. Several marinas (2 in OH), a dozen boat ramps (6 in OH), picnic areas, camping, bait & tackle shops and plenty of parking await visitors wishing to stay for a vacation, or a couple days fishing. The lake is stocked annually with walleye and muskie, and has healthy populations of yellow perch, bluegill, crappie, catfish, sunfish, white bass, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. The lake is surrounded by Pymatuning State Park and much of the shoreline is accessible for bank fishing. The lake is open to pleasure boats, pontoons and all types of fishing boats but a 20 horsepower motor limit is in effect. Kayaks and canoes are ideal watercraft for fishing this lake. Come winter, once the ice is safe, locals get out their ice fishing gear and pursue black crappie, white crappie, walleye and bluegill.

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

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Bay Shore Campground Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, in Bay Shore Campground, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Birches Area Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Pymatuning Lake Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Cabin Launch
Located mid lake, west side, off Marvin Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

New Bower Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Pymatuning Lake Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Padanaram Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Road 272, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Pymatuning State Park Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off S Lake Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Click here for a Ohio Fishing License.