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Pymatuning Lake Fishing Map |
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LOCATION
Pymatuning Lake is located in southeastern Ashtabula County and is approximately one mile east of Andover, Ohio and one mile north of Jamestown, Pennsylvania. State Route 85 (Ohio) bisects Pymatuning Lake’s northern and southern sections and becomes State Route 285 at the Pennsylvania border (which is approximately one mile east of Pymatuning Lake Road), which is situated near the middle of the two-mile bridge overlooking the lake.
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
Pymatuning Lake was constructed in 1933 when the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania dammed the outlet of Pymatuning Swamp for the purpose of water conservation, flood control, regulating stream flow, and recreation. A compact between Ohio and Pennsylvania concerning use of the lake was ratified by Congress in 1937. Pymatuning Lake is the largest inland lake in Ohio at 16,349 acres. The fishable portion of Pymatuning Lake (i.e., excluding the sanctuary east of Hartstown Road in Linesville, Pennsylvania) totals 14,334 acres. The fisheries resources of Pymatuning Lake are managed jointly by the Ohio Division of Wildlife and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. The maximum depth of Pymatuning Lake is 30 feet. Boats are allowed with a maximum of 20 horsepower. Anglers should note that boat anglers may have a license from either Ohio or Pennsylvania and be legal. However, shore anglers need to have a license for the state that they are fishing in, i.e., Ohio anglers must have a Pennsylvania fishing license in order to fish on the Pennsylvania side of Pymatuning Lake and Pennsylvania anglers must have an Ohio fishing license in order to fish on the Ohio side of Pymatuning Lake.
FISHES OF INTEREST TO ANGLERS
Fish species that are found in Pymatuning Lake include muskellunge, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, black and white crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, brown bullhead, pumpkinseed sunfish, white bass, and carp. Walleye fingerlings (1”+) are stocked annually by the Ohio Division of Wildlife and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Fingerling muskellunge (4”-6”) are stocked annually by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Advanced fingerling muskellunge (9’-11”) are stocked on a surplus basis by the Ohio Division of Wildlife.
FISHING FORECAST
| Type of Fish |
|
Size |
Largest
(inches) |
| Channel Catfish |
Good
|
Good
|
29.7
|
| Crappie |
Good
|
Excellent
|
14.5
|
| Largemouth Bass |
Poor
|
Poor
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18.6
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| Muskellunge |
Good
|
Good
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53.0
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| Smallmouth Bass |
Fair
|
Fair
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15.5
|
| Sunfish |
Poor
|
Excellent
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7.7
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| Walleye |
Good
|
Fair
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27.8
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| White Bass |
Poor
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Good
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16.0
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Fish Survey Report
| Type of Fish |
Percent Seeking |
Catch Rates |
Fishing Pressure |
| Catfish |
1%
|
Poor
|
Average
|
| Crappie |
10%
|
Fair
|
High
|
Largemouth Bass and
Smallmouth Bass |
7%
|
Excellent
|
High
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| Muskellunge |
2%
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Excellent
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High
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| Sunfish |
2%
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Poor
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High
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| Walleye |
50%
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Fair
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High
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| Yellow Perch |
2%
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Excellent
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High
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Angler Survey Report
METHODS OF FISHING AND BEST FISHING SITES
Muskellunge are oftentimes captured on large crank baits that are cast during the spring and fall or trolled during the summer months. Spinner baits or jerk baits are good casting lures as well for this top predator. A wire leader or very high pound test monofilament leader is a must, since muskellunge have an array of sharp teeth that will cut fishing line instantly. Walleye are taken by drifting, trolling or casting. Nightcrawler harnesses, minnows, crank baits, and jigs are all effective for tempting walleye. Largemouth bass and bluegill can be captured close to shore, especially during the spring and again in the fall. Spinner baits, surface lures, and plastic worms all are good choices for largemouth bass. Smallmouth bass are frequently captured on hair or tube jigs, small crank baits or minnows. Wax worms, maggots or small worms are usually a good choice to attract bluegill and other sunfish species to bite. A small hook (# 10 or smaller) is the best bet for successful bluegill fishing. Yellow perch may be caught on worms or minnows. Crappie may be caught on small jigs with or without minnows or minnows on a #6 or smaller hook. Channel catfish can be captured relatively close to shore from spring through fall. Shrimp, nightcrawlers or chicken liver are preferred baits for channel catfish. A sliding sinker rig, using a swivel to keep the weight from hitting the hook (such as what would be used for fishing for bass with plastic worms), will work well. A # 4 hook is a preferred size to use for catfish.
FISH OHIO
Anglers who catch a big fish should enter their prize in the Fish Ohio angler recognition program. A fish qualifies for an award if it meets the minimum size requirement set for the Fish Ohio program. Applications are available online at FishOhio.org.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The nearest district office is located at Wildlife District Three, 912 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron, Ohio 44319 (phone number: 330-644-2293). Pymatuning Lake State Park is located at 6100 Pymatuning Lake Road, Andover, Ohio 44319 (phone number: 440-293-6030).
TURN IN A POACHER
Ohio’s TIP, “Turn In a Poacher,” program is helping curtail poaching throughout the state. TIP is designed to involve the public in reporting wildlife violations. Citizens who observe wildlife violations should call the TIP toll-free hotline, 1-800-POACHER.
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