Pymatuning State Park
Ohio

Pymatuning State Park

Available Activities
  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Boating
  • Picnicking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Hunting
  • Disc Golf
  • Golfing
  • Nature Center
  • Winter Sports
  • Biking
Verified by America’s State Parks Editorial Team – Updated February 2026

Pymatuning State Park surrounds Pennsylvania’s largest lake—the 17,088-acre Pymatuning Reservoir spanning the PA-Ohio border. Most famous for the legendary Linesville Spillway where “ducks walk on the backs of fish”, this park draws over 300,000 visitors annually. With 25 modern cabins, NEW glamping sites for 2026, multiple campgrounds, exceptional walleye and muskie fishing, and year-round ice fishing, Pymatuning is northwestern Pennsylvania’s outdoor paradise.

🆕 NEW for 2026!

  • Glamping Sites: 6 new sites with A/C, heat, Keurig, mini-fridge!
  • Ohio Side: 10 new all-season cabins opened Nov 2025
  • Ice Fishing: Conditions good Feb 2026

“Ducks Walk on Fish” – Linesville Spillway

Famous SpillwayDetails
🦆 AttractionDucks walk on backs of fish!
👥 Visitors300,000+ annually
📅 Best SeasonSpring, summer, fall
❄️ WinterFish activity reduced
📍 LocationLinesville, PA

Pennsylvania’s Largest Lake

Reservoir StatsDetails
💧 Size17,088 acres
🏛️ PA Park16,892 acres
🏛️ Ohio Side3,512 acres
🌊 PurposeWater conservation, flood control

Cabins & Glamping

LodgingDetails
🏠 Modern Cabins25 (year-round)
📅 ReservationsUp to 11 months ahead
🆕 Glamping (2026)6 new sites
Glamping AmenitiesKeurig, mini-fridge, A/C, heat
🆕 Ohio Cabins10 new all-season (Nov 2025)

Camping – Multiple Campgrounds

CampgroundLocation
LinesvillePennsylvania
JamestownPennsylvania
PymatuningOhio side
Camping RulesDetails
📅 SeasonApril – September (PA)
🕐 Reservations11 months ahead
📏 Max Stay (Summer)14 consecutive nights
📏 Max Stay (Off-Season)21 nights

Fishing & Ice Fishing

Fish SpeciesStatus (2025-2026)
🐟 WalleyeHealthy population
🐟 MuskellungeTrophy fishing available
🐟 Yellow PerchStrong numbers
🐟 Largemouth BassStrong fishing
🐟 BluegillIncreasing
🐟 CrappieYear-round
Ice Fishing (Feb 2026)Details
❄️ ConditionsCold temps = good ice formation
📏 Min Ice (Solo)4 inches
📏 Min Ice (Groups)7 inches
🎣 Target SpeciesWalleye, perch, crappie
🕳️ Max Hole Size10 inches diameter

Boating

Boating RulesDetails
Non-PoweredPermitted (permit required)
Motors10 hp maximum
🛶 RentalsEspyville, Linesville, Jamestown marinas
🦺 Winter PFD RuleRequired Nov 1–Apr 30 (boats <16ft)< /td>

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the “ducks walk on fish” attraction?

The Linesville Spillway is Pymatuning’s most famous attraction, drawing over 300,000 visitors annually. When visitors throw bread or fish food, the carp become so densely packed that ducks literally walk across their backs to get to the food! Best visited in spring, summer, or fall when fish are most active.

What’s new for camping in 2026?

New glamping accommodations are coming to Pymatuning in 2026 through a partnership with Timberline Glamping! The 6 new glamping sites feature Keurig coffee makers, mini-fridges, electrical outlets, air conditioning, and heating. The Ohio side also opened 10 new all-season cabins in November 2025 with ADA-accessible options.

Can I ice fish at Pymatuning?

Yes! Ice fishing is permitted on natural ice, targeting walleye, perch, and crappie. The park doesn’t monitor ice thickness—you must verify ice is at least 4 inches thick for individuals, 7 inches for groups. Ice holes cannot exceed 10 inches in diameter. February 2026 conditions are favorable for ice formation.

Do I need a PA or Ohio fishing license?

For boat fishing, a license from either Pennsylvania OR Ohio is valid anywhere on the lake. For shore fishing, you need a license from the state where you’re standing—PA if on the Pennsylvania shore, Ohio if on the Ohio side. Walleye, bass, muskie, and crappie can be fished year-round.

How far in advance can I book a cabin?

Cabin reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance with at least 3 days notice before arrival. The park has 25 modern cabins available year-round. Book early for summer weekends—this is one of Pennsylvania’s most visited state parks!

🦆 Where Ducks Walk on Fish

Experience Pennsylvania’s largest lake, witness nature’s strangest spectacle at the spillway, and fish for trophy walleye and muskie. Visit the official Pymatuning State Park website for 2026 cabin, glamping, and camping reservations.

State Parks Team
Written by

State Parks Team

Editorial Team

The America's State Parks Editorial Team has collectively explored 800+ state parks across all 50 states. Our park profiles are carefully researched using official state park data, verified visitor information, and first-hand observations from our writers and contributors. Each article is fact-checked against official sources and updated regularly to ensure accuracy. Our mission is to help every American discover the natural wonders in their own backyard.

Last updated: February 8, 2026

Park Location