🌤 Weather at Pymatuning State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24–70 °F | 54–81 °F | 31–74 °F | 16–39 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Jamestown 2 NW, 2 mi away, elevation 1,040 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🐟 Pymatuning State Park – The Complete Guide – Updated 2025
Where Ducks Walk on Fish
🏅 Official Guide: Pymatuning State Park — Straddling the Ohio–Pennsylvania border, this park is famous for its legendary spillway where fish are so dense that ducks literally walk on their backs.
Pymatuning State Park spans two states and surrounds Pymatuning Reservoir, a 17,088-acre lake that is one of the largest bodies of water in the region. But the park’s biggest claim to fame has nothing to do with its size — it’s the Linesville Spillway, a spectacle so bizarre it has become one of the most visited roadside attractions in the Northeast.
The Linesville Spillway: “Where Ducks Walk on Fish”
At the Linesville Spillway on the Pennsylvania side, visitors throw bread from the observation walkway into the water below. What happens next is the stuff of viral videos: thousands of carp swarm so densely in the shallow water that ducks and geese literally walk on top of the fish to reach the bread. The fish are packed so tightly that the water appears to be a solid, writhing surface of scales.
This phenomenon occurs because the spillway creates a shallow, nutrient-rich pool where carp have congregated for decades. Bread is sold at concession stands adjacent to the spillway for visitors who want to participate.
Ohio Side vs. Pennsylvania Side
| Feature | Pennsylvania Side | Ohio Side |
|---|---|---|
| Famous For | Linesville Spillway (“ducks walk on fish”) | Quieter, more natural setting |
| Cabins | Yes — 25 modern cabins | Yes — 51 cabins (Andover area) |
| Campgrounds | Jamestown area (400+ sites) | Multiple campgrounds (350+ sites) |
| Beach/Swimming | Tuttle Beach | Pymatuning State Park Beach |
| Boat Launch | Multiple ramps | Multiple ramps |
| Atmosphere | More developed, tourist infrastructure | More secluded, nature-focused |
Fishing
Pymatuning Reservoir is one of the premier fishing destinations in the Ohio-Pennsylvania region, stocked with walleye, largemouth bass, muskellunge, crappie, and channel catfish.
| Species | Best Season | Technique |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye | March–May (spring run) | Trolling crankbaits, jigging minnows |
| Muskellunge | September–November | Large swimbaits, trolling bucktails |
| Largemouth Bass | May–September | Spinnerbaits, soft plastics near weed edges |
| Crappie | April–June | Small jigs under slip bobbers near brush piles |
License Note: Pymatuning has a special reciprocal agreement — either an Ohio or Pennsylvania fishing license is valid on the entire lake, regardless of which side you’re on.
Ice Fishing
In winter, Pymatuning transforms into one of the region’s best ice fishing destinations. When ice thickness reaches a safe 4+ inches, hundreds of ice shanties appear on the lake. Target species include walleye, perch, and crappie. The Ohio Division of Wildlife operates an ice fishing access point at the park.
Cabin Rentals
| Type | Sleeps | Rate/Night | Side |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modern Cabin (PA) | 4–6 | $80–140 | Pennsylvania (Jamestown) |
| Deluxe Cabin (OH) | 4–8 | $100–170 | Ohio (Andover) |
| Standard Cabin (OH) | 2–4 | $60–100 | Ohio |
Planning Your Visit
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | OH/PA border, Crawford County (PA) / Ashtabula County (OH) |
| Lake Size | 17,088 acres (one of the largest in the region) |
| Admission | Free (both sides) |
| Nearest Town (PA) | Linesville / Jamestown |
| Nearest Town (OH) | Andover / Jefferson |
| PA Phone | (724) 932-3141 |
| OH Phone | (440) 293-6030 |
More parks nearby: Mosquito Lake State Park is within about an hour’s drive, while Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park lies within about an hour’s drive.
🐟 Ready to see ducks walk on fish?
Experience one of the most unique natural spectacles in the Northeast at Pymatuning State Park.
Explore More Ohio State Parks
Pymatuning State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Ohio. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Ohio guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Pymatuning State Park
Park policy: Ohio State Parks names eight specific pet-friendly cabins at Pymatuning - 1 through 4, 37, 51, 52 and 62 - rather than a general pet loop, so ask for one of those numbers when you reserve. Every other cabin in the 33-unit complex is closed to pets.
- Pets allowed?
- Only cabins 1-4, 37, 51, 52 and 62 accept pets
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not to exceed 6 feet in length, in hand and under control
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- No pets allowed at swimming beaches; some parks have designated dog swim areas and dog parks
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pet-friendly cabins available at select parks (Buck Creek, Cowan, Dillon, Lake Hope, Mohican, Pike Lake, Pymatuning); maximum two pets per cabin; $10 added fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $10 added fee for pet-friendly cabins (charged whether pets come along or not); no pet fee for day use or camping
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated leash-free dog exercise areas exist at some parks; no bathing of pets in campground shower houses
Are dogs allowed at Pymatuning State Park?
Only cabins 1-4, 37, 51, 52 and 62 accept pets.
Beyond that, Ohio’s statewide rules apply.
Rules verified July 2026 via ohiodnr.gov. More: Ohio state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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