ANDOVER, OH – Surveys conducted at Pymatuning Reservoir revealed excellent numbers and sizes of popular fish, including walleye, crappie, and largemouth and smallmouth bass, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Recent mild winters have led to unusually high abundances of the primary prey species, gizzard shad and alewife. This abundance of prey should lead to a healthy fish population which is great news for anglers.

 

Pymatuning Reservoir is the largest inland lake in Ohio and straddles the Ohio-Pennsylvania border. Two state agencies cooperatively manage the fishery, the ODNR Division of Wildlife and the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PAFBC). Recreational opportunities at the lake provide a significant economic benefit to the surrounding community.

 

The PAFBC and the ODNR Division of Wildlife want to remind anglers to get out and enjoy the opportunities that abound at this first-rate fishery. Anglers can find a free map, which includes water depths, access points and more at wildohio.gov.

 

“The Pymatuning Reservoir is a historic and popular recreation spot for the constituents of my district in northeastern Ohio, so I’m pleased to see the great work being done by ODNR in ensuring fish populations there remain strong and healthy for years to come,” said State Senator Sean J. O’Brien, 32nd Ohio District.

 

"Pymatuning is another ‘blue jewel’ in the crown of the 99th District,” according to State Representative John Patterson, 99th District. “Along with Lake Erie, we are blessed with wonderful access to award winning fishing, fantastic boating, and altogether unparalleled outdoor activities. We truly do have so much to be grateful for in our corner of Ohio." 

 

During the 2017 fishing season many anglers believed that sport fish numbers were down in the reservoir. Actually, there was such an abundance of natural food sources that the sport fish were feeding on which led to lower than average angler catches. 

 

In September 2017 thousands of common carp died from an outbreak of Koi herpes virus. PAFBC and ODNR Division of Wildlife worked in partnership to monitor and diagnose the cause of the die-off. Common carp were the only species affected by this virus, and the die-off will not affect the quality of the sport fishery.

 

Five boat-launch ramps are situated around this 14,000-acre lake providing convenient access. Many boat rental concessions are located around the lake, and Pymatuning State Park also features a 350-foot swimming beach, picnic areas, and two hiking trails for visitors.

 

Boats are allowed with a maximum of 20 horsepower. Anglers fishing from boats may have a fishing license from either Ohio or Pennsylvania; however, anglers fishing from shore need to have a license for the state in which they are fishing in.

 

For over 80 years, the PAFBC and the ODNR Division of Wildlife have worked together to monitor and manage Pymatuning’s excellent sport fish populations. Fish population assessments and angler surveys inform the management agencies about the status of popular sport fisheries and help guide biologists in making decisions related to supplemental fish stocking and appropriate regulations for the reservoir.

 

Learn more about exploring Ashtabula County at visitashtabulacounty.com/

 

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov