LivewellOhio · Reservoir
Pymatuning Reservoir
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for Pymatuning Reservoir, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.
8 species with advisories · contaminants: Mercury
Ohio also has statewide guidance
Ohio publishes rules that apply to reservoirs across the state — 11 recommendations covering 11 species — in addition to anything listed for Pymatuning Reservoir below.
Strictest statewide rule: Flathead Catfish, Over 23" — Limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury.
What's safe to eat from Pymatuning Reservoir
Black Crappie
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Safe to eat as part of a regular diet. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Bluegill Sunfish
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Safe to eat as part of a regular diet. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Channel Catfish
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to two meals per week due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Common Carp
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to two meals per week due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Largemouth Bass
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to two meals per week due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Smallmouth Bass
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to two meals per week due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Walleye
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to two meals per week due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Yellow Perch
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Safe to eat as part of a regular diet. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Is it legal to keep?
These are Ohio's statewide limits — a water-specific rule may override them. Always verify the current regulations before keeping a fish.
| Species | Size | Daily limit | Open season | Keep season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 12" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Smallmouth Bass | 12" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Walleye | 15" min | 6 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Muskellunge | 30" min | 1 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Northern Pike | — | 6 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Channel Catfish | — | 6 | Year-round | Same as open |
Official rules: Ohio — Ohio DNR
Getting on the water
- Boat ramp boat ramp 2.0 mi Directions
- Fishing access fishing 2.0 mi Directions
- Boat ramp boat ramp 2.1 mi Directions
- Boat ramp boat ramp 2.5 mi Directions
- Birches Boating Area - Pymatuning State Park (OH) marina 2.8 mi Directions
- Boat ramp boat ramp 2.8 mi Directions
Access points from OpenStreetMap contributors.