Pymatuning Reservoir (PA): Motor & Boating Rules
Crawford County · near Linesville · managed by Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
- Gas outboard: YES
- Electric trolling: YES
- PWC / jet ski: NO
Quick answer
Motors up to 20 horsepower are allowed on Pymatuning Reservoir. Larger outboards are prohibited. Pymatuning Reservoir in PA is limited to outboard motors of 20 horsepower or less under Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations (verified July 14, 2026). Rules change and local ordinances may add restrictions — always confirm with Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission before you launch.
Rules at a glance
| Restriction class | 20 HP limit |
|---|---|
| Horsepower limit | 20 hp |
| Electric trolling motors | YES |
| Gas outboards | YES |
| PWC / jet skis | NO |
| Wake rule | None listed for Pymatuning Reservoir |
| Hours rule | None listed for Pymatuning Reservoir |
| Zones | All of Pymatuning Reservoir, no zones listed |
| Managing body | State department of natural resources: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission |
| Official source | Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission — pacodeandbulletin.gov |
| Last verified |
What this means in practice
PWC exceed a low horsepower cap by design, so the limit on Pymatuning Reservoir effectively excludes jet skis. Electric trolling motors sit comfortably inside any horsepower cap and are a common quiet-water choice here.
The cap is about the motor, not your speed, on most waters: a 40 hp outboard at idle is still a 40 hp outboard. This lake has its own wrinkle worth knowing — see the note below.
Worth knowing about Pymatuning Reservoir: 17,088-acre reservoir shared with Ohio; DCNR park page confirms "Maximum 20 hp/15 kWh motors permitted". Located in Pymatuning State Park.
Common mistakes on HP limit water
Counting on throttle discipline. The cap on Pymatuning Reservoir reads the plate, not your wrist: a big motor at idle is still over the limit on most waters of this class.
Forgetting auxiliary motors count. Where the rule caps the motor or combination of motors, a kicker plus main can bust the number together. Check the wording in the source.
Before you launch — verify
- The live rulebook is here: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
- For edge cases — mounted-but-unused motors, tournaments, temporary orders — phone the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission office covering Crawford County.
- Our most recent source check for this page: .
Rules change and local ordinances may add restrictions — always confirm with Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission before you launch.
Frequently asked questions
Are gas motors allowed on Pymatuning Reservoir?
Yes, within the 20 hp limit. Outboards rated above 20 horsepower are prohibited on Pymatuning Reservoir. Verified July 14, 2026.
Can I use an electric trolling motor on Pymatuning Reservoir?
You can. Electric propulsion is permitted on Pymatuning Reservoir; most boats here run a 12 V transom-mount trolling motor. Pack a paddle as backup for when the battery fades.
Are jet skis (PWC) allowed on Pymatuning Reservoir?
No — PWC cannot legally run here. Their engines are rated far above the 20 hp cap on Pymatuning Reservoir.
Who enforces boating rules on Pymatuning Reservoir?
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (state department of natural resources) sets and enforces the motor rules on Pymatuning Reservoir, with possible additional ordinances from Crawford County or local municipalities. State boating officers and local law enforcement both patrol restricted waters.
Where do I verify the current rules for Pymatuning Reservoir?
Start with the source document linked under Sources below; it is the regulation this page summarizes. For anything ambiguous, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is the authority. Our last verification against the source: July 14, 2026.
Sources
- Administrative code: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission — pacodeandbulletin.gov
- Managing agency: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
- Last verified against the source: