PA Roadside Attractions

Exploring the Linesville Spillway at Pymatuning State Park

A collage of four photos taken at the Linesville Spillway in Pymatuning State Park. The top left photo shows visitors feeding ducks and fish while standing along the curved spillway where water flows into a lower basin. The top right photo features a wooden sign marking the entrance to "The Spillway, Pymatuning State Park" with a nearby road and park facilities visible in the background. The bottom left image is a vintage postcard showing visitors feeding ducks and fish in the 1930s, with classic cars parked along the road. The bottom right photo captures a close-up view of ducks and geese surrounded by a dense school of carp, all competing for food at the spillway.

If you’re looking for information about visiting the Linesville Spillway at Pymatuning State Park, you’re in the right place!

An informational sign at Pymatuning State Park titled "The Spillway: Where the Ducks Walk on the Fish." The sign explains the history of the Pymatuning Reservoir, which was created over the remains of the Great Pymatuning Swamp. The Shenango River once flowed through this swamp, and today, its tributaries supply water for the reservoir. The construction of the spillway bowl allowed for independent regulation of the reservoir and helped provide a consistent water supply and flood control. The flow of water over the spillway attracts a variety of wildlife, including fish, birds, and other invertebrates. The sign includes black-and-white historical photos of the swamp and the construction process.

The Linesville Spillway offers visitors a one-of-a-kind experience that has delighted both young and old for nearly one hundred years – the opportunity to watch ducks walk on fish!

A vibrant scene at the Linesville Spillway in Pymatuning State Park, showing a group of geese and ducks surrounded by a large gathering of carp. The fish are tightly packed together at the water’s surface, eagerly competing for pieces of bread, creating a bustling and dynamic display. The geese dip their heads into the water, feeding alongside the fish, while the ducks float nearby, navigating through the thick schools of carp. The water is alive with motion as the fish churn and ripple the surface, illustrating the famous phenomenon where ducks and geese appear to walk on the backs of the fish.

This quirky and memorable spectacle occurs when schools of carp gather so thickly below the Linesville Spillway that ducks, geese, and even seagulls appear to walk across their backs while competing for bread tossed in by visitors.

A close-up image of two geese at the Linesville Spillway in Pymatuning State Park, feeding alongside large carp. The geese are dipping their heads into the water as the fish cluster tightly around them, competing for the same food. The carp's bodies are partially visible beneath the water's surface, creating a lively scene of birds and fish interacting in the unique spillway environment. The clear water allows a view of the fish swarming just below the geese, illustrating the famous phenomenon where ducks and geese appear to walk on the fish.

It’s a fun and fascinating sight that draws families, nature lovers, photographers, and curiosity seekers eager to witness this feeding frenzy of fish and waterfowl in action.

A group of visitors stands along the fenced edge of the Linesville Spillway at Pymatuning State Park, feeding ducks and fish below. The curved spillway creates a small waterfall as water flows over the edge into a lower basin, where a large number of ducks and geese gather. The birds float near the surface, surrounded by fish as they compete for food tossed in by the visitors. The expansive reservoir can be seen in the background under a cloudy sky, providing a scenic view that complements the lively feeding activity below.

Directions to the Linesville Spillway

The Linesville Spillway at Pymatuning State Park is located at 12318 Hartstown Road, Linesville, PA 16424.

If navigating by GPS, use coordinates 41.63102, -80.44028 to find the Spillway.

A map of the Pymatuning State Park area, highlighting the location of the Linesville Spillway with a red star and the label "Spillway (Fish Feeding)." The map shows surrounding landmarks, including the PA Game Commission Wildlife Learning Center, the PA Fish & Boat Commission Hatchery, and the Ecology Lab of the University of Pittsburgh. The "You Are Here" marker is positioned near Glenn Island, with nearby features such as Linesville Marina, Linesville Campground, and Harris Island also indicated. The map provides context for navigating the area and finding the popular Spillway attraction.

History of the Fish-Feeding Tradition

The Pymatuning Reservoir, a man-made wonder straddling the Pennsylvania-Ohio border, was created in 1934, and the the tradition of feeding the fish at the Linesville Spillway began almost immediately after that, when local vendors started selling bread to feed the carp.

A vintage postcard-style photo at the Linesville Spillway in Pymatuning State Park shows a man standing beside a large pile of bread, which was sold for feeding the ducks and fish at the spillway. The image includes a caption reading “Bread for Feeding Ducks and Fish at Spillway” at the top, with the lower part of the postcard displaying the text “Greetings from Pymatuning, Largest Lake in Pennsylvania.” Two women and a child are seen picking up loaves from the pile, emphasizing the long-standing tradition of bread feeding at this popular tourist destination. The black-and-white image provides a nostalgic glimpse into the history of the spillway.

This unusual spectacle quickly became a popular roadside attraction as people marveled at how the ducks would seemingly walk on the backs of the fish while trying to get to the bread first.

A vintage postcard image shows a lively scene at the Linesville Spillway in Pymatuning State Park, with visitors gathered along the water's edge, feeding the fish and ducks. The postcard is titled "Typical Activity at the Famous Spillway, 'Where the Ducks Walk on the Fish.'" The scene captures several cars from the era parked alongside the road, as people lean over the fence to toss bread into the water. The postcard has a vibrant, hand-tinted quality, with a scenic backdrop of the lake and surrounding landscape. It provides a nostalgic glimpse into the popular tourist activity of visiting the spillway in past decades.

The unique feeding frenzy, with ducks, geese, and carp fighting for food, spread through postcards and newspaper stories, eventually becoming a must-see tourist spot.

An informational sign at the Linesville Spillway titled "It's A Tradition" explains the origins of the practice of feeding wildlife at the spillway. It states that the tradition began in the 1930s when roadside vendors started selling bread for visitors to feed the carp. The popularity of the spectacle quickly spread through postcards, newspapers, and word of mouth, turning the spillway into a well-known tourist attraction. The sign notes that today, over 300,000 people visit the spillway each year. The image of a stack of sliced bread is included on the sign.

Generations have fond memories of visiting this spot, and for newcomers, it’s a bucket-list item for its sheer uniqueness.

A goose and several ducks float among a dense gathering of carp at the Linesville Spillway in Pymatuning State Park. The water is full of large fish, thrashing and swirling as they compete for bread tossed by visitors. The goose stands out in the center, surrounded by the carp, while the ducks paddle nearby, also attempting to grab pieces of food. The fish cluster tightly at the water's surface, creating the famous illusion of birds walking on their backs. The lively interaction between the birds and fish highlights the unique charm of this popular attraction.

While the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources once considered banning the feeding of bread to the fish, public outcry led to the preservation of this beloved tradition.

As a result, the Spillway continues to attract visitors with its chaotic display of carp and ducks, making it one of the most visited spots in Pennsylvania.

A close-up image of numerous carp clustered tightly together at the Linesville Spillway in Pymatuning State Park. The fish are thrashing at the water’s surface, eagerly competing for a piece of bread that floats among them. Their dark, shiny bodies glisten as they jostle for position, creating ripples and splashes in the water. The photo vividly captures the frenzied feeding behavior that the spillway is famous for.

What You’ll See at the Linesville Spillway

Today, feeding the fish at the Linesville Spillway is still a big tourist draw, attracting more than 300,000 visitors annually from all over the country and around the world.

A group of people stands at the edge of the Linesville Spillway in Pymatuning State Park, looking out over the water and feeding the ducks and fish below. The scene captures the wide expanse of the reservoir under a cloudy sky, with birds scattered across the water near the spillway. The visitors are leaning against a rusted metal fence that lines the spillway, tossing food into the water where the ducks, geese, and fish gather. In the background, a couple stands further along the walkway, observing the activity. The natural scenery and serene water create a peaceful contrast to the lively feeding frenzy below.

In fact, Pymatuning State Park is the second most visited in the state, trailing only behind Presque Isle State Park in Erie.

Visitors feed the ducks and geese as they gather on the water near the curved concrete spillway at Pymatuning State Park, where birds and fish compete for food in the iconic Linesville Spillway area. Seagulls fly overhead, and in the distance, a concession stand and seating area can be seen along the lakeside, with trees framing the scene under a cloudy sky. Ducks float near the water’s edge while larger groups gather above and below the spillway, partaking in the area's long-standing tradition of wildlife feeding.

A new promenade, parking area, and restrooms, added to the Spillway area in 2007, have made the experience more accessible, giving even more people a chance to witness this spectacle “where the ducks walk on the fish.”

A side view of the Linesville Spillway at Pymatuning State Park, showing a large group of geese floating near the spillway while visitors stand along the walkway feeding the wildlife. The water is calm, with the birds gathering at the edge of the spillway where water flows into a lower section. The scene is surrounded by lush greenery, with trees in the background and hints of autumn colors starting to emerge. A blue railing runs along the side of the walkway, providing a safe vantage point for visitors to observe the bustling activity of the birds and fish below.

The adjacent concession stand offers refreshments (between Memorial Day and Labor Day), making it a great spot for a relaxing afternoon.

An outdoor concession stand near the Linesville Spillway at Pymatuning State Park, featuring a small building with ice cream signs on the windows and a “Pick Up Orders Here” sign. Surrounding the stand are several round picnic tables with attached benches, set under a canopy for shade. In the background, the spillway is visible with metal railings, benches, and a view of the expansive lake under a cloudy sky. The area provides a relaxed setting for visitors to sit and enjoy refreshments while overlooking the park's scenic views.

Many visitors enjoy standing above the spillway, feeding the wildlife while marveling at the sheer number of fish gathering below.

A wide view of the Linesville Spillway at Pymatuning State Park shows the curved spillway creating a waterfall where the reservoir water flows into a lower basin. The water is filled with ducks and geese floating in the spillway, with more birds perched on the edge of the waterfall or swimming in the upper reservoir. The sky is overcast with clouds, adding a serene atmosphere to the scene. The surrounding landscape features a calm, expansive body of water with forested areas in the distance, creating a peaceful backdrop for the popular wildlife feeding area.

Benches along the promenade provide more restful spots to take in the beautiful views of the water and surrounding landscape.

A picturesque view of the Linesville Spillway at Pymatuning State Park, with a seagull flying overhead and ducks and geese gathered in the water below. The spillway creates a small waterfall where water flows into the lower basin, attracting numerous birds that float nearby. In the background, more waterfowl can be seen spread across the expansive reservoir under a partly cloudy sky. Visitors stand along the walkway, observing the wildlife and feeding the birds and fish. The scene captures the peaceful yet lively atmosphere of this popular natural attraction.

The Linesville Fish Hatchery

Not far from the Spillway, the Linesville Fish Hatchery offers another engaging stop for those interested in aquatic life.

Built in 1939, the hatchery is spread over 97 acres and plays a crucial role in supporting local fish populations.

A welcome sign at the Linesville Fish Hatchery, near the Linesville Spillway in Pymatuning State Park, provides information about the hatchery's hours and tours. The sign features a photo of the hatchery building surrounded by trees and a walkway leading to the entrance. The text indicates that the hatchery is open to the public seven days a week from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, with guided group tours available upon request. The sign encourages visitors to explore the hatchery, learn about the fish being raised, and see a working model of a fish egg incubation system. At the bottom of the sign, a small map of Pennsylvania highlights the hatchery's location.

Visitors can explore the facility for free, getting an up-close look at the fish that call Pymatuning Reservoir home.

A photo taken inside the Linesville Fish Hatchery near the Linesville Spillway at Pymatuning State Park. The image shows a large, circular aquarium in the center of the room, surrounded by railings and benches for visitors to sit and observe. The room is well-lit with natural light streaming through large windows, offering a view of the outdoor hatchery ponds. Fish replicas are mounted on the walls as educational displays, and a small exhibit with fish tanks can be seen in the background. The setup provides an interactive space for visitors to learn about the local aquatic life and the hatchery's role in fish conservation.

The hatchery features a series of ponds, raceways, and even a multi-story aquarium where visitors can observe the various fish species native to the area.

A top-down view of a large, circular fish tank at the Linesville Fish Hatchery near the Linesville Spillway in Pymatuning State Park. The tank is filled with various fish swimming around, with aquatic plants positioned in the center. Reflections of overhead lights can be seen on the surface of the water. The clear water allows a detailed look at the fish, providing an educational experience for visitors to observe the different species housed in the hatchery. The design of the tank and surrounding structure offers a unique multi-story view of the fish inside.

It’s a fascinating complement to the Spillway experience, providing insights into how fish are bred and nurtured before being released into local waters.

An outdoor view of the fish ponds at the Linesville Fish Hatchery near the Linesville Spillway in Pymatuning State Park. The foreground features an educational sign displaying illustrations of the two fish species raised at the hatchery: Muskellunge and Walleye. Behind the sign are several large, calm ponds with small fountains aerating the water. The landscape is surrounded by trees, and the overcast sky is reflected on the water's surface. The ponds are part of the hatchery's efforts to cultivate local fish species and support aquatic conservation.

The large viewing windows provide stunning views of Pymatuning Reservoir, making it a scenic stop in addition to being educational.

A scenic view from inside the Linesville Fish Hatchery near the Linesville Spillway at Pymatuning State Park, featuring large windows overlooking Pymatuning Reservoir. In the foreground is an indoor aquarium, while mounted binoculars near the windows allow visitors to view the reservoir and its surrounding landscape. The windows frame a calm lake, with trees on the shoreline and distant islands visible under a cloudy sky. The setting provides a peaceful and educational experience for visitors to the fish hatchery.

Final Thoughts

The Linesville Spillway at Pymatuning State Park is a fantastic roadside attraction for families, nature lovers, and anyone who enjoys unique outdoor experiences.

A lively scene at the Linesville Spillway shows several geese and ducks floating on the water, surrounded by a dense school of carp. The fish are so plentiful that they crowd the surface, appearing to create a solid mass beneath the birds. The water is stirred up as both birds and fish eagerly compete for food tossed in by visitors. The carp's scales glisten, and the ducks navigate through the swarming fish, illustrating the famous phenomenon where ducks appear to walk on the backs of the fish.

With its long-standing tradition of feeding the fish and birds, and the nearby fish hatchery offering more educational opportunities, it’s easy to see why this area attracts so many visitors each year.

A close-up view of fish swimming inside a large aquarium at the Linesville Fish Hatchery near the Linesville Spillway in Pymatuning State Park. The photo shows a black crappie with speckled scales in the foreground, with other fish and aquatic plants visible in the background. The fish are swimming around tall green vegetation inside the tank, and natural light streams in through the aquarium windows, illuminating the scene. This aquarium provides visitors with an up-close look at some of the fish species native to Pymatuning Reservoir.

Whether you’re feeding the carp or taking in the views of Pymatuning Reservoir, the Linesville Spillway is a must-see spot in Pennsylvania’s state park system.

A wooden sign at the entrance of the Linesville Spillway in Pymatuning State Park displays the location’s name and information. The sign reads “The Spillway, Pymatuning State Park, Pa. Dept. of Conservation And Natural Resources” in bold yellow letters on a brown background. Behind the sign, a road runs parallel to the park, with a “One Way” street sign visible. A small building and some trees can be seen in the background under a cloudy sky, indicating the proximity of facilities near the popular spillway attraction.

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