Watch Ducks Walk on Fish at the Linesville Spillway!

Watch Ducks Walk on Fish at the Linesville Spillway!

Since the 1930s, people have been flocking to feed hundreds of carp and ducks stale bread at the Linesville Spillway. A pastime since the great depression that still brings joy to visitors today! 

Address: 12318 Hartstown Rd, Linesville, PA 16424

Category: Roadside Attraction

Duration: 30mins – 2hrs

Location

The Spillway is located at 12318 Hartstown Rd, Linesville, PA 16424 within Pymatuning State Park and is open year round from dawn to dusk. There are many parking spots available and it is ADA-accessible. Restrooms and a gift/snack shop is available as well. The reservoir is separated into two portions at The Spillway. The whole lake also straddles the borders of PA and Ohio. 

The Spillway Parking lot

Spillway History

Built in the 1930s on top of a swamp, the reservoir was built to provide constant water and food control in the area. The “Spillway Bowl” allows for a regulated flow of water. During the Great Depression, families would travel to the spillway to feed animals their stale bread.

The Bowl at The Spillway filled with thousands of carp

Although wildlife feeding is prohibited in Pennsylvania State Parks, it is permitted at The Spillway due to its cultural and historical significance. Pellets are a much better option to feed them compared to bread and are recommended.

Exploring The Spillway

Carp, ducks, geese, and seagulls can be found all along the spillway wall. They tend to congregate closer to The Bowl and snack area as that is where most people feed them from. If you forgot bread, don’t worry, you can buy some at the snack stand at a small cost.

Signage along The Spillway path
Informational Signage at the Spillway

You will most likely never see this many fish in one place so close to you in the wild. It is astonishing to see how the fish move and fight for every bit of food that is thrown their way.

Ducks and Carp Swimming at The Spillway
Ducks and Carp Swimming

Depending on the time of year, you can find a variety of birds in the area. Mallard ducks, seagulls, geese, and cormorants can be found through the summer. Eagles can also be found flying throughout the sky above at times.

A Cormorant eating a small fish
A Cormorant eating a small fish

The snack stand offers areas to sit and watch the birds fly or people feed the animals. Ice cream, lemonade, hot dogs, chicken tenders, hats, and T-shirts are also available for purchase. The Snack Stand hours and operation may be limited, especially during colder months.

Tables in front of the snack stand at The Spillway
Snack stand at The Spillway

The Spillway is big enough for people to spread along the path and feed the animals. It welcomes over 300,000 people every year to this unique and one of a kind experience.

A Mallard duck swimming
A Mallard swimming

The Spillway makes for a great stop on a summer night. It is perfect for kids, photographers, and families to make lasting memories.

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