The 15 Lakes in Ohio That Offer the Best Fishing Opportunities
Anglers who fish in Ohio have access to more than 50,000 lakes and small ponds that vary in their species makeup. Some lakes are known for having a large population of certain types of fish, while others offer natural conditions that make them successful anglers.
There are plenty of places to fish in Ohio, with more than 124,000 acres of inland water and 7,000 miles of streams. In order to find the best fishing spots, it’s helpful to know where the lakes are stocked and which streams have active fish populations. Planning your trip ahead will make it easier for you and reduce the amount of time you spend fighting traffic or waiting in line at a fishing spot.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) provides fishing forecasts and maps for every lake in the state, which are updated regularly. You can also buy a fishing license online and search for fishing tips for specific species before you even cast your line.
Ohio is home to many great fishing lakes, perfect for anyone looking to catch a fish. Here are the best of the best:
If you’re looking for some great fishing in Ohio, be sure to check out these five top lakes! They each offer stunning scenery and fantastic catches of fish.
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1. Lake Erie
Lake Erie is a popular fishing destination in Ohio, due to the abundance of walleye and perch. Bass and steelhead fishing are also viable options on this lake. Fishing Lake Erie requires different knowledge and preparations than fishing on other lakes in the state.
Weather and water conditions in the Great Lakes can change quickly, so it is important to be prepared for any situation. While Lake Erie can provide a great fishing experience, it is wise to get help from an experienced guide or charter service if you are not familiar with the area. ODNR has links to reputable guides and associations on their website if you need assistance selecting one.
Fishing this lake can be a highlight of your trip, as finding a restaurant that will cook your catch for dinner is easy. Your guide can recommend the best restaurants in the area.
There are many fishing points on Lake Erie accessible from various towns across northern Ohio, like Port Clinton and Geneva-on-the-Lake. Sandusky is a great place to stay if you want to catch a fishing charter, as it’s right on the water and there are many resorts and less expensive mainstream hotels like the Best Western Plus Sandusky Hotel & Suites. You can also ferry across the lake to South Bass Island and charter out of Put-in-Bay.
2. Ohio River
The Ohio River is one of the best places to fish in Ohio, since tailwaters provide year-round fishing opportunities. These spots are where many fish congregate, giving you opportunities to catch a variety of species. The most popular species to fish for in the Ohio River are sauger and walleye; hybrid striped bass; smallmouth bass; largemouth bass; and channel, flathead, and blue catfish.
Many anglers fish the Ohio River by boat, but for shoreline access, head to the locks and dams. There are many fishing platforms and abutment access areas along the river that offer excellent shore fishing opportunities. The concentration of prey fish makes this waterway ideal for catching sportfish.
The Ohio River forms a 451-mile boundary along the southern border of the state, so there are many great places to go for a river rafting trip.
It is always a good idea to stay in a city with plenty of lodging options for anglers, like Marietta’s Fairfield Inn & Suites and the Microtel Inn & Suites in Cincinnati.
3. Alum Creek
The popular fishing location of Alum Creek Lake in central Ohio is a large, well-maintained body of water with many deep coves and shale bluffs providing excellent habitats for a wide range of fish species. The lake is easily accessible by boat and shoreline anglers, making it a favorite spot for both novice and experienced anglers.
The lake has a healthy population of several species of fish, including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. The southern basin is the best place to target smallmouth bass as there are many rocky points from which to fish. The northern end of the lake is also productive for channel catfish.
Alum Creek is the only musky lake in central Ohio, and it is stocked annually with saugeye and muskies by ODNR. For nearby lodging that offers easy access to Alum Creek, you will want to stay in Delaware and stay at a hotel like the Pacer Inn and Suites or Baymont by Wyndham Delaware for a short drive each day.
4. Seneca Lake
Eastern Ohio’s Seneca Lake is one of the largest public fishing lakes in the state. It has a wide variety of habitats, including more than 45 miles of shoreline, making it an easy lake to fish.
It is recommended that you stay close to the lake in order to enjoy all that it has to offer. The closest town is Senecaville, but Cambridge, about 12-miles away, offers more hotels and restaurants.
ODNR now stocks blue catfish in Seneca Lake, which is one of the only places to fish for this species in Ohio. Boat ramps are available at the main marina and just north of the dam.
5. Clear Fork Reservoir
Anglers who are interested in catching largemouth bass should visit Clear Fork Reservoir in Northwest Ohio. This lake is one of the best places to fish for these fish in Ohio, and it is also a great place to catch musky.
The best bass fishing can be found at the western end of the lake, where shallow water and a abundance of fallen trees and stumps are present.
Clear Fork Reservoir is home to a variety of fish, including crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish. Boat fishing is the most popular activity on the lake, while shoreline fishing is only allowed along the south and western banks. There are three public access points to the water where you can find various spots to hook your catch.
6. Piedmont Lake
Piedmont Lake is a popular spot for fishing year-round, with some of the best fishing for crappie and smallmouth bass in the state. The rocky shoreline, downed trees, and docks make ideal habitats for these fish.
It is not unusual to catch crappie over nine inches at Cadiz or Steubenville. These small towns are some of the best inland lakes in Ohio for smallmouth bass, with nearly 50 percent of the fish population being this species.
The lake has excellent fishing for saugeye and musky, which is angler-oriented. There are several boat and shoreline access points, a 10-horsepower motor limit for watercraft, and a scenic setting that makes it an enjoyable place to visit.
7. Hoover Reservoir
Hoover Reservoir is a popular fishing spot, especially for channel catfish and flatheads. In 2011, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) began stocking blue catfish there to increase population numbers.
At Hoover Reservoir, there are a variety of fish that can be caught including largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie, longnose gar, saugeye, and carp. The reservoir has a 10-horsepower motor limit which makes it easy to fish from both boat and shore. Some of the best spots to catch these fish are near the dam and in the southern basin for bass.
8. Grand Lake St. Marys
Crappie are abundant in Grand Lake St. Marys and can be found on a variety of structures, including ledges, rocks, and logs. The large body of water makes for excellent fishing conditions year-round.
Crappies are common in large numbers during the months of March through May, when the lake is relatively shallow. The lake has good habitats for other species, making it a popular fishing destination.
There are seven boat ramps operated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and plenty of shoreline access points around the nine-mile-long lake. For time on Grand Lake St. Marys, you can stay in the town of St. Marys or nearby Celina.
9. Pymatuning Lake
Pymatuning Lake is a large body of water with many different types of fish, making it an excellent place to catch a variety of fresh-water fish.
It is important to be aware of the state you are fishing in and have a valid license for that state if you plan on fishing at this lake. You can access a lake map at the ODNR website before you go to make sure you are not violating any laws. Both muskellunge and walleye are stocked annually in this lake, so it is an excellent place to catch these fish.
Pymatuning Lake is located in Cleveland, Ohio. There are several lodging options or campgrounds nearby where you can stay while visiting the area.
10. Indian Lake
Indian Lake is a large, easy-to-access lake that is popular for fishing because of its size, variety of fish species, and boat access points. It’s also home to a population of saugeye, sunfish, and large crappie.
The lake has a wide variety of fish, including largemouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, and catfish. The lake has many shallow channels and dense brush cover that make great fishing spots.
If you’re looking for a place to fish without having to worry about getting too deep into the water, Lake Erie is the perfect choice. There are many pull-offs where you can stop and cast your line in a secluded cove, and if you’re lucky enough to spot a bald eagle, it will be an exciting experience not found anywhere else in Ohio.
11. Findlay Reservoir
Northwest Ohio boasts one of the best yellow perch fishing lakes in the state. Findlay Reservoir has a thriving population of these small, colorful fish and is also popular with anglers targeting walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, and catfish (channel and bullhead).
Spring is a great time to fish on Findlay Reservoir, as the fish are spawning close to shore. This lake has the unique feature of a floating fishing pier, which gives you access to deeper water without needing a boat. It’s easiest to stay in Findlay, where you can grab supplies and find lodging and food.
12. Caesar Creek Lake
Caesar Creek Lake is one of the best places in Ohio to target muskies. It is the deepest lake in Ohio, hitting 115 feet near the dam. The lake is also stocked with fish, making it an easy place for anglers to catch a musky.
Since 1998, the lake has been stocked with fingerling muskies and anglers report seeing fish that are longer than 42 inches. Other species present in the lake include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, Kentucky spotted bass, crappie, catfish (channel and flathead), carp, saugeye and bluegill.
The lake has a steep shoreline, drop-offs, and inlets with brush and downed trees that make for great fishing habitats. The town of Wilmington is nearby or you can stay at the Caesar Creek State Park campground.
13. Mosquito Lake
Mosquito Lake is located inside Mosquito Lake State Park near Warren, Ohio. The lake is popular for fishing and has become a preferred lake for those who are farther away because of its size (7,850 acres).
Mosquito Lake offers some of the best fishing in Ohio for a variety of fish, including yellow perch, white bass, largemouth bass, and crappie. It is also a popular lake for walleye fishing, as they are plentiful in Mosquito Lake.
There are five boat ramps located around Mosquito Lake State Park, which makes it easy to get out onto the water. You can also find a campground available at the park if you’d like to stay overnight. There are many recreational options beyond fishing if you want to stay in the park, including swimming, hiking, biking, and boating.
14. Salt Fork Lake
Salt Fork Lake is a large, well-maintained fishing lake with plenty of room for anglers. It’s located in Ohio’s largest state park, Salt Fork State Park, and can be accessed by car or boat. There is a lodge in the park and cabin rentals are available.
Salt Fork Lake is a popular fishing destination because of its peaceful surroundings and abundance of natural features. Throughout the year, different types of fish can be caught in the lake, including walleye, crappie, and catfish. There are many small bays at Salt Fork Lake that are hotspots for finding fish.
In the late spring and early summer months, bass are usually more active and can be caught by anglers fishing from shore or boat ramps around the lake. Musky are also a good choice for anglers in these months as they become more active during hot weather. There are many places to fish around the lake, making it easy to find a spot that is comfortable for you.
15. Leesville Lake
Leesville Lake is a popular muskie fishing destination in eastern Ohio. Fishermen from outside of the state come to catch this fish in Carroll County’s lake. Over 1,000 acres of water make up the lake, and there are 27 miles of shoreline for anglers to explore.
The diversity of fish in Leesville Lake makes it a popular destination for anglers of all skill levels. There are many largemouth bass, channel catfish, sunfish, yellow perch, and crappie that can be caught here.
There are a variety of accommodations options available at Leesville Lake Campground, including camping and cabin rentals. You can also find boat rentals, fishing gear, food, and other amenities on-site.
Where is the best fishing in Ohio?
15 Best Fishing Lakes in Ohio | PlanetWarewww.planetware.com › ohio › best-fishing-lakes-in-ohio-us-oh-11 · 15 Best Fishing Lakes in Ohio · 1. Lake Erie · 2. Ohio River · 3. Alum Creek · 4. Seneca Lake · 5. Clear Fork Reservoir · 6. Piedmont Lake · 7. Hoover …
best bass fishing lakes in ohio for 2022
Popular on the webLake Erie9,940 mi²Mosquito Creek Lake12.27 mi²Pymatuning Reservoir26.7 mi²Senecaville Lake5.5 mi²Clear Fork Reservoir1.558 mi²Indian Lake7.977 mi²Leesville Lake1.563 mi²Grand Lake Saint Mary…21.09 mi²Salt Fork LakeCaesar Creek Lake4.421 mi²Findlay ReservoirPiedmont LakeHoover ReservoirBass LakesLaDue Reservoir2.308 mi²Tycoon LakeUpper Sandusky…Dewey Lake1.719 mi²Acton Lake0.9768 mi²Cowan Lake1.081 mi²
Where are the biggest bass in Ohio?
Select A CategorySpeciesWeightLocationLargemouth Bass13 lbs 2.08 ozprivate pondLongear Sunfish1 lbs 1.6 ozPortage County Farm PondLongnose Gar25 lbs 0 ozOhio RiverMuskellunge55 lbs 2.08 ozPiedmont Lakeohio Fishing Records – LandBigFish.comwww.landbigfish.com › staterecords › records › state=ohioAbout Featured Snippets
Where is the best bass fishing in Ohio?
The top three destinations for Fish Ohio largemouth bass are Portage Lakes (Summit County), Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area (Muskingum, Morgan, Guernsey, and Noble counties), and Alum Creek Lake (Delaware County).Find Your Favorite Ohio Fishing Spot for Largemouth Bass, Crappie …ohiodnr.gov › safety-conservation › about-ODNR › news › find-favorite-fi…About Featured Snippets
What lake has the best bass fishing?
Top Bass Fishing LakesLake Okeechobee – Florida. … Sam Rayburn Reservoir – Texas. … Chickamauga Lake – Tennessee. … Lake Erie – Pennsylvania. … Santee Cooper Lakes – South Carolina. … Lake St. … Clear Lake – California. … Toledo Bend Reservoir – Louisiana.10 Best Bass Fishing Lakes in the US: 3 Bonus Lakes | Your Bass Guyyourbassguy.com › Fishing LocationsAbout Featured Snippets
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