The 10 Best Fishing Lakes in Ohio

This article takes a look at the best fishing lakes in Ohio. It provides an overview of the best spots to fish in the state and the types of fish that are most commonly found in each lake. It also includes tips and advice on how to increase your chances of catching a big fish. Read on to find out which Ohio lakes you should visit for your next fishing trip!

1. Alum Creek Lake

Alum Creek Lake is located in Delaware County, Ohio and covers a total of 3,387 acres.

Types of Fish: walleye, smallmouth bass, muskie, white bass, bluegill, crappie, carp, channel catfish, hybrid striped bass, white amur
Types of Fishing: Shore fishing, boat, or kayak
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available rentals include fishing boats, kayaks, and canoes from local companies
Fishing Guide Service: Professional fishing guide services are available for hire
Closest Hotels: America’s Best Value Inn, Best Western Plus Delaware Inn & Suites, Comfort Inn Powell
Nearest Fishing Store: Cabela’s, located 15 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: A valid Ohio fishing license is required for anyone age 16 and older
Amenities of the Lake: 2 boat ramps, 2 boat docks, 2 beaches, 1 marina, and picnic areas
Nearest Gas Station: Located 6 miles away

2. Caesar Creek Lake

Caesar Creek Lake lies in the southwestern corner of Ohio and is a 2,830-acre lake.

Types of Fish: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, saugeye, crappie, bluegill, catfish, and carp
Types of Fishing: Shore fishing, boat, or kayak
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available rentals include fishing boats, kayaks, and canoes from local companies
Fishing Guide Service: Professional fishing guide services are available for hire
Closest Hotels: Comfort Suites, Hampton Inn & Suites, Days Inn by Wyndham Waynesville
Nearest Fishing Store: Bass Pro Shops, located 20 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: A valid Ohio fishing license is required for anyone age 16 and older
Amenities of the Lake: 2 boat ramps, 2 boat docks, 2 beaches, 1 marina, and picnic areas
Nearest Gas Station: Located 12 miles away

3. Grand Lake St. Marys

Grand Lake St. Marys is located in western Ohio and covers 13,500 acres.

Types of Fish: walleye, bluegill, channel catfish, flathead catfish, muskie, crappie, saugeye, carp, white bass, and hybrid striped bass
Types of Fishing: Shore fishing, boat, or kayak
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available rentals include fishing boats, kayaks, and canoes from local companies
Fishing Guide Service: Professional fishing guide services are available for hire
Closest Hotels: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Celina, Days Inn by Wyndham Coldwater, Comfort Inn & Suites St. Marys
Nearest Fishing Store: Cabela’s, located 27 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: A valid Ohio fishing license is required for anyone age 16 and older
Amenities of the Lake: Several boat ramps, 3 beaches, 1 marina, and picnic areas
Nearest Gas Station: Located 16 miles away

4. Indian Lake

Indian Lake is located in Logan and Hardin Counties in Ohio and is a 2,960-acre lake.

Types of Fish: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, muskie, walleye, white bass, bluegill, crappie, carp, channel catfish, hybrid striped bass, white amur
Types of Fishing: Shore fishing, boat, or kayak
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available rentals include fishing boats, kayaks, and canoes from local companies
Fishing Guide Service: Professional fishing guide services are available for hire
Closest Hotels: Holiday Inn Express Bellefontaine, Comfort Inn Bellefontaine, Super 8 by Wyndham Bellefontaine
Nearest Fishing Store: Bass Pro Shops, located 23 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: A valid Ohio fishing license is required for anyone age 16 and older
Amenities of the Lake: 14 boat ramps, 9 boat docks, 12 beaches, 2 marinas, and picnic areas
Nearest Gas Station: Located 7 miles away

5. Piedmont Lake

Piedmont Lake is located in Morgan and Muskingum Counties in Ohio and is a 1,150-acre lake.

Types of Fish: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, bluegill, crappie, catfish, muskie, and white bass
Types of Fishing: Shore fishing, boat, or kayak
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available rentals include fishing boats, kayaks, and canoes from local companies
Fishing Guide Service: Professional fishing guide services are available for hire
Closest Hotels: The Guernsey Inn, Super 8 by Wyndham Cambridge, Quality Inn Cambridge
Nearest Fishing Store: Cabela’s, located 32 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: A valid Ohio fishing license is required for anyone age 16 and older
Amenities of the Lake: 1 boat ramp, 3 beaches, and picnic areas
Nearest Gas Station: Located 5 miles away

6. Lake Milton

Lake Milton is located in Mahoning and Portage Counties in Ohio and is a 1,530-acre lake.

Types of Fish: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white bass, walleye, and muskie
Types of Fishing: Shore fishing, boat, or kayak
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available rentals include fishing boats, kayaks, and canoes from local companies
Fishing Guide Service: Professional fishing guide services are available for hire
Closest Hotels: Comfort Inn & Suites Lake Milton, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Youngstown West, Best Western Plus Boardman Inn & Suites
Nearest Fishing Store: Bass Pro Shops, located 21 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: A valid Ohio fishing license is required for anyone age 16 and older
Amenities of the Lake: 1 boat ramp, 4 boat docks, 1 beach, 1 marina, and picnic areas
Nearest Gas Station: Located 7 miles away

7. Mosquito Lake

Mosquito Lake is located in east-central Ohio and is a 7,850-acre lake.

Types of Fish: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, channel catfish, yellow perch, bluegill, white bass, muskie, crappie, and carp
Types of Fishing: Shore fishing, boat, or kayak
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available rentals include fishing boats, kayaks, and canoes from local companies
Fishing Guide Service: Professional fishing guide services are available for hire
Closest Hotels: Comfort Inn & Suites Cortland, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Warren, Comfort Inn & Suites Warren
Nearest Fishing Store: Bass Pro Shops, located 27 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: A valid Ohio fishing license is required for anyone age 16 and older
Amenities of the Lake: 4 boat ramps, 3 beaches, 2 marinas, picnic areas, and a swimming beach
Nearest Gas Station: Located 8 miles away

8. Lake Loramie

Lake Loramie is located in Auglaize and Shelby Counties in Ohio and is a 1,845-acre lake.

Types of Fish: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie, carp, and white bass
Types of Fishing: Shore fishing, boat, or kayak
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available rentals include fishing boats, kayaks, and canoes from local companies
Fishing Guide Service: Professional fishing guide services are available for hire
Closest Hotels: Inn at Versailles, Best Western St. Marys Inn, Super 8 by Wyndham Greenville
Nearest Fishing Store: Bass Pro Shops, located 28 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: A valid Ohio fishing license is required for anyone age 16 and older
Amenities of the Lake: 3 boat ramps, 4 boat docks, 1 beach, 1 marina, and picnic areas
Nearest Gas Station: Located 5 miles away

Find Good Fishing Spots in Ohio and Other Nearby Lakes on The Map

Come explore Ohio‘s many beautiful lakes and great fishing locations with the Google map below! You’ll be able to find the perfect spot for a day out on the lake, or to try your hand at fishing. With the help of this map, you’ll be able to look for lake locations and good fishing spots in any part of Ohio. So don’t miss out on all the fun and adventure that Ohio has to offer- get exploring with this Google map today!

Check the Weather Forecast for Your Next Fishing Trip to Ohio

The weather in Ohio for sport fishing is varied throughout the year. In the winter, temperatures usually range from the mid-20s to the low 40s, making it a great time for ice fishing. In the spring, temperatures start to rise and the fish become more active. In the summer, the temperatures can range from the mid-70s to the low 90s, and the lakes and rivers can become quite crowded with anglers. The fall brings cooler temperatures and brings in an abundance of bass, walleye, and northern pike.