Best Fishing Lakes in Columbus Ohio

The Top 5 Best Fishing Lakes in Columbus Ohio

Post last modified:March 13, 2024

Introduction: Fishing Lakes in Columbus Ohio

The best fishing lakes in Columbus, Ohio, offers a diverse array of fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned angler seeking trophy catches or a beginner looking for a peaceful day by the water, these five lakes are sure to deliver an unforgettable fishing experience.

Table of Contents: Top 5 Best Fishing Lakes in Columbus Ohio

Hoover Reservoir

Location: Northeast of Columbus
Size: Over 3,000 acres
Average Depth: 14 feet
Target Species: Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish
Fishing Techniques: Try casting topwater lures near shoreline structures for bass, and use jigs or live bait around submerged trees for crappie. Bluegill can be caught using small hooks and live bait, while catfish prefer cut bait or stink bait on the bottom.
Hoover Reservoir Fishing Map: https://ohiodnr.gov/static/documents/wildlife/maps/hooverreservoir2.pdf

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OSU Bucket Hat: Check price on Amazon

Alum Creek Lake

Location: North of Columbus
Size: Over 3,000 acres
Average Depth: 30 feet
Target Species: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, saugeye, catfish
Fishing Techniques: For bass, use crankbaits or soft plastic worms near drop-offs and underwater structures. Crappie can be targeted using jigs or minnows around brush piles or submerged vegetation. Saugeye often bite on jigging spoons or crankbaits near rocky points, while catfish respond well to bottom rigs baited with chicken liver or nightcrawlers.

Buckeye Lake

Location: East of Columbus
Size: Approximately 2,800 acres
Average Depth: 7 feet
Target Species: Largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish
Fishing Techniques: Fish for bass using spinnerbaits or plastic worms around submerged structure and weed beds. Bluegill can be caught using small hooks and live bait, such as worms or crickets, near docks or vegetation. Crappie often gather around submerged trees or brush piles and can be caught using jigs or minnows. Channel catfish are typically caught using cut bait or prepared baits fished on the bottom.

Deer Creek Lake

Location: Southwest of Columbus
Size: Over 1,200 acres
Average Depth: 12 feet
Target Species: Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, saugeye
Fishing Techniques: Target bass with plastic worms or crankbaits near submerged structure, such as fallen trees or rock formations. Crappie can be caught using jigs or minnows around brush piles or submerged vegetation. Bluegill are often found near docks or shoreline cover and can be caught using small hooks and live bait. Saugeye are commonly caught using jigs tipped with minnows or nightcrawlers, particularly near drop-offs or points.

Griggs Reservoir

Location: West of Columbus
Size: Approximately 1,200 acres
Average Depth: 14 feet
Target Species: Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish
Fishing Techniques: Use plastic worms or jigs around submerged vegetation or rocky areas for bass. Crappie can be targeted using jigs or minnows around brush piles or submerged structures. Catfish are commonly caught using cut bait or stink bait fished on the bottom, particularly near deeper holes or channels.

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Conclusion: Best Fishing Lakes in Columbus Ohio

These lakes offer ample fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels, with diverse fish populations and scenic surroundings to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, or catfish, these top fishing lakes in Columbus, Ohio, are sure to provide an unforgettable outdoor experience.

Here are some resources for fishing in Columbus:

Buy Ohio fishing license link: Fishing License & Resources | Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ohiodnr.gov)

Ohio Trout stocking schedule: Rainbow Trout Stocking Dates | Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ohiodnr.gov)