|
|
|
LOCATION
Belmont Lake is part of Barkcamp State Park which is located in Belmont County. The entire lake lies within Union Township. The dam impounding Barkcamp Creek was completed in 1963, resulting in the 117-acre Belmont Lake. Belmont Lake is located one mile east of the village of Belmont off Township Road 92.
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
Belmont Lake was created as part of Barkcamp State Park for recreational purposes. The area around Belmont Lake consists of sandstone hills and valleys which are covered by second growth forest. This area was one of the earliest areas settled in Ohio and has a rich local history.
FISHES OF INTEREST TO ANGLERS
Belmont Lake is home to many fish species that are of interest to anglers. Largemouth bass are found in good numbers with most fish averaging 12 inches. Bass up to 20 inches and larger can be found as well. Bluegill are plentiful and can be found throughout the lake. Channel catfish are stocked every other year, resulting in a quality fishery. Saugeye were first stocked in 2001 and hopefully will develop into an additional fishery for anglers. Catchable rainbow trout are stocked in the spring and are popular with local anglers.
FISHING FORECAST
| Type of Fish |
|
Size |
Largest
(inches) |
| Channel Catfish |
Poor
|
Good
|
26.0
|
| Largemouth Bass |
Good
|
Fair
|
21.5
|
| Saugeye |
Fair
|
Poor
|
24.2
|
| Sunfish |
Good
|
Fair
|
6.8
|
Fish Survey Report
| Type of Fish |
Percent Seeking |
Catch Rates |
Fishing Pressure |
| Catfish |
6%
|
Poor
|
Average
|
| Largemouth Bass |
13%
|
Good
|
Low
|
| Saugeye |
0%
|
Poor
|
Low
|
| Sunfish |
4%
|
Fair
|
Low
|
Angler Survey Report
METHODS OF FISHING AND BEST FISHING SITES
Largemouth bass angling is typically best in the spring and fall. As springtime water temperatures warm up, bass will move into shallow water areas in preparation for spawning. Spinner baits, rubber worms, crankbaits, and fig/pig combinations work well. Warm, summer temperatures push bass somewhat deeper during the day and nighttime fishing may be worth a try. Cooler, fall temperatures will trigger bass to move back in the shallow water areas. Fishing success may pick up as bass prepare for winter.
Bluegill can be caught throughout the lake from early spring until fall. Popular methods include wax worms and redworms fished below a bobber. Conditions permitting, ice fishing for bluegill can be productive and add fishing opportunities during the winter months.
Channel catfish angling picks up by mid-June. Night crawlers, chicken livers, or prepared catfish baits work well when fished on the bottom. Night fishing for catfish is a popular method for catfish anglers.
Saugeye can be found shallow in the spring, fall, and winter. Shallow mud or sand flats are good areas to explore as well as shoreline areas with rip-rap. Twister-tail jigs tipped with a minnow or nightcrawler and hopped along the bottom work well.
Catchable rainbow trout can be found throughout the lake soon after stocking. Prepared trout bait, cheese, marshmallows, and corn fished below a bobber or on the bottom with a small hook and split-shot can be used to catch these fish. Small inline spinners also work well.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Boat launching facilities, camping, and picnicking facilities are located nearby. Seasonal boat dock rental is also available. Electric Motors only.
FISH OHIO
Anglers who catch a big fish should enter their prize in the Fish Ohio angler recognition program. A fish qualifies for an award if it meets the minimum size requirement set for the Fish Ohio program. Applications are available online at FishOhio.org.
FISH MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
The ODNR Division of Wildlife’s fish management activities include stocking, population monitoring with nets, electrofishing surveys, creel census, felling trees, and preparing Christmas tree piles to act as fish attractors, and conducting general physical and chemical water quality analyses. A continuing check of water quality and fish populations is vital in determining the management practices necessary to produce quality fish for the public.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Questions and inquiries can be directed to Wildlife District Four, 360 East State Street, Athens, Ohio 45701 telephone (740) 589-9930. To get other maps or publications call toll free 1-800-WILDLIFE.
TURN IN A POACHER
Ohio’s TIP, “Turn In a Poacher,” program is helping to control poaching throughout the state. TIP is designed to involve the public in reporting wildlife violations. Citizens who observe wildlife violations should call the TIP toll-free hotline, 1-800-POACHER. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Major Sportfish
Life Histories |
|
|
|
|