LOCATION
Delaware Lake is in Delaware County, about 4 miles north of the city of Delaware. It is accessible from State Routes 23, 229, and 42.
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
Delaware Lake was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood reduction, water supply, recreation, and fish and wildlife management. The lake was first filled in spring 1951. Today, 963 acres of water are impounded behind Delaware Dam. The dam retains water from two major tributaries, the Olentangy River and Whetstone Creek, and has a drainage area of about 247,000 acres. Due to the large watershed, compared to the size of the lake, Delaware Lake experiences water level changes up to 20 feet. The use of Delaware Lake as a water supply is expected to increase dramatically due to the rapid development of the metropolitan area north of Columbus.
FISHES OF INTEREST TO ANGLERS
Delaware Lake has populations of largemouth bass, white and black crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, white bass, saugeye, carp, and bullheads. Saugeye fingerlings are stocked annually by the ODNR Division of Wildlife. Gizzard shad is the main forage species.
METHODS OF FISHING AND BEST FISHING SITES
Delaware Lake is one of the best lakes in Ohio for anglers seeking good numbers and sizes of white and black crappie. When seeking crappies, use minnows and jigs fished in areas with brushy cover. Largemouth bass tournament fishing is popular and Delaware Lake is consistently one of the top 10 lakes in the state for bass tournament results. To catch saugeyes, try fishing the tailwater area in late fall and early spring. For white bass, try fishing Whetstone Creek in May with spinner baits. For channel catfish, use nightcrawlers fished on the bottom at night especially during the summer.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
The ODNR Division of Parks and Recreation operates and maintains parking lots, boat ramps, boat docks, campgrounds, a swimming beach, picnic areas, and hiking trails on the west side of the lake.
The Division of Wildlife operates and maintains parking lots, a boat ramp, shooting range, and public hunting area primarily on the east side of the lake. A map of Delaware Wildlife Area is available.
Note: There are currently no horsepower limits at Delaware Lake, however limits and other boating regulations are subject to change. Boaters should contact the Division of Wildlife for current information.
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 from the Division of Wildlife and from many tackle and bait stores.
FISH MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
The Division of Wildlife’s fish management activities include stocking, conducting angler creel surveys, constructing fishing piers, renovating boat ramps and parking areas, and monitoring fish populations with nets, seines, and electrofishing gear. These activities are vital to providing adequate public access and determining the management practices necessary to produce good quality fishing.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The nearest district office is Wildlife District One, 1500 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215 telephone 614-644-3925. 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. |
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