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LOCATION
Dow Lake is located within the 2,767-acre Stroud’s Run State Park. This public area is in Canaan Township, Athens County, approximately two miles east of Athens. Dow Lake is accessible off County Road 20 (Stroud’s Run Road). Dam access is located off U.S. Route 50.
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
The land for Stroud’s Run State Park was purchased by the state from 1948 through 1953 for forest conservation purposes. The dam creating Dow Lake was completed in 1960. The land and water area is owned and managed by the ODNR Division of Parks and Recreation for recreational purposes. The topography includes steep hills, open fields, and woodland. The lake encompasses 171 acres at normal pool with a shoreline length of 6.4 miles. The maximum depth is 33 feet.
FISH OF INTEREST TO ANGLERS
Dow Lake has populations of largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill. The ODNR Division of Wildlife stocks channel catfish yearlings in alternate years. Catchable rainbow trout are stocked annually in the spring. Gizzard shad is the main forage species.
FISHING FORECAST
| Type of Fish |
|
Size |
Largest
(inches) |
| Largemouth Bass |
Excellent
|
Fair
|
22.1
|
| Sunfish |
Excellent
|
Poor
|
6.9
|
Fish Survey Report
| Type of Fish |
Percent Seeking |
Catch Rates |
Fishing Pressure |
| Catfish |
16%
|
Fair
|
Average
|
| Crappie |
2%
|
Excellent
|
Low
|
Largemouth Bass
|
25%
|
Excellent
|
Average
|
| Sunfish |
2%
|
Good
|
Low
|
Angler Survey Report
METHODS OF FISHING AND BEST FISHING SITES
Better largemouth bass fishing can be found in the spring and fall. As springtime water temperatures warm up, bass will move into shallow water areas to feed and to prepare for spawning. Fish near shallow structure such as tree stumps, fallen trees or weed bed edges. Spinner baits, rubber worms, crankbaits, and jig/pig combinations work well. Warm summer water temperatures will usually push fish into deeper depths. Fishing during the early morning hours or in the evening will provide better results. 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 waxworms or redworms fished below a bobber. Look for spawning beds in shallow water during the spring and throughout the summer. Many bluegill can be found concentrated in these areas.
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.
Early spring trout anglers enjoy success using a variety of baits such as corn, cheese, small spinners, or prepared baits.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
A boat ramp is located off the County Road 20 (Stroud’s Run Road) entrance. A courtesy dock is located near the ramp. Designated camping areas, picnicking, and a beach are also located off the County Road 20 entrance. Shore access near the dam is provided off the U.S. Route 50 entrance. A number of hiking trails are provided. Hunting is permissible in designated areas. Dow Lake has a 10-horsepower limit for outboard motors.
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, angler surveys, felling trees, and preparing Christmas tree piles to act as fish attractors. Additionally, fish management personnel conduct general 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
Fish management 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. Questions and inquiries pertaining to the state park can be directed to Burr Oak State Park, 1022 Burr Oak Lodge Road, Glouster, Ohio 45732; telephone 740-592-2302.
TURN IN A POACHER
Ohio’s TIP, “Turn In a Poacher,” program is helping curtail 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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