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LOCATION
Madison Lake is located in Madison County about three miles east of the city of London. It is accessible from Cheseldine Rd. and Park Dr. E.
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
In 1946, a small tract of land in the area was deeded to the state of Ohio for the purpose of developing a lake. Under the supervision of the old Division of Conservation, a dam was constructed across Deer Creek. The lake was filled by 1947, and in 1950, the 98-acre Madison Lake was turned over to the newly created ODNR Division of Parks and Recreation. Currently the lake is surrounded by Madison Lake State Park. Madison is a shallow lake with a maximum depth of just under six feet. Large mats of lily pads typically form during the summer in the northern half of the lake.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
The Division of Parks and Recreation operates and maintains parking lots, a boat ramp and dock, picnic areas, shelterhouses, hiking trails, volleyball and basketball courts, horseshoe pits, a playground, and a swimming beach. The north end of the lake is a designated hunting area for migratory game birds only. There is an electric motor only restriction for the lake.
FISHES OF INTEREST TO ANGLERS
Madison Lake has populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie (primarily white), channel catfish, bullheads, and carp. The Division of Wildlife supplements the channel catfish population by stocking yearlings every other year. Gizzard shad is the main forage species.
FISHING FORECAST
| Type of Fish |
|
Size |
Largest
(inches) |
Fishing Tips/Comments |
| Crappie |
Good
|
Good
|
12.9
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Fish the north end of the lake in the spring and the fall.
|
| Largemouth Bass |
Good
|
Good
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19.8
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| Sunfish |
Good
|
Excellent
|
7.4
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Fish Survey Report
| Types of Fish |
Percent Seeking |
Catch Rates |
Fishing Pressure |
| Catfish |
21%
|
Fair
|
High
|
| Crappie |
9%
|
Fair
|
Average
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Largemouth Bass
|
21%
|
Good
|
Average
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| Sunfish |
1%
|
Poor
|
Low
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Angler Survey Report
METHODS OF FISHING AND BEST FISHING SITES
Look for shoreline cover when targeting crappies or largemouth bass. With little bottom structure in this lake, fallen trees and other submerged wood will attract fish throughout the year. Use minnows under a bobber or cast small twister tails to catch crappies. Spinnerbaits and soft plastic worms, tubes, and creature baits are common baits used by bass fisherman in this lake. For catfish, try chicken liver or shrimp fished on the bottom near the creek channel.
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 a FishOhio.org.
FISH MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
The ODNR 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 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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Major Sportfish
Life Histories |
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