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LOCATION
Nimisila Lake is located in southeastern Summit County and is approximately 2 miles south of State Route 619, 2 miles east of State Route 93, and 2.5 miles west of State Route 241. The entire lake is surrounded by county roads.
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
Nimisila Lake was constructed during 1936 and 1937 by the Ohio Department of Public Works, with labor supplied by the WPA Its primary purpose at that time was to maintain a constant water supply in the Portage Lakes for industrial use. A gate valve at the northwestern end of the lake regulates the amount of water which is released into the Portage Lakes. This 742-acre lake is part of Portage Lakes State Park. The maximum depth is 30 feet. Boats are allowed with electric motors only. The fish populations in Nimisila Lake are managed by the Ohio Division of Wildlife.
FISHES OF INTEREST TO ANGLERS
Fish species that are found in Nimisila Lake include largemouth bass, bluegill, black and white crappie, walleye, yellow perch, channel catfish, brown bullhead, and redear sunfish. Walleye fingerlings (1”+) are stocked annually by the Division of Wildlife. Channel catfish yearlings (9”+) are stocked during odd-numbered years. The largemouth bass and channel catfish populations at Nimisila Lake tend to be consistently very good.
FISHING FORECAST
| Type of Fish |
|
Size |
Largest
(inches) |
| Channel Catfish |
Poor
|
Poor
|
27.4
|
| Crappie |
Poor
|
Good
|
11.9
|
| Largemouth Bass |
Excellent
|
Excellent
|
21.7
|
| Sunfish |
Good
|
Fair
|
8.3
|
| Walleye |
Poor
|
Good
|
21.6
|
Fish Survey Report
| Type of Fish |
Percent Seeking |
Catch Rates |
Fishing Pressure |
| Catfish |
3%
|
Good
|
Low
|
| Crappie |
9%
|
Good
|
Average
|
| Largemouth Bass |
53%
|
Good
|
High
|
| Sunfish |
8%
|
Good
|
High
|
| Walleye |
1%
|
Excellent
|
Average
|
Angler Survey Report
METHODS OF FISHING AND BEST FISHING SITES
Walleye are taken by drifting, trolling, or casting. Night crawler harnesses, minnows, crankbaits, and jigs are all effective for tempting walleye. Largemouth bass and bluegill can be captured close to shore, especially during the spring and again in the fall. Spinner baits, surface lures, and plastic worms all are good choices for largemouth bass. Wax worms, maggots, or small worms will usually entice the bluegill and redear sunfish to bite. A small hook (# 10 or smaller) is the best bet for successful bluegill and redear fishing. Yellow perch may be caught on worms or minnows. Channel catfish can be captured relatively close to shore from spring through fall. Shrimp, night crawlers, or chicken liver are preferred baits for channel catfish. A sliding sinker rig, using a swivel to keep the weight from hitting the hook (such as what would be used for fishing for bass with plastic worms) will work well. A # 4 hook is a preferred size to use for catfish.
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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The nearest Wildlife District Office is located at 912 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron, Ohio 44319 (phone number: 330-644-2293). To get other maps or publications call toll free 1-800 WILDLIFE.
Portage Lakes State Park is located at 5031 Manchester Road (i.e., State Route 93), Akron, Ohio 44319 (phone number: 330-644-2220)
TURN IN A POACHER
Ohio’s TIP, “Turn In a Poacher,” program is helping to 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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