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Oakthorpe Lake Fishing Map |
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LOCATION
Oakthorpe Lake is located in Fairfield County approximately 10 miles northeast of Lancaster, three miles north of Rushville. The lake and boat ramp are accessible from Grubb Rd. NE. which is a mile south of State Route 256 and a mile west of State Route 664. Shoreline fishing access is available on the dam off of Pleasantville Road.
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
Oakthorpe Lake was originally impounded as part of a larger watershed project in the upper Hocking River watershed. It is a relatively small body of water with a maximum depth of close to 20 feet. Extensive mats of lily pads form during the summer on this lake.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
One parking lot and boat ramp are maintained by the Rush Creek Conservancy District. Only electric motors are permitted on the lake.
FISHES OF INTEREST TO ANGLERS
Oakthorpe Lake is one of two public bodies of water in central Ohio that contain redear sunfish. Other species present include largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, carp, and bluegill sunfish and redear sunfish. The Division of Wildlife stocks yearling channel catfish every other year. Gizzard shad is the main forage species.
FISHING FORECAST
| Type of Fish |
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Size |
Largest
(inches) |
Fishing Tips/Comments |
| Largemouth Bass |
Good
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Good
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20.6
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Target shoreline cover and lily pads
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| Sunfish |
Good
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Excellent
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8.1
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Fish Survey Report
METHODS OF FISHING AND BEST FISHING SITES
This is a largely overlooked bass fishery with good numbers of fish in the 14-20 inch range. Concentrate on the deep drop-offs located on the western side of the lake. This area of the lake can also be productive for crappie as well. When fishing for redear sunfish target vegetated areas on the north and east sides of the lake with waxworms, redworms, or nightcrawlers under a bobber. For carp, use dough balls or nightcrawlers fished on the bottom.
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, 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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