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Rush Creek Lake Fishing Map |
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LOCATION
Rush Creek Lake is located on the border of Fairfield and Perry counties, approximately 13 miles northeast of Lancaster and 6 miles southwest of Somerset, with access on County Roads 26 and 74 off State Route 22.
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
Construction on Rush Creek Lake was initiated in 1981 under authority of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (Public Law 566). The lake was permanently filled to seasonal pool late in 1984. Owned and operated by the Rush Creek Conservancy District, Rush Creek Lake impounds 300 acres on Little Rush Creek. The watershed consists primarily of cropland, pasture, and forested hills.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
The Rush Creek Conservancy District maintains a boat ramp and parking lot on the southwest side of the lake off of the Thornville Rd. (County Road 74) entrance. There is a 10 H.P. motor restriction on this lake.
FISHES OF INTEREST TO ANGLERS
Rush Creek Lake has populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, white and black crappie, and carp. This Division of Wildlife stocks yearling channel catfish every other year. Gizzard shad is the main forage species.
FISHING FORECAST
| Type of Fish |
|
Size |
Largest
(inches) |
| Crappie |
Good
|
Fair
|
10.6
|
| Largemouth Bass |
Good
|
Good
|
20.9
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| Sunfish |
Fair
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Excellent
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8.6
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Fish Survey Report
| Types of Fish |
Percent Seeking |
Catch Rates |
Fishing Pressure |
| Catfish |
20%
|
Good
|
Average
|
| Crappie |
25%
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Excellent
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Average
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Largemouth Bass
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24%
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Good
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Average
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| Sunfish |
3%
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Good
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Low
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Angler Survey Report
METHODS OF FISHING AND BEST FISHING SITES
Rush Creek has an excellent population of channel catfish. Try fishing shrimp, minnows, or chicken liver in deeper water near the parking area. This technique can be especially productive at night during the summer. Rush Creek has numerous submerged trees and stumps located in bays and covering the east end of the lake. These areas can be productive for largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill. For largemouth, try fishing spinnerbaits, crankbaits or soft plastics in and around this shoreline cover. For crappies, minnows under a bobber are most effective, but casting and/or jigging twister tails can also work.
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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