|
LOCATION
Springfield Lake is located in southeastern Summit County and is immediately south of U.S. Route 224, 1 mile east of State Route 241, and a 1/4 mile west of State Route 91. The entire lake is surrounded by Springfield Township and the village of Lakemore.
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
Springfield Lake is one of the few natural lakes found in Ohio. The lake, which is fed by an underground spring, is known as a “kettle hole” lake, which is representative of the melted remnants of a glacier left from the last ice age. This 290-acre lake has a maximum depth of 27 feet. Motorized boats are allowed, with motors up to 250-horsepower allowed from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., and 10-horsepower-motors allowed at all other times. The fish populations in Springfield Lake are managed by the Ohio Division of Wildlife.
FISHES OF INTEREST TO ANGLERS
Fish species that are found in Springfield Lake include largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, yellow perch, channel catfish, and brown bullhead. Channel catfish yearlings (9”+) are stocked during even-numbered years.
FISHING FORECAST
| Type of Fish |
|
Size |
Largest
(inches) |
| Channel Catfish |
Good
|
Fair
|
26.3
|
| Crappie |
Good
|
Poor
|
14.5
|
| Largemouth Bass |
Good
|
Good
|
22.1
|
Smallmouth Bass
|
Good
|
Good
|
15.6
|
| Sunfish |
Good
|
Poor
|
7.2
|
Fish Survey Report
| Type of Fish |
Percent Seeking |
Catch Rates |
Fishing Pressure |
| Catfish |
12%
|
Excellent
|
Average
|
| Crappie |
13%
|
Good
|
Average
|
Largemouth Bass and
Smallmouth Bass |
28%
|
Fair
|
Average
|
| Sunfish |
21%
|
Good
|
High
|
Angler Survey Report
METHODS OF FISHING AND BEST FISHING SITES
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. Waxworms, maggots, or small worms will usually entice the bluegill sunfish to bite. A small hook (# 10 or smaller) is the best bet for successful bluegill fishing. Yellow perch may be caught on worms or minnows. Channel catfish can be captured relatively close to shore from spring through fall. Shrimp, nightcrawlers, 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.
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.
|