HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
Land acquisition for the construction of Tycoon Lake began in 1957 and was completed in 1960. Construction of two earthen dams across an old channel of Raccoon Creek was completed in 1960 and fish were stocked the following year. The lake was constructed for recreational purposes. Tycoon Lake lies within the 684-acre Tycoon Lake Wildlife Area. The area surrounding Tycoon Lake is gently rolling to hilly. Most of the uplands surrounding Tycoon Lake are forested with some brushland/open areas present as well as some wetlands. Tycoon Lake is relatively shallow; maximum depth is 18 feet. There are numerous tree stumps along the north shoreline that attract fish as well as some old fence rows that were present prior to impoundment.

FISH OF INTEREST TO ANGLERS
Tycoon Lake is well known for its high quality largemouth bass population. An 18-inch minimum length limit is in place to take advantage of excellent growth potential. Largemouth bass are present in good numbers and are above average in size. Bluegill are the most abundant sunfish though redear sunfish are present in smaller numbers. Channel catfish yearlings are stocked on an alternate year basis. They are present in good numbers and are above average in size. A decent population of white crappie are present and are popular during the early spring.

METHODS OF FISHING AND BEST FISHING SITES
Better largemouth bass fishing can be found in the spring and fall. As springtime water temperatures warm up, bass will move into shallow water areas to feed and to prepare for spawning. Fish near shallow structure such as tree stumps, standing timber, or weed bed edges. Spinnerbaits, rubber worms, crankbaits, and jig/pig combinations work well. Warm summer water temperatures will usually push fish deeper or into weedbed areas. Fishing during the early morning hours or in the evening will provide better results. Cooler, fall temperatures will trigger bass to move back in the shallow water areas. Fishing success may pick up as bass prepare for winter.

Bluegill can be caught throughout the lake from early spring until fall. Popular methods include wax worms or redworms fished below a bobber. Look for spawning beds in shallow water during the spring and throughout the summer. Many bluegill can be found concentrated in these areas.

Channel catfish angling picks up by mid-June. Night crawlers, chicken livers, or prepared catfish baits work well when fished on the bottom. Night fishing for catfish is a popular method for catfish anglers.

Crappie angling is best in the early spring. Fishing near shoreline structure with a minnow and bobber is a productive technique.

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
A concrete boat ramp is located off Tycoon Road. Adjacent to the boat ramp is a handicapped accessible fishing pier. In the same general area, primitive camping is available on a first come, first served basis in the designated campground. Camping is prohibited elsewhere. Tycoon Lake is electric motor only.

FISH OHIO
Anglers who catch a big fish should enter their prize fish 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 Division of Wildlife’s fish management activities include stocking, population monitoring with nets, electrofishing surveys, creel census, felling trees, and preparing Christmas tree piles to act as fish attractors. Additionally, fish management personnel conduct general water quality analyses. A continuing check of water quality and fish populations is vital in determining the management practices necessary to produce quality fish for the public.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Questions and inquiries can be directed to Wildlife District Four, 360 East State Street, Athens, Ohio 45701 telephone 740-589-9930. 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 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.