New fishing opportunities in Southwestern Portage County
Bass and catfishing highlight fishing opportunities at Wingfoot Lake

SUFFIELD, OH – The highly anticipated public opening of Wingfoot Lake has northeast Ohio anglers sitting on the edges of their bass boats according to the Ohio Division of Wildlife. The well-known lake, formerly owned by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, was purchased by the Ohio Division of Wildlife in June of 2009. The lake, wildlife area, and state park will be dedicated during a public ceremony at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 26th.  The gates open at 4:00 p.m.

“Many opportunities await anglers for good quality bass and catfishing and while shoreline fishing is very limited, we own about 440 acres of water which is open to the public for fishing from boats,” said Phil Hillman, fish management supervisor for Division of Wildlife in northeast Ohio. “Two updated boats ramps and two newly constructed parking lots will allow for about 50 boats or so,” explained Hillman. “The Division of Wildlife plans to stock channel catfish measuring nine inches or more every other year to help maintain a good quality fishery,” Hillman noted.  

A free, fishing map of Wingfoot Lake which illustrates water depths, parking areas, boat ramp locations, and other features is available by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543) or visiting www.wildohio.com. Anglers should note that only outboard motors of 10 horsepower or less are to be operated on the lake. Also, concerning the length and bag limits, the lake will fall under the Statewide Regulations for lakes under 700 acres. This means anglers must abide by the daily bag limit of six channel catfish under 28-inches. Anglers should consult the 2010-2011 Ohio Fishing Regulations which can be obtained by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543) or visiting www.wildohio.com. All anglers age 16 and older who fish Wingfoot Lake must possess a 2010-2011 Ohio fishing license.

Wingfoot Lake is located in Suffield (southwestern Portage County), three miles east of Akron, eight miles south of Kent, just west of State Route 43, and one half mile south of U.S. Route 224.

Questions can be directed to Wildlife District Three in Akron by calling (330) 644-2293.