ODNR Division of Wildlife - Fishing Maps - Barton Lake

Barton Lake Fishing Map
LOCATION

Directions to
Barton Lake
(via mapquest)

Location map of Barton Lake
Barton Lake is located in Williams County on Co. Rd. J two miles west of SR 576, three miles southwest of Montpelier. The public boat ramp and parking are located on the southeast corner of the lake off of Co. Rd J.

HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
The 19-acre lake is an abandoned stone quarry.  The St. Joseph River Wildlife Area includes Barton Lake and McKarns Lake. Both lakes are deep, steep-sided impoundments that are the remnants of a stone mining operation.  Both lakes are located in the MICHINDOH Glacial Aquifer, a sole source aquifer which supplies 50 percent or more of the drinking water for an area. This aquifer includes portions of eight counties in the tri-state area.

FISHES OF INTEREST
Barton Lake has populations of bluegill, black and white crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish and Northern pike.  The lake has a tendency to flood during periods of high water which allows fish from the St. Joseph River to enter the lake.

FISHING FORECAST
Type of Fish
Overall
Numbers
 Size Largest
(inches)
Largemouth Bass
Fair
Good
19.9
Sunfish
Good
Fair
7.7
Fish Survey Report


METHODS OF FISHING AND BEST FISHING SITES
Due to the sharp drop-offs near the shoreline, keying on the numerous points in the lake should provide the best areas to catch fish.  With very little shoreline cover, and the absence of vegetation, most fish are attracted to the points. Minnows are the preferred bait for crappies and an occasional bass.  Wax worms, red worms, and crickets are the best baits to catch bluegill.  Artificial lures that include crank baits, spinner baits, jig and pig, and larger live minnows should entice the Northern pike and bass.  Try tight-lining on the bottom with nightcrawlers for the channel catfish.

FISH OHIO
Anglers who catch a big fish should enter their prize in the Fish Ohio 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 are based on angler surveys and monitoring fish populations.  These activities are vital in determining the management actions such as stocking, harvest regulations, and habitat improvement needed to produce quality fishing.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The nearest district office is Wildlife District Two, 952 Lima Ave., Findlay, OH 45840; telephone 419/424-5000.  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 hotline, 1-800-POACHER.
Major Sportfish
Life Histories