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Clear Fork Reservoir Fishing Map |
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LOCATION
Clear Fork Reservoir is located in Richland and Morrow counties,approximately 8 miles southwest of Mansfield along State Route 97.
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
Clear Fork Reservoir was completed in 1949. The city of Mansfield constructed this 971-acre reservoir as a water supply lake.
Clear Fork Reservoir has a gently sloping bottom with a maximum depth of 24 feet. The upper end is shallow with numerous tree stumps. Several islands characterize the mid-lake area while the lower end is deeper and open.
FISHES OF INTEREST TO ANGLERS
Clear Fork Reservoir has a very good muskellunge population. It is one of only eight Ohio reservoirs stocked with muskellunge. Clear Fork also has populations of largemouth bass, black and white crappie, bluegill, white bass, and channel catfish. Gizzard shad is the main forage species.
FISHING FORECAST
| Type of Fish |
|
Size |
Largest
(inches) |
| Crappie |
Fair
|
Fair
|
11.4
|
| Largemouth Bass |
Fair
|
Fair
|
21.6
|
| Muskellunge |
Excellent
|
Excellent
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51.0
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| Sunfish |
Good
|
Fair
|
7.7
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Fish Survey Report
| Type of Fish |
Percent Seeking |
Catch Rates |
Fishing Pressure |
| Catfish |
7%
|
Excellent
|
Average
|
| Crappie |
31%
|
Fair
|
High
|
Largemouth Bass
|
26%
|
Fair
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Average
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| Muskellunge |
16%
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Good
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High
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| Sunfish |
4%
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Excellent
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Average
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White Bass
|
0%
|
Excellent
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Low
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| Yellow Perch |
1%
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Fair
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High
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Angler Survey Report
METHODS OF FISHING AND BEST FISHING SITES
Muskellunge are taken by trolling or casting large crank baits, wobbling lures, spinner baits, spoons, and jerk baits with wire leaders. Largemouth bass are taken on diving and surface lures, plastic worms, jigs, and live worms around fallen trees and stumps. Bluegill anglers using redworms and wax worms have good catches around fallen trees and along drop-offs. Small spinners and jigs are also effective for bluegill and other panfish. Live minnows and small plastic grub jigs are good for crappies near the shoreline brush and fallen trees, and along shorelines with submerged cover. White bass are taken with jigs, crank baits, and live minnows. Look for white bass in the upper reservoir during the spring and in open areas during the rest of the year. Channel catfish are taken on nightcrawlers, soft craws, chicken livers, and cut baits along shoreline areas.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
The city of Mansfield provides numerous recreational opportunities on and around Clear Fork Reservoir. An improved boat ramp, for public use, and marina are located on the south side of the reservoir just east of Bowers Road. No fee is charged for launching boats. In addition, there are three picnic areas with access to the lake located along the south side of the reservoir. Shore fishing is only allowed along the south and west shorelines from the Orewiler Road bridge to a point 1000 feet upstream of the dam. There are no motor size restrictions, but an 8 mph speed limit is enforced by the city of Mansfield.
Hunting for small game, deer and turkey is permitted along the north and west shoreline. Waterfowl hunting is permitted in six boat blinds in the reservoir on a first-come, first-served basis. Hunters must check in at the marina. Muzzleloaders are not permitted to be used, but crossbow, longbow, and shotguns are permitted. Trapping for all furbearer species is permitted except beaver.
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. Application are available online at FishOhio.org.
Please submit scale samples on any muskie caught to aid in our management of muskie. Scale sample forms can be found at the boat dock or by contacting an ODNR Division of Wildlife district office.
FISH MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
The ODNR Division of Wildlife’s fish management activities have included stocking, conducting creel surveys, and monitoring fish populations with nets, and electrofishing gear. Clear Fork Reservoir is unique in Ohio as almost all stocked muskies are produced from eggs taken at the reservoir every spring. All of these activities are vital in determining the management practices necessary to produce quality fishing.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The nearest district office is Wildlife District Two, 952 Lima Ave., Findlay, Ohio 45840; telephone (419) 424-5000. To get other maps or publications call toll free 1-800-WILDLIFE.
For more information on Clear Fork Lake facilities, contact Gary Johnson, Rt. 8, 2678 Gass Rd., Mansfield, Ohio 44904; telephone (419) 884-1408.
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. |
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