LOCATION
Deer Creek Reservoir, not to be confused with Deer Creek Lake in Pickaway County, is located in the northeast section of Stark County, about one mile east of Limaville and five miles north of Alliance. Deer Creek Reservoir is just east of State Route 183 and can be reached by traveling on Price Street east from Limaville.
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
Deer Creek Reservoir was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers as the primary water supply for the city of Alliance. It was formed by constructing an earthen dam with a concrete spillway across Deer Creek, a tributary of the Mahoning River. The dam was completed in 1954 and reached spillway elevation on January 6, 1955. This reservoir impounds 314 acres and is surrounded by eight miles of shoreline. The maximum depth of Deer Creek Reservoir is 20 feet. Boats are allowed with electric motors only.
FISHES OF INTEREST TO ANGLERS
Fish species that are found in Deer Creek Reservoir include largemouth bass, bluegill, black and white crappie, yellow perch, channel catfish, brown bullhead, pumpkinseed sunfish, and carp. Channel catfish yearlings (9”+) are stocked during odd-numbered years by the Ohio Division of Wildlife.
FISHING FORECAST
| Type of Fish |
|
Size |
Largest
(inches) |
| Crappie |
Fair
|
Poor
|
11.5
|
| Largemouth Bass |
Fair
|
Good
|
20.5
|
| Sunfish |
Poor
|
Poor
|
6.9
|
Fish Survey Report
| Type of Fish |
Percent Seeking |
Catch Rates |
Fishing Pressure |
| Catfish |
19%
|
Fair
|
High
|
| Crappie |
42%
|
Fair
|
High
|
Largemouth Bass
|
1%
|
Poor
|
Low
|
| Sunfish |
16%
|
Poor
|
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. Wax worms, maggots, or small worms are usually a good choice to attract bluegill and other sunfish species 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. Crappies may be caught on small jigs with or without minnows or by using minnows on a #6 or smaller hook. 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. Carp can be captured on small hooks (#8 or smaller) using doughballs or corn.
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 length requirement set for the Fish Ohio program. Applications are available online at FishOhio.org.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The nearest district office is Wildlife District Three located at 912 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron, Ohio 44319; 330-644-2293. The Stark County Park District, which manages the facilities around Deer Creek Reservoir (through a cooperative agreement involving the U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers, the city of Alliance, and the Division of Wildlife), is located at 798 Genoa Road NW, Massillon, Ohio 44646; 330-477-3609.
TURN IN A POACHER
Ohio’s TIP, “Turn In a Poacher,” program is helping to control 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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