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East Branch Reservoir Fishing Map |
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LOCATION
East Branch Reservoir lies in eastern Geauga County, approximately 40 miles east of Cleveland, near the intersection of State Route 608 and U.S. Route 322, which crosses the reservoir.
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
East Branch Reservoir is owned and operated by the city of Akron. This reservoir was constructed as a water supply reservoir for the city of Akron in 1939 on a tributary of the Cuyahoga River. The reservoir has a water surface of 402 acres. The maximum depth of East Branch Reservoir is 18 feet. Boats are allowed on East Branch Reservoir, but they must be propelled by electric motors only. The Division of Wildlife began managing the fish populations in 1958 through an agreement with the city. The surrounding land contains numerous small glacial kames and relict glacial lakes and ponds. Terrestrial habitat in the area includes marshes, meadows, and woodlands. The lake bed continues the topography of the surrounding land, with several humps in the reservoir. The shoreline is cut with a number of small bays and is fairly steep in most areas. Aquatic vegetation consists primarily of milfoil and curly pondweed.
FISHES OF INTEREST TO ANGLERS
Fish species that are found in East Branch Reservoir include largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, black and white crappie, yellow perch, white perch, and brown bullhead.
FISHING FORECAST
| Type of Fish |
|
Size |
Largest
(inches) |
| Crappie |
Poor
|
Poor
|
11.1
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| Largemouth Bass |
Poor
|
Poor
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21.3
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| Sunfish |
Fair
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Good
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7.2
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Fish Survey Report
| Type of Fish |
Percent Seeking |
Catch Rates |
Fishing Pressure |
| Catfish |
0%
|
Poor
|
Low
|
| Crappie |
8%
|
Excellent
|
Average
|
| Largemouth Bass |
49%
|
Fair
|
Average
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| Sunfish |
11%
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Excellent
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Low
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Angler Survey Report
METHODS OF FISHING AND BEST FISHING SITES
Largemouth bass are most easily caught by working the shoreline cover in the spring. During summer, they can be found near submerged humps, drop-offs, and the original streambed. Bluegill can be caught throughout the year by fishing near weedbeds and other cover near drop-offs. Both crappie species are most easily caught from shallow, brushy areas in the spring. During warm weather, they are most likely to move to deeper brush or other structure.
FISH MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
The Division of Wildlife periodically conducts fisheries surveys for various fish populations at East Branch Reservoir using electrofishing or trap-netting. Fish concentrating structures may be placed as necessary to provide better fishing opportunities.
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. Applications are available online at FishOhio.org.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The nearest district office is Wildlife District Three, 912 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron, Ohio 44319; telephone (330) 644-2293. Other lake maps and publications can be obtained by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE.
Headwaters Park, Geuaga County Park District.
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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