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Ferguson & Metzger Reservoirs Fishing Map |
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LOCATION
Ferguson and Metzger reservoirs are located on Reservoir Road which is on the east side of Lima. They can be reached from I-75 by taking Exit 127 at State Route 81 and heading east. Turn right on Rousch Rd. and head south to Reservoir Road. Turn left and head east approximately 1.5 miles to the reservoir entrance.
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
Ferguson and Metzger reservoirs are upground reservoirs. Upground reservoirs are constructed by building high dikes on a relatively flat terrain to hold water. They are pump storage reservoirs. Water is pumped in from the Ottawa River at times of high flow and stored in these reservoirs until needed by the city of Lima.
Metzger Reservoir was built in 1946 by the city of Lima as a municipal water supply. It has a surface area of 154 acres and a capacity of 1.2 billion gallons. The bottom is relatively flat with depths ranging from 18 to 33 feet.
Ferguson Reservoir was built in 1958 to expand the city of Lima’s municipal water supply. It has a surface area of 305 acres and a capacity of 2.2 billion gallons. Depths range from 3 to 33 feet. A large bed of cattails is present along the shallow east shoreline.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Fishing is permitted on both reservoirs. Good populations of bluegill, yellow perch, white bass, crappie, and channel catfish are in both reservoirs. Ferguson Reservoir is stocked with walleye and Metzger Reservoir is stocked with saugeye. Ice fishing is permitted at your own risk.
Boats are permitted on both reservoirs. The use of gasoline motors is prohibited. Both reservoirs have primitive boat ramps near the Reservoir Road entrance. Parking is available on two lots off Reservoir Road and one off North Mumaugh Road.
Waterfowl hunting is permitted on both lakes in designated areas. Permits to erect duck blinds are issued on a lottery basis by the city of Lima. Applications are available at the Lima Water Treatment Plant.
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.
FISH MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
Fish management activities by the Ohio Division of Wildlife include stocking walleye and yellow perch, fish population surveys, age and growth studies, angler harvest studies, and water quality analysis. These activities provide important information which is used to help maintain quality fishing opportunities.
FISHING FORECAST
Fish Survey Report
| Lake |
Type of Fish |
Overall
Numbers
|
Size |
Largest
(inches)
|
| Ferguson Reservoir |
Channel Catfish |
Good |
Fair |
25.5 |
| Crappie |
Poor |
Fair
|
10.2
|
| Largemouth Bass |
Poor
|
Excellent
|
20.7
|
| Smallmouth Bass |
Excellent |
Fair |
16.0 |
| Walleye |
Good |
Good |
28.4 |
| White Bass |
Poor |
Fair |
14.3 |
| Yellow Perch |
Excellent
|
Excellent
|
9.2
|
| Metzger Reservoir |
Channel Catfish |
Good
|
Fair
|
26.1
|
| Saugeye |
Poor |
Fair |
22.1 |
| White Bass |
Excellent |
Fair |
11.2 |
| Yellow Perch |
Excellent |
Excellent |
11.3 |
Angler Survey Report
| Lake |
Type of Fish |
Percent Seeking |
Catch Rates |
Fishing Pressure |
| Ferguson Reservoir |
Catfish |
12%
|
Good
|
Average
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| Crappie |
21%
|
Fair
|
Average
|
| Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass |
11%
|
Excellent
|
Low
|
| Sunfish |
10% |
Excellent |
Average |
| Walleye |
16% |
Good |
Average |
| Yellow Perch |
2%
|
Good
|
Average
|
Metzger Reservoir
|
Catfish |
12%
|
Poor
|
Low
|
| Crappie |
21%
|
Fair
|
Average
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| Sunfish |
34%
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Fair
|
High
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| Saugeye |
11% |
Excellent |
Average |
| Yellow Perch |
1%
|
Good
|
Low
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The nearest district office is Wildlife District Two, 952 Lima Avenue, Findlay, Ohio 45840; telephone (419) 424-5000.
For information on the city’s rules and regulations pertaining to Ferguson and Metzger reservoirs contact: Lima Water Treatment Plant, 1100 East Wayne Street, Lima, Ohio 45804, telephone (419)221-5170.
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.
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