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LOCATION
Findley Lake is located within Findley State Park, which is 1.4 miles south of Wellington on State Route 58.
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
Findley Lake was constructed by the Ohio Division of Parks. The earthen dam was built during 1954 and 1955, with the gates closed in April 1956. Findley Lake holds 83 acres of water. The north end of the lake is fairly deep, with depths measured to 21 feet. The southern end of the lake is relatively shallow, with depths measuring generally less than six feet. Boats are allowed with electric motors only.
FISHES OF INTEREST TO ANGLERS
Fish species that are found in Findley Lake include largemouth bass, bluegill, white crappie, channel catfish, brown bullhead, pumpkinseed sunfish, and hybrid sunfish. Channel catfish yearlings (9”+) are stocked during alternate years by the Ohio Division of Wildlife.
FISHING FORECAST
| Type of Fish |
|
Size |
Largest
(inches) |
| Largemouth Bass |
Good
|
Fair
|
17.4
|
| Sunfish |
Excellent
|
Poor
|
7.2
|
Fish Survey Report
| Type of Fish |
Percent Seeking |
Catch Rates |
Fishing Pressure |
| Largemouth Bass |
19%
|
Poor
|
Low
|
| Catfish |
15%
|
Good
|
Average
|
| Crappie |
2%
|
Fair
|
Low
|
| Sunfish |
1%
|
Fair
|
Low
|
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. 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.
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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Findley State Park Office is located at 25381 State Route 58, Wellington, Ohio 44090-9208 (phone number: 440-647-5749). The nearest Wildlife District Office (Three) is located at 912 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron, Ohio 44319 (phone number: 330-644-2293).
TURN IN A POACHER
Ohio’s TIP, “Turn In a Poacher,” program is helping 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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