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Griggs Reservoir Fishing Map |
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LOCATION
Griggs Reservoir is located in Franklin County, in central Ohio, just west of Columbus. State Route 33 parallels the lake on the east side and there is a public boat launch just south of the Fishinger Rd. intersection.
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
Griggs Reservoir is maintained and operated by the city of Columbus Division of Watershed Management as a source for municipal water supply. The dam was constructed on the Scioto River in 1904 creating a long narrow lake that runs north to south for approximately six miles, creating 387 surface acres of fishing water. The lake is generally clear, but is influenced heavily by rain events and can become very turbid. Depths can exceed 20 feet near the dam, but most of the reservoir is between 10- and 15- feet deep.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
The Columbus Department of Parks and Recreation maintains 521 acres as a city park. The park runs along the east side of the reservoir between the water and Rt. 33 from the dam north to Lane Rd. Throughout the park is a bicycle and driving trail with numerous parking and picnic areas. The park also includes an amphitheater, boat launch, playground, and shelterhouses. On the west side of the reservoir there is additional park area south of Fishinger Road with picnic facilities and fishing access.
FISHING FORECAST
| Type of Fish |
|
Size |
Largest
(inches) |
Fishing Tips/Comments |
| Channel Catfish |
Fair
|
Good
|
29.9
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|
| Crappie |
Good
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Fair
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10.2
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| Hybrid Striped Bass |
Fair
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Fair
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Hybrid striped bass were fisrt stocked in 2009.
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| Largemouth Bass |
Good
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Good
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19.7
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Anglers are successful below the dam in the fall. |
| Saugeye |
Fair
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Fair
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25.8
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| Smallmouth Bass |
Good
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Excellent
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18.0
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In the fall, fish the north end of the reservoir.
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| Sunfish |
Good
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Fair
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6.9
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Fish Survey Report
| Types of Fish |
Percent Seeking |
Catch Rates |
Fishing Pressure |
| Catfish |
6%
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Fair
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Average
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| Crappie |
7%
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Excellent
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Average
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Largemouth Bass and
Smallmouth Bass
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28%
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Excellent
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High
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| Saugeye |
0%
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Poor
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Low
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| Sunfish |
4%
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Good
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Average
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Angler Survey Report
FISHES OF INTEREST TO ANGLERS
Griggs Reservoir has populations of largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, saugeye, hybrid striped bass, channel catfish, black and white crappie, bluegill, bullheads, and carp. The Division of Wildlife stocks fingerling saugeye and hybrid striped bass in the reservoir every spring, with yearling channel catfish stocked on a less frequent basis. Gizzard shad is the main forage species.
METHODS OF FISHING AND BEST FISHING SITES
Griggs has healthy populations of both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Most bass are shoreline oriented throughout the year, so anglers should concentrate their efforts on shoreline cover and structure including submerged timber, riprap, and water willow. Soft plastic creature baits and tubes work well pitched to cover, while in the fall, minnow-imitating crankbaits and spinnerbaits are effective as bass feed on schools of young gizzard shad. For smallmouth, fish the north end of the reservoir near the islands and the Rt. 161 bridge with crayfish-imitating crankbaits and tubes. Crappie can be caught on small twister tails, tubes, or minnows fished under a bobber around submerged wood and bridge structures. Chicken liver or cut shad fished on the bottom are effective methods for catching both catfish and hybrid striped bass.
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.
FISH MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
The ODNR Division of Wildlife’s fish management activities include stocking, conducting angler creel surveys, and monitoring fish populations with nets, seines, and electrofishing gear. These activities are vital to providing adequate public access and determining the management practices necessary to produce quality fishing.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The nearest district office is Wildlife District One, 1500 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215 telephone 614-644-3925. The Division also has a Web site for information on fishing regulations, tips, maps, and other wildlife-related information (wildohio.com).
Additional information can be obtained by contacting the city of Columbus Watershed Management Office, 7600 Sunbury Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081; telephone 614-645-1721. To get other maps or publications call toll free 1-800-WILDLIFE.
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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