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Hargus Creek Lake Fishing Map |
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LOCATION
Hargus Creek Lake is in Pickaway County, approximately 3 miles northeast of Circleville, and about 25 miles south of Columbus. The lake is accessible from U.S. Route 22 and S.R. 188.
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
Due largely to the fertile soils of the Pickaway Plains, early inhabitants were attracted to the region, which has become A.W. Marion State Park and Hargus Creek Lake. Ancient circular earthworks on the site of what is now the city of Circleville shows an early human presence.
In 1948, construction began on the dam for Hargus Creek Lake and by 1950, the area became part of the newly created Division of Parks and Recreation. In 1962, the park was renamed the A.W. Marion State Park in honor of the first director of the Department of Natural Resources, a Pickaway County native.
Because of the steep natural terrain, Hargus Creek Lake is a deep lake for its size (132 acres). Average depth is about 20 feet with a maximum depth of about 40 feet. Shorelines are heavily wooded with considerable underwater woody cover.
FISHES OF INTEREST TO ANGLERS
Hargus Creek Lake has populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, and carp. Channel catfish yearlings are stocked at least bi-annually in Hargus Creek Lake. Gizzard shad is the main forage species.
FISHING FORECAST
| Type of Fish |
|
Size |
Largest
(inches) |
Channel Catfish
|
Good
|
Good
|
|
| Crappie |
Fair
|
Good
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11.6
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| Largemouth Bass |
Excellent
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Good
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21.5
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| Sunfish |
Excellent
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Excellent
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9.2
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Fish Survey Report
| Type of Fish |
Percent Seeking |
Catch Rates |
Fishing Pressure |
| Catfish |
15%
|
Excellent
|
High
|
| Crappie |
6%
|
Fair
|
Average
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Largemouth Bass
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27%
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Excellent
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High
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| Sunfish |
13%
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Excellent
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High
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Angler Survey Report
METHODS OF FISHING AND BEST FISHING SITES
Bluegill fishing is good especially in the vegetated portions of the lake. Try using nightcrawlers fished under a bobber. The largemouth bass population is dense (15" minimum length limit) with many medium-sized fish. Fish the edges of weed beds and woody shoreline cover for largemouth bass. For channel catfish, try fishing prepared baits, nightcrawlers or soft crawfish lake wide in June and July.
Zebra mussels, an aquatic nuisance species of mussels, were discovered in Hargus Creek Lake in 1992. If you boat there, please help prevent their spread to other lakes by allowing your boat to thoroughly dry out after use.
Grass carp are used in Hargus Creek Lake to reduce vegetation levels. Although they do not readily bite, please release any grass carp accidentally caught.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
The Division of Parks and Recreation operates and maintains parking lots, boat ramps and docks, swimming beaches, and picnic areas. Outboard motors on boats are limited to electric motors only.
Note: Horsepower limits and other boating regulations are subject to change. Boaters should contact the ODNR Division of Wildlife for current information.
FISH OHIO
Anglers who catch 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 requirements set for the Fish Ohio program. Applications are available online at FishOhio.org.
FISH MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
The ODNR Division of Wildlife’s fish management activities include stocking, conducting periodic angler surveys, constructing fishing access facilities, improving in-lake fish habitat, monitoring fish populations with nets, seines, and electrofishing gear, and regulation enforcement. These activities are vital to providing adequate public access and determining the management practices necessary to produce quality fishing.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The nearest Division of Wildlife District Office is Wildlife District One, 1500 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215 telephone 614/644-3925. To get other maps or publications call toll free 1-800-WILDLIFE.
For information on state park facilities at A.W. Marion State Park, contact Deer Creek State Park, 20635 Waterloo Road, Mt. Sterling, Ohio 43143 telephone 740/467-2690.
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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