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Harrison Lake Fishing Map |
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LOCATION
Harrison Lake is located five miles southwest of Fayette, Ohio off US 20 between SR 127 and SR 66 on CR M.
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
The lake was constructed in 1939 by building an earthen levee and concrete spillway across Mill Creek. The original purpose of the lake was outdoor recreation, mainly fishing and hunting. In 1950, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources developed a state park around Harrison Lake. The lake is 95 acres and has 3.2 miles of shoreline. Maximum depth is 15-feet near the dam. The lake tends to be a little turbid, but the turbidity does not adversely affect fish in the lake. There is an abundance of fish structure in the lake including stumps, downed trees, Christmas trees sunk by the Division of Wildlife, and rip-rap along the dam.
FISHES OF INTEREST TO ANGLERS
Harrison Lake has populations of bluegill, black and white crappie, largemouth bass, bullheads, channel catfish and carp. The channel catfish are maintained by periodic stockings by the Division of Wildlife.
FISHING FORECAST
| Type of Fish |
|
Size |
Largest
(inches) |
| Crappie |
Good
|
Excellent
|
11.4
|
| Largemouth Bass |
Fair
|
Fair
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20.1
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| Sunfish |
Fair
|
Good
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6.9
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Fish Survey Report
| Type of Fish |
Percent Seeking |
Catch Rates |
Fishing Pressure |
| Catfish |
15%
|
Excellent
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Average
|
| Crappie |
22%
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Excellent
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Average
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Largemouth Bass
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22%
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Fair
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Low
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| Sunfish |
18%
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Good
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Average
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Angler Survey Report
METHODS OF FISHING AND BEST FISHING SITES
Fishing along the shoreline cover including the stumps, downed trees, and rip-rap will be the best areas from which to catch largemouth bass, bluegills, and crappies. The best baits to catch bluegill are wax worms, red worms, and crickets. Crappies are usually caught on minnows or small spinner baits. Popular artificial lures used to catch largemouth bass include rubber worms, crank baits, jig and pig, and spinner baits. Gizzard shad is the main forage species so baits that imitate gizzard shad work well. Bullheads, channel catfish, and carp can be caught by tight lining with worms or other prepared baits such as doughballs or stink baits.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Harrison Lake State Park offers many outdoor related activities. The campground has 175 campsites. Other activities include boating [electric motors only], swimming, picnicking, hiking, and other activities. Area attractions include Sauder Museum, Farm and Craft Village just north of Archbold at the intersection of SR 66 and SR 2. Antique tools and farm implements on display are reminders of early life in Ohio. Goll Woods State Nature Preserve which is located three miles northwest of Archbold is the sole remains of the Great Black Swamp. This swamp at one time covered most of northwest Ohio. Goll Woods has surviving oak trees approximately 500 years old and five feet in diameter.
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
The Division of Wildlife’s fish management activities are determined from information collected on fish populations and angler success. Fish populations are monitored under the Inland Fish Management System where fish populations are surveyed using standardized techniques. Harrison Lake is surveyed at least once every six years. Information on angler success is obtained through angler input and angler surveys. These activities are vital in determining our management activities. Past fish management activities have included fish stocking, harvest regulations, and habitat improvement, to produce quality fishing.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The nearest district office is Wildlife District Two, 952 Lima Ave., Findlay, Ohio 45840; telephone 419/424-5000. To get other maps or publications call toll free, 1-800-WILDLIFE.
Harrison Lake State Park can be contacted at 26246 Harrison Lake Road, Fayette, Ohio 43521; telephone 419/237-2593.
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 violations should call the TIP toll-free hotline, 1-800-POACHER.
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