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Hoover Reservoir Fishing Map |
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LOCATION
Hoover Reservoir is in Delaware and Franklin Counties, just northeast of Westerville and about 10 miles northeast of downtown Columbus. The lake is accessible off Interstate 270 using Sunbury Road.
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
Hoover Reservoir was constructed as a water supply facility by the city of Columbus in 1955. Today, 2,818 acres of water are impounded behind Hoover Dam. Due to the rapid development of the metropolitan area around Columbus, use of water from Hoover Reservoir has increased dramatically. Today, it is not uncommon to see drawdowns of 5 feet or more during the summer. A water pipeline from Alum Creek Lake is also used to supplement the water supply in Hoover Reservoir when demand gets high. Hoover Reservoir is attractive to anglers throughout central Ohio due to its 10 horsepower outboard motor limit, which produces a serene setting for fishing.
FISHES OF INTEREST TO ANGLERS
Hoover Reservoir has populations of largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, white and black crappie, channel catfish, white bass, carp, buffalo sucker, and longnose gar. Saugeye fingerlings are stocked annually by the Division of Wildlife. Gizzard shad is the main forage species.
FISHING FORECAST
| Type of Fish |
|
Size |
Largest
(inches) |
Fishing Tips/Comments |
| Channel Catfish |
Good
|
Excellent
|
28.9
|
|
| Crappie |
Excellent
|
Good
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13.0
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|
| Largemouth Bass |
Good
|
Good
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20.9
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|
| Saugeye |
Good
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Excellent
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26.6
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The southeast side of the lake is good for spring saugeye. |
Smallmouth Bass
|
Excellent
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Excellent
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20.0
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| Sunfish |
Good
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Good
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7.4
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|
White Bass
|
Good
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Excellent
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15.2
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Fish Big Walnut Creek in early to mid-May. |
Fish Survey Report
| Types of Fish |
Percent Seeking |
Catch Rates |
Fishing Pressure |
| Catfish |
6%
|
Fair
|
High
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| Crappie |
31%
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Good
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High
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Largemouth Bass and
Smallmouth Bass |
14%
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Good
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High
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| Saugeye |
14%
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Good
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High
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| Sunfish |
3%
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Good
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High
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White Bass
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2%
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Fair
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High
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Angler Survey Report
METHODS OF FISHING AND BEST FISHING SITES
Largemouth and smallmouth bass are popular yet underrated species in Hoover Reservoir. Light fishing pressure due to a 10-horsepower outboard motor restriction produces good bass tournament results. A strong population of saugeyes is also present. Hoover Reservoir receives annual fingerling stockings of this walleye-like hybrid. To catch saugeyes, try fishing deep drop-offs in late fall and early spring. In April, try minnow imitating crank-baits for saugeyes along causeways and the dam. Use minnows and jigs fished in areas with brushy cover in the upper end of the lake when seeking crappies. For white bass, try fishing in Big Walnut Creek in May with spinner baits. Hoover Reservoir is also known for its very large buffalo suckers. The current hook and line and bowfishing state record buffalo suckers were caught from Hoover Reservoir. To catch buffalo suckers, try twister tails fished very slowly along the bottom. For channel catfish, use night crawlers fished on the bottom.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
The city of Columbus operates and maintains parking lots, boat ramps and docks, and picnic areas. A 10 horsepower outboard motor limit is in effect.
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 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.
Please submit scale samples on any muskie caught to aid in our management of muskie. Scale sample forms can be found at the boat dock or by contacting an ODNR Division of Wildlife district office.
FISH MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
The ODNR Division of Wildlife’s fish management activities include stocking, conducting angler creel surveys, constructing fishing piers, renovating boat ramps and parking areas, 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 good quality fishing.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The nearest 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 additional information on the city of Columbus park facilities at Hoover Reservoir, contact the city of Columbus Watershed Management Group at 7600 Sunbury Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081; telephone 614/645-1721.
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 toll-free hotline, 1-800-POACHER. |
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