LOCATION
Kiser Lake is in Champaign County, in west-central Ohio, approximately four miles northwest of St. Paris and 34 miles north of Dayton on State Route 235.
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
Kiser Lake is operated by the ODNR Division of Parks and Recreation. In 1840, a dam was erected on Mosquito Creek to furnish power for a grist and saw mill. When power was no longer needed for this operation, the dam was neglected and most of the lake was lost. Interest in rebuilding the lake was revived in 1932 and construction of a new dam was begun in 1938. During 1940 all work on the spillway, dam, and bridges was completed and the valve was closed for the first time. Kiser Lake now has 394 surface acres of water and 5.5 miles of shoreline. It is a relatively shallow lake with abundant vegetation, including large areas of lily pads.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Kiser Lake State Park has a marina, boat rentals, seasonal dock rentals, two boat launches, hiking trails, picnic areas, shelters, a beach, and campground. There are many shoreline fishing access points including two gravel fishing piers on opposite sides of the lake. There is a non-motorized craft only restriction on this lake.
FISHES OF INTEREST TO ANGLERS
Kiser Lake has populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, channel catfish, crappie, yellow perch, bullheads, and carp. The Division of Wildlife stocks yearling channel catfish in the reservoir every other year. Gizzard shad is the main forage species.
FISHING FORECAST
| Type of Fish |
|
Size |
Largest
(inches) |
| Crappie |
Fair
|
Fair
|
12.2
|
| Largemouth Bass |
Excellent
|
Excellent
|
20.5
|
| Sunfish |
Excellent
|
Excellent
|
8.9
|
Fish Survey Report
| Type of Fish |
Percent Seeking |
Catch Rates |
Fishing Pressure |
| Catfish |
6%
|
Poor
|
Average
|
| Crappie |
18%
|
Fair
|
High
|
Largemouth Bass
|
13%
|
Fair
|
Average
|
| Sunfish |
17%
|
Fair
|
High
|
Angler Survey Report
METHODS OF FISHING AND BEST FISHING SITES
Kiser Lake has a healthy sunfish population with good numbers and sizes of bluegill and pumpkinseed. Concentrate on vegetated areas using waxworms, nightcrawlers, or redworms under a bobber. Switch to minnows in these same areas when targeting crappie. Hybrid striped bass have not been stocked since 2004, but many large individuals remain, with several over 28” and 15 pounds sampled in 2008. When targeting hybrids and stripers, try using a chicken liver or cut shad on the bottom or trolling crankbaits. Concentrate on deep water areas along the old river channel or off points. This technique can also be productive for channel 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 online at FishOhio.org.
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 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.
Additional information can be obtained by contacting Kiser Lake State Park, 4889 North St. Rt. 235, St. Paris, OH 43072, telephone 937-362-3822.
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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