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Kokosing Lake Fishing Map
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LOCATION
Kokosing Lake is about 15 minutes north of Mount Vernon and just west of Fredericktown, Ohio. From Fredericktown, access to the dam is via State Route 13 north to Waterford Road. The dam is located on the right about two miles from the Waterford Rd. SR 13 Junction The Kokosing Lake launch ramp, campground, and picnic areas are also on the right just off Waterford Road about 1/2 mile past the dam.
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
Kokosing Lake was created in 1970 when the United States Army Corps of Engineers impounded the headwaters of the north branch of the Kokosing River for flood control purposes on the Upper Muskingum River watershed. It is a relatively small, shallow lake with a maximum depth of about 10 feet.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
The Kokosing Lake campground is located on the west side of the lake and is managed by the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District. The campground includes a large picnic area, playground, and a two-lane boat ramp. Ice, bait, snacks, and firewood are available at the campground headquarters. The Ohio Division of Wildlife has 959 acres of land surrounding the lake that are open to hunting. There is a 10 horsepower motor restriction on this lake.
FISHES OF INTEREST TO ANGLERS
Kokosing Lake has populations of largemouth bass, crappie (primarily black), bluegill, channel catfish, 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 |
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Size |
Largest
(inches) |
Fishing Tips/Comments |
| Crappie |
Good
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Good
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14.1
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| Largemouth Bass |
Excellent
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Good
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18.7
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Fish the dam and the west side of the island.
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| Sunfish |
Fair
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Good
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7.2
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The Dream Bridge area is good in the spring.
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Fish Survey Report
| Types of Fish |
Percent Seeking |
Catch Rates |
Fishing Pressure |
| Catfish |
18%
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Fair
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Average
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| Crappie |
5%
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Fair
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Low
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| Largemouth Bass |
20%
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Excellent
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Low
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| Sunfish |
3%
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Good
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Low
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Angler Survey Report
METHODS OF FISHING AND BEST FISHING SITES
Kokosing Lake can produce good numbers of largemouth bass for those anglers targeting them. Fishing the stumps and other scattered woody debris along the old creek channel can be productive. For channel catfish, concentrate on fishing deeper water near the dam and boat ramp with chicken liver, cut-shad, or shrimp fished on the bottom. Bluegills and crappies can be caught around brushy shoreline cover using waxworms or minnows under a bobber.
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.
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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Major Sportfish
Life Histories |
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