LOCATION
LaDue Reservoir lies in southern Geauga County approximately 30 miles east of Cleveland, at the intersection of U.S. Route 422 and State Route 44. State Route 44 lies along the west side of the reservoir and U.S. Route 422 crosses the reservoir.
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
LaDue Reservoir was constructed in 1963 on a tributary of the Cuyahoga River to provide additional water supply to Akron. The Division of Wildlife began managing the fish populations in the reservoir in 1983, under agreement with the city of Akron. The reservoir is situated in an area of glacial deposits characterized by numerous kames and small relict glacial lakes and ponds. Ground cover in the surrounding area includes marshy, wooded, and meadow areas. The lake bed retains the humps of the surrounding land. Aquatic vegetation is scarce, and consists mainly of milfoil and curly pondweed.
FISHES OF INTEREST TO ANGLERS
Fish species in LaDue Reservoir include walleye, largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, white crappie, black crappie, channel catfish and white perch. Walleye are stocked annually and channel catfish yearlings (9”+) are stocked during even-numbered years by the Ohio Division of Wildlife.
FISHING FORECAST
| Type of Fish |
|
Size |
Largest
(inches) |
| Channel Catfish |
Poor
|
Fair
|
21.7
|
| Crappie |
Good
|
Good
|
13.7
|
| Largemouth Bass |
Fair
|
Good
|
21.5
|
Smallmouth Bass
|
Good
|
Excellent
|
19.5
|
| Sunfish |
Fair
|
Good
|
7.5
|
| Walleye |
Fair
|
Poor
|
28.5
|
Fish Survey Report
| Type of Fish |
Percent Seeking |
Catch Rates |
Fishing Pressure |
| Catfish |
1%
|
Fair
|
Low
|
| Crappie |
14%
|
Excellent
|
High
|
Largemouth Bass and
Smallmouth Bass |
39%
|
Fair
|
High
|
| Sunfish |
3%
|
Poor
|
Average
|
Walleye
|
11%
|
Poor
|
High
|
White Perch
|
2%
|
Excellent
|
High
|
Yellow Perch
|
1%
|
Poor
|
High
|
Angler Survey Report
METHODS OF FISHING AND BEST FISHING SITES
Largemouth bass are most easily taken by working the shoreline in the spring. During summer, look for them on submerged humps and near drop-offs. Both crappie species are most easily caught from shallow, brushy areas in the spring. During warm weather, they are likely to be in deeper brush.
Bluegills can be caught in good numbers year round, but look for them in areas with good cover near drop-offs. Walleyes are most often caught on submerged humps or bars in May and June, but weed beds provide most walleyes in the fall. Channel catfish are best caught at night by fishing live or cut bait on the bottom. Yellow perch are found throughout the lake; however, best catches come from weed beds near drop-offs.
FISH MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
The Division of Wildlife annually stocks fingerling walleyes in LaDue Reservoir to maintain that species in the absence of natural reproduction. Other species are managed to provide fishable populations through natural reproduction.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
The Ohio Division of Wildlife maintains a gravel boat ramp and Port-a-Jons at the south end of Valley Road. The Ohio Division of Wildlife also maintains an unimproved boat ramp at the south end of the lake off State Route 44. Several private bait and tackle shops can be found in the area. Boats are limited to electric motors only.
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
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The nearest district office is located at Wildlife District Three, 912 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron, Ohio 44319; telephone (330) 644-2293.
The LaDue Public Hunting Area totals 8,791 acres comprised of many separate parcels that form a mosaic of property stretching from the East Branch Reservoir south and into northern Portage County. Much of this property lies along the Cuyahoga River and surrounds the 1,475-acre Wendell R. LaDue Reservoir.
The city of Akron's Watershed Section has its main office at 1570 Ravenna Road, Kent, Ohio 44240; telephone (330) 678-0077, or on the Internet at www.ci.akron.oh.us
RESTRICTIONS
Electric motors only with no gasoline motors permitted on the boat. Maximum length of any watercraft shall not exceed 18 feet. Shoreline fishing is permitted within the 60-foot right-of-way of bridges only. Shoreline fishing is prohibited along Valley Road.
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. |