LOCATION
Lake Snowden is 6 miles southwest of Athens and 1 mile northeast of Albany, with access from U.S. Route 50.
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
Lake Snowden was developed as a part of the PL-566 Margaret Creek Watershed Project. The dam was completed in July 1970 across a branch of Maragret Creek. Recreation pool was achieved in April 1972. Lake Snowden provides flood control, water supply, and recreational benefits.
The watershed consists of rolling hills, woods, and open fields. The narrow ratio of watershed area to surface area provides good water clarity. Maximum water depth is 42 feet. The shoreline and bottom material varies from silty clay loam to sandy loam soils. Deepwater structure is limited due to brush removal during the construction phase. Submerged trees, overhanging brush, and rooted aquatic vegetation provide shoreline habitat.
FISHES OF INTEREST TO ANGLERS
The primary sport fish species managed are channel catfish, bluegill, redear sunfish, largemouth bass and saugeye. Saugeye are stocked annually and channel catfish yearlings are stocked every other year.
FISHING FORECAST
| Type of Fish |
|
Size |
Largest
(inches) |
| Channel Catfish |
Poor
|
Poor
|
19.0
|
| Largemouth Bass |
Good
|
Poor
|
21.3
|
| Saugeye |
Fair
|
Good
|
25.6
|
| Sunfish |
Excellent
|
Poor
|
7.8
|
Fish Survey Report
| Type of Fish |
Percent Seeking |
Catch Rates |
Fishing Pressure |
| Catfish |
18%
|
Fair
|
Average
|
| Crappie |
3%
|
Poor
|
Low
|
| Largemouth Bass |
28%
|
Excellent
|
Average
|
| Saugeye |
1%
|
Fair
|
Low
|
| Sunfish |
9%
|
Excellent
|
Average
|
Angler Survey Report
METHODS OF FISHING AND BEST FISHING SITES
Channel Catfish - Catfish are caught along extending lake points, the dam area, and shoreline access points. The fishing is best when the water ranges from 60 to 90 degrees.
Bluegill - These panfish are caught around deepwater structure, particularly when the water is 55 degrees or cooler. The deepwater fish are caught on wax worms, redworms, and other small baits fished on a small hook. The fish may lie suspended at various midwater depths and can be caught on live bait or small lures. Bluegills and other sunfishes can also be caught on or near the surface during warm weather, especially when they move to shallow water for spawning. Fly rods or light spinning rods used with small lures, poppers, and rubber spiders are good choices for shallow water fishing.
Redear Sunfish - Redears are partial to deep water and are most often caught around structures submerged in deep water. Lightweight spinning gear with 4- to 6-pound test line will work well. The best baits are redworms and wax worms.
Largemouth Bass - Bass fishing improves when the lake begins to warm in March. Most of the early season bass are caught over deepwater structures on lures such as jigs and pork rind combinations and deepdiving crank baits. The bass move to shallow water to feed as the water warms beyond 70 degrees. Here spinning or bait casting rigs fished with spinner baits, buzz baits, and surface lures work well.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Camping facilities include 60 Class A sites, 35 Class B sites, and one-room cabins. Convenience areas include a camper dumping station, hot showers, laundry, toilets, and drinking water. Other recreational facilities are a swimming beach, bathhouse, boat launch, boat docks, concession, horseshoe courts, and picnic areas.
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.
FISH MANAGEMENT GOALS
1) To improve the size and catch rates of bass and bluegill.
2) To determine the level of natural reproduction, the effect of stocking density, and the harvest of stocked yearling channel catfish.
3) To modify the aquatic habitat for fishes and anglers through placement of artificial structure.
4) To sustain a channel catfish population and suitable harvest.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The nearest district office is located at Wildlife District Four, 360 East State Street, Athens, Ohio 45701-1895; telephone 740/589-9930. For camping reservations contact: Lake Snowden Recreation Park, U.S. Route 50 West, Albany, Ohio 45710; telephone 740/698-6373.
Horsepower limits and other boating regulations are subject to change. Contact the Division of Wildlife for the most current information.
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. |