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LOCATION
Monroe Lake is located within the 1,333-acre Monroe Lake Wildlife Area. This public area is in Malaga Township, Monroe County approximately five miles north of Woodsfield. Monroe Lake is accessible off Township Road 1001 (Main Cross Street) or State Route 800.
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
Purchasing of land for a public hunting and fishing area began in 1955. Monroe Lake was completed in 1957. The land and water area is owned and managed by the ODNR Division of Wildlife for fish and wildlife management purposes. The topography includes rolling to steep hills, open fields, and woodland. The lake encompasses 39 acres at normal pool with a shoreline length of 2.8 miles. The maximum depth is 33 feet.
FISH OF INTEREST TO ANGLERS
Monroe Lake has populations of largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill. The Division of Wildlife stocks channel catfish yearlings in alternate years. Catchable rainbow trout are stocked annually in the spring. Gizzard shad is the main forage species.
FISHING FORECAST
| Type of Fish |
|
Size |
Largest
(inches) |
| Largemouth Bass |
Excellent
|
Good
|
19.1
|
| Sunfish |
Good
|
Good
|
8.1
|
Fish Survey Report
METHODS OF FISHING AND BEST FISHING SITES
Better largemouth bass fishing can be found in the spring and fall. As springtime water temperatures warm up, bass will move into shallow water areas to feed and to prepare for spawning. Fish near shallow structure such as tree stumps, fallen trees, or weed bed edges. Spinnerbaits, rubber worms, crankbaits, and jig/pig combinations work well. Warm summer water temperatures will usually push fish into deeper depths. Fishing during the early morning hours or in the evening will provide better results. Cooler, fall temperatures will trigger bass to move back in the shallow water areas. Fishing success may pick up as bass prepare for winter.
Bluegill can be caught throughout the lake from early spring until fall. Popular methods include waxworms or redworms fished below a bobber. Look for spawning beds in shallow water during the spring and throughout the summer. Many bluegill concentrate in these areas.
Channel catfish angling picks up by mid-June. Nightcrawlers, chicken livers, or prepared catfish baits work well when fished on the bottom. Night fishing for catfish is a popular method for catfish anglers.
Early spring trout anglers enjoy success using a variety of baits such as corn, cheese, small spinners or prepared baits.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
A boat ramp is located off the Township Road 1001 (Main Cross Street) entrance. A courtesy dock is located near the ramp as is a foot bridge for shoreline anglers. A small camping area is provided off State Route 800 near the dam. Monroe Lake has a 10-horsepower limit for outboard motors.
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 Division of Wildlife’s fish management activities include stocking, population monitoring with nets, electrofishing surveys, angler surveys, felling trees, and preparing Christmas tree piles to act as fish attractors. Additionally, fish management personnel conduct general water quality analyses. A continuing check of water quality and fish populations is vital in determining the management practices necessary to produce quality fish for the public.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Questions and inquiries can be directed to Wildlife District Four, 360 East State Street, Athens, Ohio 45701; telephone 740-589-9930. 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 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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Major Sportfish
Life Histories |
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