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O'Shaughnessy Reservoir Fishing Map |
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LOCATION
O’Shaughnessy Reservoir is located about 9 miles northwest of Columbus in Delaware County. State Route 257 parallels the east side of the reservoir. Access is available along State Route 257 at designated parking lots and boat ramps in the Twin Lakes area, along State Route 257 at Home Road, and in Bellepoint.
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
O’Shaughnessy Reservoir was built by the city of Columbus in 1925. The reservoir, created by damming the Scioto River, provided a needed water source for the city. The reservoir is 912 acres in size and has 18.4 miles of shoreline. Maximum depth is over 40 feet near the dam, although much of the water is 20 feet or less. The watershed for the reservoir is about 770 square miles and is composed of mostly agricultural land. Bottom composition is made up of rock in the south section and mud and silt in the north.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
The city of Columbus, Department of Recreation and Parks maintains the parking lots, picnic areas, boat ramps, docks and rental boat slips. Unlimited horsepower is permitted on the lake.
FISHES OF INTEREST TO ANGLERS
The diverse bottom composition and cover from stumps and fallen trees provide excellent habitat for a number of sport fish. Black and white crappie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, saugeye, white bass, and channel catfish all provide fishing opportunities for anglers. Saugeye and hybrid striped bass are stocked on an annual basis.
FISHING FORECAST
| Type of Fish |
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Size |
Largest
(inches) |
Fishing Tips/Comments |
| Channel Catfish |
Excellent
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Fair
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25.2
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| Crappie |
Good
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Good
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12.7
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Hybrid Striped Bass
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Good
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Fair
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First stocked in 2009. |
| Largemouth Bass |
Good
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Excellent
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18.5
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| Saugeye |
Good
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Good
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26.0
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| Sunfish |
Fair
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Good
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7.6
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Fish Survey Report
| Types of Fish |
Percent Seeking |
Catch Rates |
Fishing Pressure |
| Catfish |
6%
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Excellent
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Average
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| Crappie |
15%
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Excellent
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Average
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Largemouth Bass
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62%
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Good
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High
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| Saugeye |
1%
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Poor
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Low
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| Sunfish |
1%
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Poor
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Low
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Angler Survey Report
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 manages fish populations in O’Shaughnessy Reservoir. Fish populations are monitored by creel surveys, and surveys using electrofishing boats and nets. These activities provide the information needed to establish quality fishing opportunities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The nearest district office is Wildlife District One, 1500 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215 telephone (614) 644-3925.
For information on boat slip rentals contact: city of Columbus Department of Recreation and Parks (614) 645-3337.
TURN IN A POACHER
Ohio's TIP, "Turn In a Poacher," program is helping to 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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