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Wolf Run Lake Fishing Map |
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LOCATION
Wolf Run Lake is located within the 1,338-acre Wolf Run State Park. This public area is in Noble Township, Noble County approximately three miles north of Caldwell. Wolf Run Lake is accessible off I-77, State Route 821 exit.
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
The Wolf Run Lake dam was completed in 1966 by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and opened as a state park in 1968. The land and water area is owned and managed by the ODNR Division of Parks and Recreation for flood control, water supply, and recreational purposes. The topography includes forested hills and agricultural land. The lake encompasses 201 acres at normal pool with a shoreline length of 9.3 miles. The maximum depth is 51 feet.
FISH OF INTEREST TO ANGLERS
Wolf Run Lake has populations of largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, saugeye, and bluegill. The ODNR Division of Wildlife stocks channel catfish yearlings in alternate years; saugeye are stocked annually as fingerlings. Catchable rainbow trout are stocked in early spring. Gizzard shad is the main forage species.
FISHING FORECAST
| Type of Fish |
|
Size |
Largest
(inches) |
| Channel Catfish |
Poor
|
|
13.4
|
| Crappie |
Poor
|
Poor
|
10.7
|
| Largemouth Bass |
Excellent
|
Good
|
22.1
|
| Saugeye |
Fair
|
Poor
|
22.9
|
| Smallmouth Bass |
Poor |
|
20.7 |
| Sunfish |
Fair
|
Good
|
8.3
|
Fish Survey Report
| Type of Fish |
Percent Seeking |
Catch Rates |
Fishing Pressure |
| Catfish |
1%
|
Poor
|
Low
|
| Crappie |
2%
|
Excellent
|
Low
|
Largemouth Bass and
Smallmouth Bass |
73%
|
Good
|
Average
|
| Saugeye |
5%
|
Fair
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Average
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| Sunfish |
2%
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Fair
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Low
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Angler 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. Spinner baits, rubber worms, crankbaits, and jig-n-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 wax worms or redworms fished below a bobber. Look for spawning beds in shallow water during the spring and throughout the summer. Many bluegill can be found concentrated in these areas.
Channel catfish angling picks up by mid-June. Night crawlers, chicken livers, or prepared catfish baits work well when fished on the bottom. Night fishing for catfish is a popular method for catfish anglers.
Saugeye fishing is best starting in fall and continuing through early spring. Rip-rap areas along the bank as well as main lake points are good areas to fish. Lead head jigs tipped with a twister, stickbaits, and crankbaits are popular with saugeye anglers in addition to live baits such as minnows.
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 at the east end of the lake off the State Route 215 entrance. Boats with motors up to 10 horsepower are permitted on Wolf Run Lake. Camping, picnicking, and swimming are permitted at designated areas. Hiking trails are available, including a three-mile section of the Buckeye Trail. Hunting is permitted in special areas only; a hunting map can be obtained at the park office.
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 area 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
Fish management questions and inquiries can be directed to Wildlife District Four, 360 East State Street, Athens, Ohio 45701; telephone 740-589-9930. Questions and inquiries related to park facilities can be directed to Wolf Run State Park, 16170 Wolf Run Road, Caldwell, Ohio 43724-9503; telephone 740-732-5035. To get other maps or publications call toll free, 1-800-WILDLIFE. Link to aviation information on the Noble County Airport.
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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