Charles Mill Lake Fishing Report

 September 15, 2009

Outdoor expert, Dick Martin, published the story "Charles Mill Offers Best Fishing In the Area" for the Mansfield News Journal and Bucyrus Telegraph Forum. CLICK HERE for a link to his story.

CHARLES MILL LAKE (Richland and Ashland counties) - 1,350 acres
Crappie— Fair to good populations of 6” - 10” fish exist. The best fishing areas are in the marina basin near submerged trees and around boat docks, but try any area with submerged trees. OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Saugeye—there is an good population of saugeye with fish ranging up to 22” in length. The best location is usually between the marina and the outlet to the western basin and around the beach area at night. Also, try fishing below the dam in the tail-water during winter and spring. OUTLOOK: GOOD

Channel catfish—there is a large population of fish that range from 14” to 25”, with some larger fish also available. Catfish can be caught nearly anywhere in the lake, but the best location is along the peninsula between the marina and the swimming beach. Also, try the area around the State Route 430 Bridge. OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT

Largemouth bass—there is an excellent bass population in this lake, with fish ranging up to 19”. The best shoreline locations are on either side of the marina peninsula or off the rip-rap near the dam. Boat anglers should concentrate on submerged structure near the marina. OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT

Hybrid striped bass—there is an excellent population of fish ranging up to 24” in length. Excellent survival this year should create excellent fishing over the next couple of years. Try trolling in the summer or jigging weighted minnow imitations. Fishing with worms along shoreline areas in the spring and fall can also be effective. Anglers also do well using chicken livers fished on the bottom from both shore and boats with the best area being in the eastern basin between the marina and outlet to the western basin. OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT

Flathead catfish—Fair numbers of fish are available from 18” to 48”. Try using live bait in the western basin. OUTLOOK: FAIR

There is a 10 h.p. limit on the reservoir and two public access ramps. Ice fishing is permitted.
An updated lake map is available at our web site:

http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/wildlife/Fishing/lakemaps/lmaps.htm

Recent stockings for Charles Mill Reservoir.
Year    Species                            Number                     Size
2007    Saugeye                            70,220                     Fingerling (1.5”)
           Hybrid Striped Bass          250,000                     Fry (<1”)
           Hybrid Striped Bass            21,350                     Fingerling (1”)
2008    Saugeye                            69,471                     Fingerling (1.5”)
           Hybrid Striped Bass          350,000                     Fry (<1”)
           Hybrid Striped Bass            48,446                     Fingerling (1”)