Charles Mill Lake, Ohio - Reports, Lake Info, Pictures

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Mogadore Reservoir - The fall crappie bite has continued to be good at Mogadore Reservoir despite the soggy weather. Crappie jigs and tubes is all it is taking to put... Continued

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Description:

Charles Mill Lake is a Reservoir in Ashland, Ohio.

Have you fished Charles Mill Lake? Help your fellow anglers out by giving a fishing report, some fishing tips or general information about Charles Mill Lake.

Do you have a question about Charles Mill Lake, ask it here.

The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) owns Charles Mill Reservoir. The reservoir was constructed in 1935 by damming the Black Fork of the Mohican River. The reservoir impounds 1,350 acres of water and has 25-miles of shoreline. The main purpose for constructing the reservoir was for flood control.

Today, recreation is one of the biggest public benefits of the reservoir. The ODNR, Division of Wildlife manages the reservoir to provide public fishing and hunting opportunities.

Fishing Description:

Charles Mill Reservoir has populations of largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, saugeye, channel catfish, flathead catfish, crappie, and a variety of sunfish species. Saugeye and hybrid striped bass escape from the reservoir and provide a good fishery in the tailwaters below the dam. Gizzard shad are the most common prey of the predator fish species.

Fishing Cover / Structure:

The reservoir is divided up into three basins: one north of SR 430, a second south of SR 430 and the third to the east of the second basin.

The basin north of SR 430 is very shallow. Channels to the boat ramp in this basin are kept open by dredging. This north basin is frequently very turbid.

The basin south of SR 430 is again relatively shallow; most of the southern basin is around 6-feet deep. The narrow passage leading from the southern basin to the eastern basin is about 15-feet deep.

The eastern basin is the deepest part of the reservoir with several deep holes including a hole 27-feet deep. The eastern basin generally has the clearest water in the reservoir.

Fishing Tips, Tactics, How-To info:

The eastern basin is the most popular area of the reservoir to fish. The deep areas provide excellent fishing for hybrid striped bass, saugeye, and flathead and channel catfish.

The shoreline of the eastern basin is a popular area to fish for largemouth bass and crappie in the spring.

Sunfish can be caught all over the reservoir usually close to structures.

While the eastern basin is the most popular part of the reservoir to fish, there are good fishing areas in the southern and northern basins. In early spring, these shallow areas of the reservoir tend to warm first and attract fish at that time of the year.

Casting lures, jigs or plastic worms along the shoreline are effective methods to catch largemouth bass.

The best time to catch crappie is in the spring by fishing minnows below bobbers near structure in shallow water along the shoreline.

Hybrid striped bass and channel catfish can be caught by fishing chicken liver tight-lined on the bottom from shore or boat.

Trolling deep running lures is effective for saugeye, hybrid striped bass, and largemouth bass. Slow trolling or drifting with minnows fished deep can also be effective. Jigging minnows off the bottom is another effective method to catch saugeye and largemouth bass. Try jigging in areas with a sandy bottom in about 5 to 10 feet of water.

The best way to catch flathead catfish is by using live 3-5 inch sunfish for bait in deep holes.

Recreational Activities:

A variety of wildlife may be seen on or near the reservoir. Waterfowl frequent the reservoir in the fall and spring. Bald eagles and ospreys are also sighted at the reservoir. Public hunting is allowed on and near the reservoir on Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District property. Contact the MWCD park office at 419-368-6885 for details on hunting opportunities.

Facilities and Parks:

Charles Mill Reservoir has two boat ramps, a full service marina, and a campground. The marina located in the eastern basin has a concession stand, sanitary facilities and a gas dock. There are designated swimming areas. Cabins and picnic facilities are located in the MWCD Park. Hiking trails wind around the reservoir.

Camping:

Charles Mill Lake Park
277 State Route 430
Mansfield, OH 44903
Phone: (419) 368-6885

Camping facilities include:

Over 500 campsites (class A with and without electric) in two campground locations
Swimming beach
Patio cabins, camper cabins
Picnic shelter
Hiking trails
Special events, daily activities

Boat Ramp:

There are two boat ramps both off SR 430. The marina is located by the boat ramp on the eastern basin of the reservoir.

Other:

Charles Mill Marina is open year-round and offers docking, boat rentals, fuel, supplies, boat sales and service. Phone: (419) 368-5951

Address:

Wildlife District Two,
952 Lima Avenue,
Findlay Ohio 45840;
Telephone 419-424-5000

Directions to Lake:

Charles Mill Reservoir is located on the Richland-Ashland County line, on SR 603 off US 30, approximately 1 mile west of Mifflin.

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