Fishing at Bailey Lake, Ashland County, Ohio

• Overview

  In Ohio, Bailey Lake belongs to Ashland County. The setting is lake country bush. Ashland lies 5.8 miles from the water. Akron sits 45 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. If this one is busy: Mud Lake 0.2 miles off, 0.7 miles away is Spring Lake, Sprinkle Lake 4.7 miles off, 4.8 miles away is Emmons Lake and Rohrs Lake 5.3 miles off. A county boundary sits nearby, which can matter for local access rules.

• Where to Fish on Bailey Lake

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Records held for Ashland County cover white sucker, fantail darter, bluegill and johnny darter. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. On Bailey Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 71°F and January near 24°F on the long-run figures. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough late March. Ice usually gives way near late March, and forms again about late December. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. Plan any trip to Bailey Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. A car park sits roughly half a mile away. Carp respond to sweetcorn or boilies fished patiently on the bottom near feeding areas. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. If the gate is shut, Mud Lake at 0.2 miles is the nearest alternative. Rules at Bailey Lake are worth checking on the day.