Chettle Lake in Columbiana County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Columbiana County in Ohio is where Chettle Lake sits. It lies 1,043 feet above sea level. This is a pocket water of some 3 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Columbiana County. Nearest place of any size is Salineville, 5.2 miles away. Further out sit Wellsville (5.3 miles) and Glenmoor (6.5 miles). A county line runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Chettle Lake

  No depth figure appears in our records, so the bank has to tell you. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Reported across Columbiana County: fantail darter, rainbow darter, greenside darter, banded darter and johnny darter. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. The shape of Chettle Lake decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 71°F and January reads 26°F. The calendar is generous: something works in nearly every month. In milder years the edges alone go, and the middle never sets. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. That is the shape of the year on Chettle Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. For the panfish, a small hook, a float and a piece of worm outfish everything fancy. Parking space is the usual limit rather than the bank itself. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Failing this one, try Highlandtown Reservoir, 1.1 miles away. None of that is settled for Chettle Lake in what we hold.