Fishing Delaware Lake in Delaware County, Ohio

• Overview

  Set in Delaware County, Ohio, this is Delaware Lake. It sits at 906 feet above sea level. This is sizeable water at about 1,122 acres, and a boat opens up most of it. At about 15 miles of edge, most people work one arm at a time. It is one of the larger waters we list anywhere in Ohio. Delaware sits 5.2 miles from the bank. Then Ashley, 5.8 miles, and Prospect, 8.8 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Delaware Lake

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Public occurrence data for Delaware County names rainbow darter, black crappie, bluegill, white crappie and green sunfish. The county list is broader than any single water. On Delaware Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 72°F and January at 25°F. Conditions shift steadily rather than sharply. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. On Delaware Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. A car park lies half a mile away, so the walk in is short. There are toilets mapped about half a mile away. Bluegill and other panfish take small jigs or worms under a float near any cover. Sort the permit out before you load the car. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Greenwood Lake at 4.4 miles is the sensible second choice. Check the position on Delaware Lake before loading the car.