Harrison Lake, Ohio: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Harrison Lake sits in Fulton County, out in Ohio. Land around it is mixed forest. At about 96 acres, a day is enough to walk the shoreline properly. Shoreline comes to about 2.5 miles, small enough to learn in a day. It is the biggest water on our Fulton County list. Nearest place of any size is Fayette, 3.2 miles away. The nearest city of size is Toledo, 42 miles away. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Harrison Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Fish documented in Fulton County include johnny darter, white sucker and blackside darter. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. At Harrison Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 72°F in July and bottom out at 22°F in January. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly late March. The water is typically free of ice between late March and late December. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. Harrison Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. A boat ramp sits half a mile away, so trailered boats can get on. There is recorded parking some 150 yards off. You can camp half a mile off, which suits an early start. A toilet block sits half a mile away. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Archbold Reservoir Number Two sits 9.3 miles off and takes the overflow. Check the position on Harrison Lake before loading the car.