Hocking Hills Reservoir, Ohio: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Look for Hocking Hills Reservoir in Hocking County, Ohio. The water sits 932 feet up. This is a pocket water of some 18 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. Logan lies 10 miles from the water. Beyond it, McArthur at 13 miles and Nelsonville at 16 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water. The surroundings are ordinary; the fishing is the reason to come.

• Where to Fish on Hocking Hills Reservoir

  No chart reached our records; the first cast is your sounding. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Reported across Hocking County: greenside darter, bluegill and brindled madtom. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. Read Hocking Hills Reservoir for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 72°F on average, January about 28°F. Seasons here are moderate, and the fishing runs most of the year. Hard water here is never dependable, so check for yourself before stepping out. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. That shapes the year on Hocking Hills Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. There is a car park, Rose Lake Parking Area, half a mile from the bank. You can camp half a mile off, which suits an early start. A picnic site half a mile off makes this workable with family in tow. A toilet block sits half a mile away. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. The nearest alternative is Hidden Lake, 3.4 miles out. Rules at Hocking Hills Reservoir are worth checking on the day.