Lower Woodsfield Reservoir Fishing near Woodsfield, Ohio

• Overview

  Out in Monroe County, Ohio, sits Lower Woodsfield Reservoir. It stands 1,063 feet above sea level. At roughly 7 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Woodsfield is the closest place, 1.9 miles off. The nearest city of size is Pittsburgh, 75 miles away. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Lower Woodsfield Reservoir

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Monroe County records list fantail darter, johnny darter and greenside darter among the fish reported. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Lower Woodsfield Reservoir responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 72°F and January reads 28°F. Whether it freezes depends on the year. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. Autumn steadies things again once the heat lets go. The season on Lower Woodsfield Reservoir follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. Parking sits half a mile out, which makes for a walk with tackle. Bluegill and other panfish take small jigs or worms under a float near any cover. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. Should this one be busy, Monroe Lake is 2.5 miles off. For Lower Woodsfield Reservoir in particular, ask before you travel.