Pine Lake near Piketon: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  The Pike County end of Ohio holds Pine Lake. It sits in farm and woodlot country. About 16 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. By elevation it sits in the lower part of our Ohio listings. Nearest place of any size is Piketon, 4.7 miles away. Beyond it, Waverly at 6.3 miles and Lucasville at 12 miles. A county boundary sits nearby, which can matter for local access rules.

• Where to Fish on Pine Lake

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Fish documented in Pike County include longear sunfish, johnny darter, rainbow darter, golden redhorse and dusky darter. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. At Pine Lake the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 74°F and January near 29°F. Spring and autumn are the strongest, but nothing is truly closed. In a normal year the cover is thin and short-lived. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. That shapes the year on Pine Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Bluegill and other panfish take small jigs or worms under a float near any cover. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. For a change of water, Atomic Energy Commission Lake is 3 miles distant. For Pine Lake in particular, ask before you travel.