Rainbow Lake Fishing in Athens County, Ohio

• Overview

  Within Athens County, Ohio, you have Rainbow Lake. It stands 817 feet above sea level. At roughly 11 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Athens at 7.2 miles is the nearest place to stop. Then The Plains, 10 miles, and Chauncey, 12 miles. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank. Conditions change the water more than the calendar does.

• Where to Fish on Rainbow Lake

  No chart reached our records; the first cast is your sounding. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Fish documented in Athens County include bluegill, dusky darter and johnny darter. The county list is broader than any single water. Rainbow Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 73°F and January at 29°F. The calendar is generous: something works in nearly every month. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. It sets the rhythm of the year at Rainbow Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. There is no mapped parking or launch nearby, which keeps numbers down. Bluegill and other panfish take small jigs or worms under a float near any cover. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Woods Lake sits 2.9 miles off and takes the overflow. Check the position at Rainbow Lake before loading the car.