Buckeye Lake was built in 1826 and is America's first large man-made reservoir. Originally constructed to be canal feeder, it became Ohio's first official state park in 1949 when the Department of Natural Resources was formed. Buckeye Lake covers 3,173 acres providing areas for numerous outdoor activities all year long. The lake is populated with bluegill, catfish, muskie, bass, perch and crappie. A few of its many attractions is open for ice fishing, ice boating, cross country skiing and ice skating when conditions allow.

Fishing

Opened in 1826, Buckeye Lake has been a favorite fishing spot for many. It is among the best lakes in Ohio for year-round fishing. The lake's average depth is less than 6 feet therefore the lake freezes easily. This provides a great opportunity for ice fishing. The lake is stocked annually with fingerling saugeye and hybrid striped bass. The main forage species is gizzard shad.

In the winter, vegetation thrives on the lake's floor helping to keep oxygen for the lake's fish at safe levels. In addition to saugeyes and hybrid striped bass, Buckeye Lake can produce nice catches of bluegill, crappie, muskellunge, walleye, largemouth bass, perch, channel catfish and bullhead catfish and other fish that prefer vegetated areas.

Search Buckeye Lake Resources
     Coordinates:
39.9339N -82.4809W
Map It:
Lake Type:
Reservoir
Surface Area:
3,173 acres
Maximum Depth:
14 ft
Elevation:
892 ft
Normal Water Clarity:
0-1 ft.
Major City:
Columbus
Airport:
Columbus International

As there are no horsepower restrictions for boats operating on Buckeye Lake, it is a favorite place for higher speed vessels to take to the water. The lake is just as inviting, however, for canoes, rowboats, kayaks, pontoons and sailboats. There are 9 paved launch ramps, 135 seasonal docks for rent and two areas designated for boating, swimming and camping.

• Ohio Fishing Licenses
• Ohio 2012 Statewide Limits and Regulations
• Ohio Fish Consumption Advisories
• Buckeye Lake State Park
• Ohio Department of Natural Resources