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From the Ohio Department of Natural Resources:

Special regulations for fishing in Southwest Ohio (see your 2007-2008 Ohio Fishing Regulations for further details):

1. A 15 inch minimum size limit for walleyes at C.J. Brown Reservoir.

2. A 12 inch minimum size limit for all black bass species (largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted) at the following lakes and reservoirs larger than 500 acres: C.J. Brown, East Fork, Grand Lake St. Marys, Loramie, and Rocky Fork.

3. A 15 inch minimum size limit for all black bass species (largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted) at Adams, Acton, Caesar Creek, Cowan, Paint Creek and Rush Run lakes.

4. A 15 inch minimum size limit and daily bag limit of 4 for hybrid striped bass at East Fork Lake.

5. A 15 inch minimum size limit and daily bag limit of 1 for smallmouth bass at Stillwater River in Miami County from Ohio 718 downstream to Fredrick-Garland Rd.

6. A 9-inch minimum size limit for black and white crappies at Caesar Creek Lake.

7. A daily bag limit of 6 for channel catfish at the following public lakes less than 700 acres: Acton Lake, Adams Lake, Clark Lake, Cowan Lake, Darke Wildlife Area ponds, Eastwood Lake, Fallsville Wildlife Area ponds, Grant Lake, Hillsboro Reservoir, Indian Creek Wildlife Area ponds, Oldaker Wildlife Area ponds, Rush Run Lake, Spring Valley Lake, Stonelick Lake, Sycamore State Park ponds, Tawawa Lake, Wabash Reservoir #1, and Winchester Reservoir.

8. A daily bag limit of 40 for yellow perch.

9. A daily bag limit of one channel catfish 28 inches and larger. No daily bag limit for channel cats under 28 inches except as noted above in #7.

10. A daily bag limit of one flathead catfish 35 inches and larger. No daily bag limit for flatheads under 35 inches.

Recent changes in fishing regulations statewide:

1. Walleye bag limit on Lake Erie and its tributaries to the first dam or designated landmark is 4 fish from March 1 through April 30. At all other times, the bag limit is 6 fish. Walleye minimum length limit is 15 inches. Check the 2006 fishing license digest for further details.

2. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and spotted bass bag limit (singly or in combination) on Lake Erie is 5 from June 24 through April 30. Minimum length is 14 inches during this time. From May 1 through June 23 bass may not be possessed.

3. Saugeye or walleye bag limit on inland lakes and streams is 6 fish.

4. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and spotted bass bag limit (singly or in combination) is 5 fish on inland lakes and streams.

5. Bag limit is one fish and 15" minimum length on smallmouth bass in Little Beaver Creek from OH-PA border to Ohio 7, Sandusky River from Ballville Dam to Twp. Rd. 143 in Seneca County, Hocking River from Ohio 278 to Ohio 93, and Stillwater River from Fredrick-Garland Road to Ohio 718.

6. Yellow perch bag limit is 40 fish on all inland water areas and Lake Erie.

7. Channel catfish bag limit is 6 fish on all inland water areas less than 700 surface acres, only one can be 28 inches and longer. All other state waters no bag limit on channel catfish only one can be 28 inches and longer per day.

8. Flathead catfish has no bag limit, only one fish 35 inches and longer per day.

ACTON LAKE (Preble County), 642 acres, 10 h.p. limit

Bluegill — Good population, plenty of 6 8" fish taken on redworms, wax worms, and meal worms. Best fishing around woody cover in lower half of lake. Try 6-15 foot depths later in the summer. In 2006, the average bluegill kept was 6.8 inches.

OUTLOOK: GOOD

Channel Catfish — Good numbers of channel catfish 12 to 16-inch fish, with some up to 10 pounds. Night fishing best from June August. Try tributary areas in March and April.

OUTLOOK: GOOD

Crappie — Good numbers 8 to 11 inches. Fishing last year was good, and this year should be similar. In April and May, try fishing around fallen shoreline trees in water less than 6-feet deep. Live minnows, wax worms, and small jigs are all productive. During the 2006 creel survey, the average crappie harvested was 9.8 inches.

OUTLOOK: GOOD

Largemouth Bass — Very large population, most 12 to 17 inches, some up to 5 pounds. Great response from 15-inch size limit in effect since 1990. In spring, fish for bass around boat docks and fallen shoreline trees. In summer and fall, try the steeper shoreline areas on the east side of the lake and near the dam.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT

Saugeye — Initial stocking of 824,000 saugeye fingerling occurred in 2004. In 2005, 906,000 saugeyes were stocked and 97,350 stocked in 2006. Some of the fish from the 2004 stocking will be 15 to 18 inches in spring 2007. By fall 2007, there should be numerous 13 to 18-inch saugeyes. Try fishing the 5 to 15-foot depths from the Sugar Camp to the dam on the west side of the lake. Cast shad-pattern crank baits or small jigs with plastic bodies. Later in summer, try trolling deep diving lures or bottom bouncing night crawler rigs.

OUTLOOK: GOOD

ADAMS LAKE (Adams County), 36 acres, electric motors only

Bluegill — Good numbers, lots of 4 to 7-inch fish.

OUTLOOK: GOOD

Channel Catfish — Adams Lake has been stocked with over 11,000 channel catfish yearlings since 1995.

OUTLOOK: GOOD

Largemouth Bass — Moderate numbers of 10 to 16-inch fish.

OUTLOOK: FAIR

Rainbow Trout — About 2,400 catchable sized trout are stocked each spring in March. Abundant shoreline access provides great fishing into late May.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT

ALUM CREEK LAKE — Delaware County, (3,192 acres), unlimited horsepower

Zebra mussels were discovered in Alum Creek in 1995. If you boat there, please help prevent the spread of this exotic species to other lakes by allowing your boat to thoroughly dry out after use.

Bluegill — reasonable numbers, 6 to 7 inches, try maggots or small worms fished under a bobber.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Channel catfish — Excellent population with many fish over 20 inches and up to 20 pounds. Try traditional catfish baits such as cut shad, shrimp or nightcrawlers. Note: no bag limit, only one fish 28 inches and larger.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Crappie — Good numbers, 8 to 12-inch crappies congregate in shallow water during spawning season (April and May). In spring, fish jigs and minnows around wood in the northern basin of the lake or on points and drop-offs with woody structure. NOTE: 9-inch minimum length limit.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Largemouth bass — Fish shoreline cover and bays using crank baits in spring and spinner baits in the fall, try deep points in summer, 12-inch minimum length limit.

OUTLOOK: FAIR.

Muskellunge — Good population. Good numbers of fish with catch rates above state average. Growth is good with fish reaching better than 30 inches in three years. Fifth best lake in state for catch based on 2004 Huskie Muskie scale sample returns.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT.

Saugeye — First stocked in June 1987. One fish as large as the existing state record was collected in a Division of Wildlife trap net in spring 2001. Best documented survival in 2002. Former state record saugeye weighing 12.84 pounds was caught in late January 2002. Try fishing along the dam and riprap causeways in early spring with large minnow imitations and drop-offs near points using vertical jigging techniques with jig and minnows just off the bottom. During mid-summer, try jigs with a small piece of nightcrawler fished close to the bottom.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Smallmouth bass — Good population. In the spring, try crank baits and tubes along points and drop-offs with rock or woody structure. One bass tournament in spring 2000 produced 490 pounds of bass with about 90 percent being smallmouth. 12-inch minimum length limit.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT.

White bass — Fair population, 9 to 14 inches. April and May are best. Many large white bass were observed in Division of Wildlife trapnets in spring, 2004. Try above Howard Road using minnows, small spinners, or jigs.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

ANTRIM LAKE — Franklin County, (37 acres) - managed by the city of Columbus, no boats allowed

Channel catfish — These fish are relatively easy to catch for beginners. Try nightcrawlers or shrimp fished on the bottom. Note: Bag limit of 6, only one 28 inches and greater.

Rainbow trout — Yearling catchable stockings (10 to 12 inches) are planned for April and October. Good place to take beginning anglers. Use spinners, twister tails, corn, cheese, etc. Fishing may be limited to anglers less than 16 years old in some areas of the lake at some times. Check for signs at the lake. NOTE: Daily bag limit for trout is five fish. State fishing license required. For exact dates, check the Division of Wildlife web page (http://www.ohiodnr/wildlife).

BLUE LIMESTONE LAKE — Delaware County (3 acres) — managed by the city of Delaware Park and Recreation Department

Rainbow trout — Yearling catchable stockings (10 to 12 inches) are planned for April and October. Good place to take beginning anglers. Use spinners, twister tails, corn, cheese, etc. NOTE: Daily bag limit for trout is five fish. State fishing license required. For exact dates, check the Division of Wildlife web page (http://www.ohiodnr/wildlife).

BUCKEYE LAKE — Fairfield County, (2,816 acres), unlimited horsepower

Bluegill — Good population, 6 to 8 inches, vegetated eastern half of lake best. Try using a nightcrawler suspended by a bobber. Ice fishing is effective.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Carp — Good population, best choice in central Ohio to fish for large carp. Try using prepared bait or nightcrawlers fished on the bottom along shallow, brushy areas.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT.

Channel catfish — Excellent population, including some to 20 pounds. Try prepared baits or soft crawfish lakewide, especially in July and August. Just after ice-out, try cut bait on the windward side of the lake. Note: No bag limit, only one fish 28 inches and larger.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Crappie — Abundant population of both blacks and whites, 7 to 11 inches. Try shoreline brushy cover in the spring using minnows suspended by a bobber.

OUTLOOK: FAIR.

Flathead catfish — Improving population. In central Ohio, the best reservoir to fish for big flatheads. Underutilized fishery. Try large chubs, small carp and suckers as bait. Fish at night just off the bottom. Note: No bag limit, one 35 inches and greater.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Hybrid striped bass — Hybrids in Buckeye Lake grow to about 6 inches their first year, to 15 inches their second year, and to about 20 inches their third year. State record is 17 pounds — caught in Deer Creek Lake in 2001. Some hybrids have been taken through the ice. Try using chicken livers in all areas of the lake.

OUTLOOK: FAIR.

Largemouth bass — Fair population. Fish 11 to 20-inches long, good "early" lake due to shallow, fast-warming water. Try Cranberry Marsh and Clouse Cove areas using crankbaits and tubes in the spring, use spinner baits in the fall. 12-inch minimum length limit.

OUTLOOK: FAIR.

Saugeye — First introduced experimentally in 1993. Due to good success, annual stockings have continued through 2006. Buckeye was second in the state in Fish Ohio awards issued in 2004. Saugeyes can be taken throughout the year. Use a jig tipped with a minnow. Also try casting or trolling 4 to 6-inch minnow imitations or shallow running crankbaits.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

CAESAR CREEK LAKE (Warren, Clinton, and Greene counties), 2,723 acres

Bluegill — Large population, 5 to 8-inch. Fish shallow/woody areas from April June. In summer, larger fish are caught at 10 to 20-foot depths around deep points, dropoffs, and submerged humps. In 2005, bluegill anglers had excellent catch rates and harvested fish averaging 7 inches.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT

Channel, Flathead Catfish – Good numbers of channel cats up to 10 pounds, with smaller numbers of flatheads up to 20 pounds. Try night fishing in the summer. OUTLOOK: GOOD

Crappie — Moderate population of 7 to 11-inch fish, with fair numbers of keeper fish over 9 inch. Fish wooded bays in April and May; the rest of the year try 10 to 20-feet deep around deep points, dropoffs, and submerged humps. A 9-inch minimum size limit on crappies is in effect.

OUTLOOK: GOOD

Largemouth Bass — Fair numbers, 10 to 14 inches, some up to 4 pounds. Fair numbers of spotted bass and an occasional smallmouth bass are caught. Best areas include wooded bays or brushy main lake shorelines, and along rocky or rip rap shorelines. Although some nice fish are present, the deep water and steep shorelines make for tough fishing.

OUTLOOK: FAIR

Saugeye — Over 3.9 million fingerlings have been stocked since 2000. Most fish 10 to 18 inches, with some up to 24 inches. From May through September, cast or troll crankbaits, or drift with bottom-bouncing worm rigs. In late fall, try vertical jigging using blade baits or spoons. Some fish available in the tailwaters below the dam.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

White Bass — Good population, 8 to 12 inches, some up to 15 inches. Check for upstream movements into tributaries in April and May. Watch for white bass chasing shad at surface from June to October.

OUTLOOK: VERY GOOD.

Muskellunge — Almost 33,000 muskie fingerlings have been stocked since 1998. Many of these fish are now in the 30 to 36-inch range, with some fish over 40 inches and 20 pounds. In 2006, some 45 to 46-inch fish were caught. Try casting large spinners or jerk baits around standing or fallen timber in coves or along mainlake shorelines. In summer, try trolling large crankbaits along points and submerged humps. If you catch a muskie, please report it to the Ohio Huskie Muskie Club using the envelopes located at the boat ramps, state park office, and local bait shops.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

CENCI LAKE — Fairfield County, (9 acres) — managed by Lancaster City Parks

Rainbow trout — yearling catchable stockings (10 to 12 inches) are planned for April. Good place to take beginning anglers. Use spinners, twister tails, corn, cheese, etc. NOTE: Daily bag limit for trout is five fish. State fishing license required. For exact dates, check the Division of Wildlife web page (http://www.ohiodnr/wildlife).

C.J. BROWN RESERVOIR (Clark County), 2,022 acres

Bluegill — Good numbers, most 5 to 8 inches. In May and June, try 10 to 15-foot depths near piling units.

OUTLOOK: GOOD

Channel Catfish — Moderate numbers of 1 to 2-pound fish, some up to 12 pounds. Try marina area in summer.

OUTLOOK: FAIR

Crappie — Strong numbers of 8 to 10-inch fish, with a few up to 13 inches. In 2005, crappie anglers had excellent catch rates and harvested crappies averaging 9.3 inches. Try fishing 8 to 15-feet deep near piling units or along dropoffs and midlake humps.

OUTLOOK: GOOD

White Bass — Strong population, lots of 10 to 13-inch fish available. Cast spinners or jigs, troll crankbaits in main lake, or try Buck Creek inlet in New Moorefield area in spring. In 2005, white bass kept averaged 11 inches.

OUTLOOK: VERY GOOD

Walleye — Large population, mostly 13 to 20 inches, some up 12 pounds. About 200,000-320,000 fingerlings were stocked annually from 1995-2000, with 645,000 stocked in 2001, 198,000 in 2002, 443,000 in 2003, 325,000 in 2004, 313,000 in 2005, and 304,000 in 2006. Most fish caught will range from 13 to 18 inches; May and June are peak months. Try the tailwaters in winter months after high flows. Cast lightweight jigs along the rocky dam in March and April. In summer, cast or troll crankbaits, or drift with bottom-bouncing worm rigs. The average size kept in 2005 was 17 inches.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT

CLARK LAKE (Clark County), 98 acres, 10 h.p. limit

Bluegill — Many 4 to 6 inches fish present.

OUTLOOK: GOOD

Crappie – Moderate numbers of 8 to 11-inch fish. Average size kept in 2005 was 9.8 inches.

OUTLOOK: FAIR

Largemouth Bass — Low numbers, most 10 to 13 inches, some up to 5 pounds.

OUTLOOK: FAIR

Rainbow Trout — About 2,500 to 3,000 catchable sized trout are stocked in March each year. Easy shoreline access provides great fishing into May.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT

COWAN LAKE (Clinton County), 681 acres, 10 h.p. limit

Bluegill — Large numbers of 5 to 8-inch fish. Average size kept in 2006 was 6.9 inches. Try using wax worms or red worms around lily pads or brushy shoreline areas.

OUTLOOK: VERY GOOD

Bullhead, Channel Catfish — Large population of bullhead catfish, mostly 9 to 12 inches. March May is best. Fish night crawlers on the bottom.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT. Numerous channel catfish 12 to 16-inch fish, some over 20 pounds. Night fishing in the summer is best.

OUTLOOK: GOOD

Crappie — Very abundant numbers of 8 to 10-inch fish, with some up to 13 inches. In 2006, crappie anglers caught great numbers of fish, but the average size kept was only 8 inches. Spring fishing is best around shoreline brush using minnows or small jigs. Fish 8 to 15-foot depths, points and dropoffs in summer. October and November usually also good.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT

Largemouth Bass — Large population, mostly 12 to 16 inches, some up to 5 pounds. Fish around lily pad beds, boat docks, and rip rap shorelines.

OUTLOOK: VERY GOOD

Muskellunge — Fair population, most 24 to 36 inches, some fish over 40 inches and 20 pounds. Troll large crankbaits along points and dropoffs in lower half of lake. If you catch a muskie, please report it to the Ohio Huskie Muskie Club using the envelopes located at the marina.

OUTLOOK: FAIR

Saugeye — Good numbers 13 to 17 inches, some fish over 24 inches. Stocking began in 2001, with about 101,000 fingerlings stocked annually from 2001–2003; 122,000 stocked in 2004; 153,000 stocked in 2005; and 102,700 in 2006. Try using jigs tipped with plastic curly tails or a piece of nightcrawler. Also, cast or troll silver-colored crankbaits along main lake points or dropoffs. The tailwater area below the dam has been productive.

OUTLOOK: GOOD

White Bass — Moderate population of 9 to 13-inch fish. Try casting jigs with twisters or trolling small crankbaits. August through October can be peak time.

OUTLOOK: FAIR

DEER CREEK LAKE - Madison, Fayette, and Pickaway counties, (1,287 acres), unlimited horsepower

Channel catfish — Good population, try fishing cut shad in the creek channel in the upper end or fish from the dam after ice-out. Note: No bag limit, only one fish 28 inches and larger.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Crappie — Good population, many fish in 7 to 10-inch range, fish downed trees with minnows in April and May. Fall sampling in 2005 showed good numbers over 9 inches. NOTE: 9-inch minimum length limit.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT.

Flathead catfish — Try the tailwater with large baits such as suckers. Note: no bag limit, one 35 inches and greater.

OUTLOOK: FAIR.

Largemouth bass — Decent population, 10 to 14 inches. Rocky shorelines and points are good, especially in the fall. 12-inch minimum length limit.

OUTLOOK: FAIR.

Saugeye — Good population, 10 to 28 inches, with the majority caught in the tailwater below the dam after a water release event. Small jigs tipped with twister tails, minnows or both are good. Deer Creek above the lake is good in early spring. Due to a large watershed for its size, Deer Creek Lake is prone to major flooding as experienced in January 2005. Tailwater fishing is best October through March. Former state record taken in tailwater in January 1989 (9 lbs., 27 inches).

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

White bass — Excellent population, 8 to 12 inches, try Deer Creek above the lake during their spawning run in late April through mid May. Tick Ridge (near the State Park lodge) is good in summer, try spinners.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT.

DELAWARE LAKE — Delaware County, (1017 acres), unlimited horsepower

Channel catfish — Good population of 12 to 16-inch fish. Night fishing with cut bait or shrimp most productive, especially in the upper half of lake during June and July. Note: no bag limit, only one fish 28 inches and larger.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Crappie — Great populations of 8 to 13-inch whites and blacks. Highest quality crappie fishery in central Ohio for numbers and size. Best fishing is around shoreline cover in April and May. In summer, fish deep drop-offs containing stumps or other cover. November shoreline fishing has been very productive. NOTE: 9-inch minimum length limit.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT.

Largemouth bass — Good population, up to 20 inches. Fish shoreline cover in spring. Drop-offs, tree stumps and the submerged creek channels are better later in the year. 12 inches minimum length limit. Good tournament lake, often in the top 10 for catch.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Saugeye — Fingerlings were first stocked in June 1986. Due to large watershed, lake is prone to major flooding. Saugeye, a highly migratory fish species, are prone to washing through dams during flooding so population levels and fishing success vary widely from year-to-year. Fish the flats south of Cap Cole Bay. Best fishing is in the tailwater after large volumes of water have been discharged from the lake.

OUTLOOK: POOR.

White bass — Fair population, 8 to 13 inches. Late April through mid-May are best as spawning white bass move up the Olentangy and Whetstone arms of the lake.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

EAST FORK LAKE (Clermont County), 1,971 acres

Channel Catfish — Large numbers of channel catfish 12 to 26 inches, some up to 10 pounds. Night fishing best in stream channel and upper half of lake. Also try the tailwater pool.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT

Crappie — Good numbers of fish 8 to 12 inches. In 2006, the average size kept was 9 inches for black crappies and 9.6 inches for white crappies. April and May best when fishing wooded coves and brushy main lake shoreline areas. Try 10 to 20-feet deep around wooded bays and dropoffs in fall and late winter.

OUTLOOK: VERY GOOD

Largemouth, Kentucky Spotted Bass — Largemouth 10 to 14 inches predominate with some up to 21 inches. Fair numbers of spotted bass to 2 pounds present.

OUTLOOK: GOOD

Hybrid Striped Bass — Stocked nearly 13 million fry since 1995. Also stocked about 100,000 fingerlings in 2003 and 120,600 in 2006. Most fish caught are 10 to 20 inches, although fish up to 12 pounds have been caught. Fishing with live shad (3 to 5 inches) and softcraws at 10 to 20-foot depths works well. Anglers obtain live shad by using cast nets. Cast jigs or surface plugs when hybrids chase shad at the surface. Anglers are encouraged to cut the line on deeply hooked hybrids to be released back into the lake.

OUTLOOK: GOOD

EYMAN PARK POND — Fayette County (4 acres) – managed by the city of Washington Court House Recreation Department

Rainbow trout — Yearling catchable stockings (10 to 12 inches) are planned for May and October. Good place to take beginning anglers. Fishing clinic for kids is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 6; no adult fishing prior to 2 p.m. Use spinners, twister tails, corn, cheese, etc. NOTE: Daily bag limit for trout is five fish. State fishing license required. For exact dates, check the Division of Wildlife web page (http://www.ohiodnr/wildlife).

FOUNDATION PARK POND — Knox County (7 acres) — managed by the city of Mt. Vernon Recreation Department

Rainbow trout — Yearling catchable stockings (10 to 12 inches) are planned for October. Trout are stocked in the first pond on the left when entering the park. Good place to take beginning anglers. Use spinners, twister tails, corn, cheese, etc. NOTE: Daily bag limit for trout is five fish. State fishing license required. For exact dates, check the Division of Wildlife web page (http://www.ohiodnr/wildlife).

GRAND LAKE ST. MARYS (Mercer and Auglaize counties), 12,626 acres

Bullhead, Channel, Flathead Catfish — Large numbers of bullhead catfish 9 to 12 inches. Fish worms on the bottom in boat channels and tributaries from March May. OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT.

Large population of channel catfish, most 11 to 18 inches, some up to 15 pounds. Night fishing is best.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT.

Increasing numbers of flathead catfish, most 5 to 20 pounds.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Crappie — Low numbers, most 7 to 10 inches, some up to 13 inches. Best fishing usually in March, April, and May around boat docks or brushy shoreline areas.

OUTLOOK: FAIR

Largemouth Bass — Most 10 to 14 inches, but good numbers in 2 to 4-pound range. Best time is June August. Try rocks along east and west shores, or woody areas in channels and tributaries.

OUTLOOK: GOOD

Yellow Perch — Most 6 to 9 inches, some up to 12 inches. Main lake open water areas best in late summer and early fall. Winter ice fishing can also be very productive. Live minnows and larval baits are productive.

OUTLOOK: FAIR

Walleye — Stocked nearly 52 million fry since 1999, along with 500,000 fingerlings in 2001, 628,000 in 2002, 939,000 in 2003, 983,000 in 2004, 267,000 in 2005, and 669,000 in 2006. Anglers have taken good numbers of 13 to 20-inch fish in the tailwaters below the West Bank spillway. In the lake, try drifting bottom-bouncing night crawler rigs or trolling silver crankbaits over sandy or hard clay bottom areas off the north shore or in the deeper areas near West Bank boat ramp.

OUTLOOK: FAIR

GRANT LAKE (Brown County), 167 acres, 10 h.p. limit

Largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, and carp — In 2004, the lake was almost completely drained to perform major dam repairs. Bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish have been restocked, and it will be some time before the populations return to normal. However, in the mean time, don't give up on Grant Lake. Not all of the fish were drained from the lake during the dam repairs. In 2005, some anglers caught fair numbers of large crappies.

OUTLOOK: RECOVERING

GREAT MIAMI RIVER

Provides excellent smallmouth bass fishing from Sidney downstream to Hamilton area. Tailwaters below low head dams (especially in West Carrolton and Hamilton) are hot spots. Best areas are from Piqua down to Tipp City, and Miamisburg down to Hamilton. Lots of rock bass, bluegill, carp, and suckers along the whole length of the river. Channel catfish fishing best from Dayton downstream to Cincinnati area. Flathead catfish numbers increase as you move downstream from Dayton to Cincinnati area.

GREENFIELD LAKE — Fairfield County, (12 acres), electric motors only, no boat ramp

Bluegill — Fair population, fish the face of the dam and fallen trees around lake.

OUTLOOK: FAIR.

Channel catfish — Good lake for beginning anglers, use nightcrawlers. Note: Bag limit of 6, only one 28 inches and greater.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Largemouth bass — Small population. Note: 15-inch minimum size limit.

OUTLOOK: FAIR.

GRIGGS RESERVOIR — Franklin County, (361 acres), unlimited horsepower

Carp — Large individuals are noted during electrofishing surveys.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Channel catfish — Excellent population. Night fishing is productive along east shore. Note: bag limit of 6, only one 28 inches and greater.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Crappie — Good numbers and sizes. Use minnows near brushy areas on steep eastern side of the lake.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Largemouth bass — Very good population. Often in top 10 bass tournament lakes in Ohio.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT.

Saugeye — Good population, 12 to 26 inches, not heavily fished. Tailwater is particularly good after storm events, especially in winter.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Smallmouth bass — Good population. Fish rocky areas on west side of lake, north of island can be very good in fall.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

HARGUS CREEK LAKE — Pickaway County, (140 acres), electric motors only

Zebra mussels were discovered in Hargus Creek Lake in 1992. If you boat there, please help prevent the spread of this exotic species to other lakes by allowing your boat to thoroughly dry out after use.

Bluegill — Fair population, most 5 to 7 inches, fish with nightcrawlers under a bobber.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT.

Channel catfish — Good population, most fish 12 to 22 inches. Reproduction is limited, most fish from hatchery sources. Catfish tournament held weekly during summer. Note: Bag limit of 6, only one 28 inches and greater.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT.

Crappie — Fair population, fish in 6 to 8-inch range, use minnows.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Grass carp — Over 250 grass carp were stocked in 2003 to reduce vegetation levels. Although they do not readily bite, please release any grass carp accidentally caught.

Largemouth bass — Dense population, many fish in 8 to 13-inch range, a few bigger, jigs are good. Note: 15-inch minimum length limit.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT.

HERITAGE PARK POND — Franklin County, (5 acres) — managed by the city of Groveport

Rainbow trout — Yearling catchable stocking (10 to 12 inches) is planned for October. Good place to take beginning anglers. Use spinners, twister tails, corn, cheese, etc. NOTE: Daily bag limit for trout is five fish. State fishing license required. For exact dates, check the Division of Wildlife web page (http://www.ohiodnr/wildife).

HOOVER RESERVOIR — Delaware and Franklin Counties, (2,818 acres), 10 horsepower limit

Bluegill — Good population, 6 to 8 inches, try shoreline cover throughout lake.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Buffalo sucker — Several state record buffalo suckers have been taken over the years including the current hook-and-line (46 pounds) and bowfishing records (37 pounds). Try twister tails fished very slowly along bottom or tightline with nightcrawlers.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Channel catfish — Good population. Anglers fishing north end using cut bait and shrimp are successful. Note: No bag limit, only one fish 28 inches and larger.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Crappie — Many year classes available. Try minnows or jigs in the middle and upper basins around shoreline cover.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Largemouth bass — Underrated population, many good fishing tournaments over the last 10 years, fishing pressure relatively light due to outboard motor horsepower restriction. 12-inch minimum length limit.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Saugeye — Strong population, fingerlings were first stocked in June 1988. Walleye stockings were discontinued in 1987 due to inconsistent survival. Fish up to 26-inches long are caught. Fish points in summer and deep drop-offs in late fall and early spring. Fish shelves at dawn and dusk.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

White bass — Good population, 10 to 13 inches. Spawning run in late April to mid-May up Big Walnut Creek generally is productive.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

INDIAN LAKE — Logan County, (5,040 acres), unlimited horsepower

Bluegill — 6 to 8 inches, good population. Many good quality bluegills are taken through the ice using maggots or nightcrawlers.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Channel catfish — Good population. Under utilized fishery, night fishing in areas with current is especially good during warm summer months. Tributary streams good immediately after ice-out and upper basin during summer. Note: No bag limit, only one fish 28 inches and larger.

OUTLOOK: FAIR.

Crappie — Good number, 7 to 12 inches. April and May are best using minnows or small jigs around shoreline cover.

OUTLOOK: FAIR.

Largemouth bass — Decent population, 12 to 18 inches, some larger. Channels and vegetated areas are best during April and May. In later months, riprap areas produce well. 12-inches minimum length limit.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Saugeye — Fingerlings have been stocked annually since 1990. No. 1 lake in the state for Fish Ohio awards in 2004. Try the Moundwood canal feeder during winter and Old Indian Lake area in summer, South Bank is good also.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT.

White bass — Fair population, 10 to 14 inches. South Bank area is good during April and May. Night fishing with minnows near bridges is popular during the summer months.

OUTLOOK: FAIR.

Yellow Perch — Small population, try the offshore area off South Bank or the Old Indian Lake area throughout the year.

OUTLOOK: FAIR.

KISER LAKE — Champaign County, (394 acres), no motors permitted

Bluegill — Excellent population, 6 to 8 inches. Shoreline cover produces throughout the year. Try fly fishing with poppers around lily pads in May through July.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT.

Channel catfish — Good population. Yearlings stocked at least every other year. 7,100 yearling surplus were stocked in 1999, 2,500 in 2003, and 5,100 in 2004. Use nightcrawlers on the bottom. Note: Bag limit of 6, only one 28 inches and greater.

OUTLOOK: FAIR.

Crappie — Good population, 7 to 9 inches. April and May are good months to fish shoreline cover, offshore brushpiles good in summer. Ice fishing can be very productive.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Hybrid striped bass — Strong population. Stocking began in 1992. Some fish now 26 inches and 14 pounds. Try chicken livers fished on the bottom. Hybrid striped bass last stocking in 2004. Striper stocking began in 2005 to expand number of brood lakes for the hybrid striped bass program.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Largemouth Bass — Good number, 12 to 18 inches. Fishing edges of vegetation good summer and fall.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

KNOX LAKE — Knox County, (481 acres), 10 horsepower limit

Black crappie — Small population, 6 to 10 inches, reproduction inconsistent, use minnows and jigs around brushy cover.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Bluegill — Fair population, 6 to 8 inches. Submerged roadbeds fished during the spawning season are most productive, although shoreline cover is good throughout year.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Channel catfish — Good population, fish up to 10 pounds. In summer of 2005 a 39-inch catfish was caught. Lake stocked with 2,100 yearlings in 1999, 11,750 in 2002, 5,000 in 2004 and 5,000 in 2005. Best catches are made by bottom fishing at night with shrimp or nightcrawlers. Note: Bag limit of 6, only one 28 inches and greater.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT.

Largemouth bass — Very strong population, dominated by 13 to 18-inch fish. Woody shoreline cover and vegetated areas are productive. Consistently one of the top 5 rated B.A.S.S. tournament lakes in the state. NOTE: 18-inch minimum length limit.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT.

KOKOSING LAKE — Knox County, (149 acres), 10 horsepower limit

Channel catfish — Fair population, try summer nights with shrimp or nightcrawlers fished on the bottom. Note: Bag limit of 6, only one 28 inches and greater.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Crappie — Fair population, 7 to 8 inches. April and May months best to fish along shoreline brush and fallen trees.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Largemouth bass — Fair population, occasional large fish up to 20 inches is caught. Fishing shoreline cover in spring is productive. Try drop-offs along old creek channel in summer.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

LAKE LORAMIE (Auglaize and Shelby counties), 843 acres

Bluegill — Large numbers of 5 to 8-inch fish present. Try using wax worms or red worms around lily pads or brushy shoreline areas. In 2005, bluegill anglers had excellent catch rates and kept bluegills that averaged 6.6 inches.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT

Bullhead, Channel Catfish — Large numbers of 9 to 12-inch bullheads. Spring fishing is best in upper reaches of the lake.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT

Good population of channel catfish up to 20 inches.

OUTLOOK: GOOD

Crappie — Moderate numbers of 8 to 10-inch fish, some up to 13 inches. Fish brushy shoreline areas or newly emerging lily pad areas, March May best. In 2005, average size kept by crappie anglers was 9.4 inches.

OUTLOOK: GOOD

Largemouth Bass — Moderate numbers, most 10 to 13 inches, some up to 4 pounds. Fish brushy shoreline areas, boat docks, and lily pad edges. In 2005, bass anglers had quite good catch rates compared to other lakes.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Saugeye — Stocked about 1.8 million fingerlings since 1999. An October 2003 survey produced excellent numbers of 1 to 3-pound fish. A 27-inch, 9-pound saugeye was caught in February 2002. Try casting or trolling crankbaits in May and June. From July-September, use jigs and plastic twister tails tipped with a piece of nightcrawler. Tailwaters below dam can be extremely productive from February to May when water is flowing over the dam. Many limit catches of 13 to 18-inch fish have been taken in the tailwaters. In December 2005, lots of limit catches were taken through the ice using live minnows, blade baits, or jigging lures.

OUTLOOK: GOOD

MAD RIVER — Champaign and Logan counties.

Brown trout — Small population is maintained year-round as a result of annual advanced fingerling stockings. A few brown trout up to 10 pounds have been seen in fish surveys. Fly-fishing is popular. Focus your efforts on deep pools especially if wood is present in water. Note: Minimum length is 12 inches, bag limit is 2 trout.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Special note: Because the Mad River is one of the few streams in Ohio cold enough to support trout year-round, it is a popular fishing destination for many anglers seeking trout. Please be aware that most of the land over which the river flows is privately owned. Fortunately, a high percentage of the landowners along the Mad River are graciously allowing fishing on their property, but it is very important to treat landowners and their property with the utmost respect. It takes only a few careless anglers to close access to some nice fishing holes by:

• Fishing in areas posted "No Trespassing" without permission

• Littering

• Parking in inappropriate locations

• Damaging fences or other private property

MADISON LAKE — Madison County, (104 acres), electric motors only

Channel catfish — Expanding population. Try nightcrawlers or shrimp fished on the bottom. Note: bag limit of 6, only one 28 inches and greater.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Crappie — Good population, a lot of fish over 10 inches long in fall sampling nets in 2006.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT.

Largemouth bass — Fair population, some individuals up to 18 inches.

OUTLOOK: FAIR

MT. GILEAD LAKE — Morrow County (11 acres)

Channel Catfish — Fair population. Note: Bag limit of 6, only one 28 inches and greater.

Rainbow trout — Yearling catchable stocking (10 to 12 inches) is planned for April. Good place to take beginning anglers. Use spinners, twister tails, corn, cheese, etc. Fish the lower lake. NOTE: Daily bag limit for trout is five fish. State fishing license required. For exact date, check the Division of Wildlife web page (http://www.ohiodnr/wildlife).

OAKTHORPE LAKE — Fairfield County, (41 acres), electric motors only

Carp — Use doughballs or nightcrawlers fished on the bottom.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Channel catfish — Fair population. Note: Bag limit of 6, only one 28 inches and greater.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Crappie — Some fish up to 12 inches, fish cover on deep western shoreline in spring.

OUTLOOK - FAIR.

Largemouth bass — Good population, many fish in 14 to 20-inch range. Overlooked lake, fish deep drop-offs on western side of lake.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Redear sunfish — Up to 7 inches. One of two public lakes in central Ohio where they are found.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

OHIO RIVER

Contact the Ohio Division of Wildlife or visit the Division's web site at www.dnr.state.oh.us/wildlife/default.htm to obtain a 2007 fishing forecast for the Ohio River.

Special fishing regulations in central Ohio:

1. Nine-inch minimum length on crappies at Alum Creek Lake, Deer Creek Lake, and Delaware Lake.

2. Bag limit on trout in the Mad River and tributaries in Logan and Champaign Counties and Clear Creek in Hocking County is 2 fish. The minimum length is 12 inches.

3. Bag limit of one fish and 15-inch minimum length on smallmouth bass in Big Darby Creek from Ohio 40 to Ohio 762.

O'SHAUGHNESSY RESERVOIR — Delaware County, (912 acres), unlimited horsepower

Bluegill — Good population, 6 to 7 inches. Anglers fishing shoreline cover throughout lake with maggots or nightcrawlers are successful.

OUTLOOK: FAIR.

Crappie — Fair population, 8 to 12 inches. Cover along deeper shorelines is best.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Largemouth bass — Good population, 12 to 18 inches. Often lake is one of top 10 lakes in state for tournament fishing. Brush, stumps and fallen trees along both banks are productive. 12-inch minimum length limit.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Saugeye — Fair population, 12 to 26 inches. Due to large watershed, lake is prone to major flooding. Saugeye, a highly migratory fish species, are prone to washing through dams during flooding so population levels and fishing success vary widely from year-to-year. Try the tailwater from December through February after high water events. Twister type baits are popular.

OUTLOOK: VARIABLE.

PAINT CREEK LAKE (Highland and Ross counties), 1,150 acres

Bluegill — Strong numbers of 5 to 7-inch fish. Best areas are around standing timber or rocky shorelines. In 2005, bluegill anglers had excellent catch rates and kept fish that averaged 6.2 inches.

OUTLOOK: VERY GOOD

Channel, Flathead Catfish — Good population of channel catfish, most 12 to 16-inch. Fair numbers of flathead catfish, some over 20 pounds. Tailwater pool also provides excellent opportunities, especially from May through July.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT

Crappie — Lots of 8 to 12-inch fish, some up to 15 inches. Flooded timber areas best in spring. Also, usually good fishing from October December. In 2006, crappie anglers had high catch rates, and harvested black crappies averaging 9.1 inches.

OUTLOOK: VERY GOOD

Largemouth Bass — Lots of largemouth bass 10 to 17-inch, with some up to 4 pounds. Fair numbers of spotted bass and a few smallmouth bass present. Rocky areas productive, especially in autumn. A spring 2005 electrofishing survey produced excellent numbers of 13 to 19 inch fish.

OUTLOOK: VERY GOOD

Saugeye — Stocked over 1.9 million fingerlings since 1999. Strong numbers of 10 to 16-inch fish, with some up to 26 inches. Although the lake holds good numbers of fish, anglers are most successful in the tailwaters below the dam. Paint Creek Lake tailwaters is one of the best locations statewide for catching saugeye. A simple lead head jig (1/16 to 1/4 ounce) with a plastic twister tail body is all you need. Tailwater fishing is best from November May after high flows. In the lake, try points and dropoffs adjacent to flat areas.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT

White Bass — Moderate numbers of 8 to 12-inch fish, with a fair number of 13 to 15 inchers. Try casting jigs with twisters or trolling small crankbaits. August through October can be peak time. Very few anglers target white bass in the lake.

OUTLOOK: GOOD

QUARRY PARK POND — Marion County (10 acres) — managed by the city of Marion Recreation Department.

Rainbow trout — Yearling catchable stocking (10 to 12 inches) is planned for April. Good place to take beginning anglers. Use spinners, twister tails, corn, cheese, etc. NOTE: Daily bag limit for trout is five fish. State fishing license required. For exact dates, check the Division of Wildlife web page (http://www.ohiodnr/wildlife).

ROCK MILL LAKE — Fairfield County, (20 acres), electric motors only, no boat ramp

Bluegill — Fair population. Use worms suspended under a bobber around cover.

OUTLOOK: FAIR.

Channel catfish — Fair population. Good lake for beginning anglers. Lake received 550 catchables in September 2002, use nightcrawlers or shrimp. Note: Bag limit of 6, only one 28 inches and greater.

OUTLOOK: FAIR.

Largemouth bass — Moderate population.

OUTLOOK: FAIR.

ROCKY FORK LAKE (Highland County), 2,088 acres

Bluegill — Large population, most 5 to 7-inch. In 2006, bluegill anglers caught fish quickly and harvested bluegills that averaged 6.8 inches. Fish around weed beds, fallen trees, or boat docks using red worms, wax worms, or small jigs. May and June are the best months.

OUTLOOK: VERY GOOD

Channel, Flathead Catfish — Strong population of channel catfish, most 1 to 3 pounds, some over 15 pounds. Good numbers of flathead catfish present, some over 30 pounds. Best time June August. Night fishing most productive.

OUTLOOK: VERY GOOD

Crappie — Large population, most 8 to 10 inches, with good numbers up to 12 inches. In spring, fish brushy shorelines or around fallen timber. In summer and fall, try dropoffs or points adjacent to deep water for some of the larger fish. In 2005, anglers had excellent catch rates on 9 to 11 inch fish.

OUTLOOK: VERY GOOD

Largemouth Bass — Strong numbers of largemouth bass 10 to 14 inches, with good numbers of 2 to 4 pound fish. A fair number of smallmouth bass are present, some up to 3 to 4 pounds. Try spinner baits, jigs, or plastic worms around weed beds, fallen shoreline trees or rocky shorelines. The 2004 creel survey showed that bass anglers had very good catch rates. Over the last few years, this has been one of the best bass tournament lakes.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT

Saugeye — Stocking began in 2001; about 300,000 fingerlings were stocked in both 2001 and 2002, 447,000 in 2003, 311,000 in 2004, 428,000 in 2005, and 424,000 in 2006. Saugeye fishing over the last 3 years has been fantastic, especially from May through July. This year, look for strong numbers of 13 to 18 inch fish, with some fish over 24 inches and 5 pounds. Try drifting with bottom-bouncing night crawler rigs, casting jigs and twister tails, and casting or trolling shad-pattern crankbaits along dropoffs adjacent to flats.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT

White Bass — Moderate numbers of 8 to 12 inch fish. Try casting small spinners or small jigs with twister tails. In the main lake, try trolling small silver crankbaits or casting blade baits from July through September. In May, try Rocky Fork Creek near the Ohio 124 bridge for spawning fish. Few anglers target white bass at Rocky Fork.

OUTLOOK: GOOD

RUSH CREEK LAKE — Fairfield and Perry counties, (273 acres), 10 horsepower limit

Bluegill — Average population with fish up to 8 inches. Use insect larvae or redworms.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Channel catfish — Good population. 13,500 yearlings were stocked in 2002, 2,700 in 2003, 1,300 in 2004 and 2,000 in 2005. Note: bag limit of 6, only one 28 inches and greater.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT.

Crappie — Large population, most 6 to 8 inches, use minnows fished in heavy cover.

OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Largemouth bass — Low-density population, most fish are (8 to 15 inches). Several very large bass (greater than 6 pounds) were noted in 1996 electrofishing survey. NOTE: 15-inch minimum length limit.

OUTLOOK: FAIR.

RUSH RUN LAKE (Preble County), 52 acres, 10 h.p. limit

Bluegill — Good numbers of 6 to 9-inch fish. Worms and larval baits work well along edges of submerged plants or near standing timber. Due to clear water, try 10 to 15-foot depths using slip bobbers and wax worms.

OUTLOOK: GOOD

Largemouth Bass — Many 7 to 11-inch largemouth bass, a few over 5 pounds. Good early season lake.

OUTLOOK: GOOD

Rainbow Trout — About 3,000 catchable sized trout are stocked in March on an annual basis. Also, look for an annual stocking of about 1,200 trout in mid- to late October. Easy shoreline access provides great spring and fall fishing.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT

STILLWATER RIVER

Provides excellent fishing for smallmouth bass and rock bass. A 15-inch minimum size limit and daily bag limit of one for smallmouth bass is in effect in Miami County from Ohio 718 downstream to Frederick-Garland Road.

STONELICK LAKE (Clermont County), 155 acres, electric motors only

Bluegill — Many 4 to 6-inch fish present. Try red worms or wax worms along brushy shorelines. Fly fishing in summer near weedy shallow areas can be productive.

OUTLOOK: GOOD

Crappie — Moderate numbers of 6 to 9-inch fish present. April and May best time; use live minnows or small jigs.

OUTLOOK: FAIR

Largemouth Bass — Fair numbers, most 10 to 13 inches, some up to 7 pounds.

OUTLOOK: FAIR

Rainbow Trout — About 2,900 catchable sized trout are stocked in late March, with an additional stocking of about 2,000 in October. Easy shoreline access provides great spring and fall fishing.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT

SYCAMORE STATE PARK PONDS (Montgomery County), 3 acres, no boats

Rainbow Trout — Each year, about 500 to 1,000 catchable sized trout are stocked in March and again in October. Abundant shoreline access provides great fishing in spring and late fall.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT

TAWAWA LAKE (Tawawa Park, City of Sidney, Shelby County), 8 acres, no boats

Rainbow Trout — About 650 catchable sized trout are stocked each October. Easy shoreline access provides great fall fishing for children and adults.

OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT