Fishing Piedmont Lake

AKA: Piedmont Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Piedmont Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Piedmont Reservoir, OH

Popular Fish Species Piedmont Lake, OH

Piedmont Lake Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are primary favorites of many locals at Piedmont Lake, as they are tough fighters and exciting to catch. Excellent fisheries management by the Division of Wildlife, Ohio Department of Natural Resources has maintained a thriving bass fishery, providing both quantity and quality for anglers. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass reside here in good numbers as well. When the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies.

Saugeye Fishing

Piedmont Lake has a notable population of saugeye, which are enjoyed by local anglers. When a female walleye spawns with a male sauger, the result is a hybrid known as saugeye. Their meat is very tasty, and they put up a good fight. Look for them near bottom on sandy bars and especially along drop offs into river channels. These toothy critters often migrate up-river in winter and spring, congregating in low-current areas. A common method for catching saugeye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting topwater lures, live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

Muskie Fishing

Fishing for Muskellunge in Piedmont Lake could provide a giant fish on any given cast. Giant musky roam these waters and are aggressive eaters. Muskie fishing can bring some exciting moments to your fishing day, as big muskies are spectacular, and strong fighters. Use a strong rod in medium- to medium-heavy action, with heavy line - 20# or heavier. Because of their sharp teeth, steel leaders are highly recommended. Muskie have a big mouth so use big baits, same baits you would use for bass but in larger sizes. Topwater, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and jerkbaits all work well for hungry muskie. The best time of year to chase these big fish is Spring, and then again in Fall as the water temperature starts cooling. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for musky can be very exhilarating. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find muskie during summer.

Piedmont Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, white bass, muskie and saugeye at Piedmont Lake in Ohio.

Known for quality muskie, bass and saugeye fishing, Piedmont Lake is a 2,300-acre lake in the east-central part of the state. Nearly 40 miles of shoreline is surrounded by trees with brush and laydowns in the water providing cover to fish and baitfish alike. The lake is known for its populations of largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, and saugeye. Outboard motors have a 10 horsepower-maximum limit, so the lake is ideal for small fishing boats, canoes and kayaks. A boat ramp, food, gasoline, and boats-motors rentals are available at Piedmont Marina. Try your luck ice fishing in winter for crappie and saugeye.

Primary fish species residing in Piedmont Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Piedmont Reservoir Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Essex Cove Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Road 352, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Piedmont Lake Boat Launch
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Piedmont Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Piedmont Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off Marina Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.