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Ohio · Fishing
Fishing in Elizabeth Township, Ohio centers almost entirely on Lake Vesuvius, a 143-acre impoundment tucked inside Wayne National Forest that draws anglers from across Lawrence County and beyond.
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Fishing in Elizabeth Township, Ohio centers almost entirely on Lake Vesuvius, a 143-acre impoundment tucked inside Wayne National Forest that draws anglers from across Lawrence County and beyond. The lake supports largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, and crappie, and the surrounding forest keeps fishing pressure lower than you'd find at more accessible reservoirs closer to the interstate. Three distinct access points show up in the listings here: the Oak Hill shoreline, the Iron Ridge area, and the broader Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, which includes spots suited to surf-style bank fishing along the dam face and open shoreline. None of these require a boat, though a kayak or canoe opens up the coves considerably. This is a practical fishery for anglers of most skill levels — the structure is readable, the banks are walkable, and the Wayne National Forest trail system means you can cover a lot of water on foot without fighting for a spot. Ohio fishing license rules apply, and since this is a federal recreation area, it's worth checking current Wayne National Forest regulations before you go, as closures and fire restrictions can affect access seasonally.
Lake Vesuvius holds largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, and crappie. Bass fishing tends to be most productive around the coves and woody structure, while catfish are a reliable target from the bank, especially after dark.
Bank fishing is genuinely viable here. The Oak Hill and Iron Ridge access points both offer shoreline fishing, and the Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area has open bank stretches well-suited to casting from shore. A kayak or canoe will get you into the quieter coves, but it's not a requirement.
Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
East Fork
~1h 8m drive
A worthwhile stop near WV.
Grayson Lake State Park
~42 min drive
Moderate
Beech Fork Lake
~47 min drive
Easy
Grayson Lake Damsite Shelters
~54 min drive
A worthwhile stop near KY.
Oak Hill - Lake Vesuvius
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Beech Fork State Park (Lower Bowen)
~44 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WV.
East Lynn Lake Shelters
~60 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WV.
Ironton Ranger District - Ironton Area
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
The Gravel Pit
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near KY.
Lake Forest
~18 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Early morning and the hour before sunset are the most productive windows for bass and bluegill, particularly in warmer months when fish push into shallower water to feed. Catfish are more active at night and respond well to cut bait fished on the bottom from the bank.
A medium-action spinning rod handles most situations here — bass, crappie, and panfish all respond to light to medium presentations. Bring a heavier setup or a dedicated catfish rig if you plan to target channel cats from the bank after dark. Waders are not necessary, but sturdy footwear matters since some shoreline sections are uneven.
You need a valid Ohio fishing license to fish Lake Vesuvius. The lake sits within Wayne National Forest, so it's worth checking current U.S. Forest Service regulations for the area before your trip, as seasonal closures or fire restrictions can occasionally limit access to specific recreation areas.
