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Ohio · Fishing
Hopewell Township sits in Muskingum County, and the fishing here centers on two main waters: Dillon Lake and Central Silica Company Pond 9722-009. Dillon Lake is the bigger draw — a reservoir managed by the U.S.
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Hopewell Township sits in Muskingum County, and the fishing here centers on two main waters: Dillon Lake and Central Silica Company Pond 9722-009. Dillon Lake is the bigger draw — a reservoir managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that holds largemouth bass, saugeye, crappie, and channel catfish, with enough shoreline and boat ramp access to keep both bank anglers and boaters busy across multiple seasons. Central Silica Company Pond is a smaller, quieter option that suits anglers looking for a low-pressure outing without the weekend crowds that Dillon can attract in summer. Neither water appears in the data as a designated gold-medal or wild-trout fishery, so expectations should be set accordingly — this is solid warmwater fishing, not a trophy trout destination. Spring and fall tend to be the most productive windows on both waters, when fish are actively feeding in shallower zones before summer heat pushes them deeper. If you're coming from outside the area, Dillon Lake is the more logistically straightforward choice, with established parking, restrooms, and multiple access points managed through the Corps of Engineers site.
Dillon Lake is known for saugeye, largemouth bass, crappie, and channel catfish. The Ohio Division of Wildlife stocks saugeye in the reservoir, making them a reliable target, particularly in spring near tributary inflows and rocky points.
Yes, a valid Ohio fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase one online through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website or at local bait and tackle shops near the Dillon Lake area.
Dillon Lake
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Muskingum River – McConnelsville Access
~48 min drive
Moderate
Central Silica Company Pond 9722-009
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Kokosing River – Mount Vernon Access
~59 min drive
Moderate
Central Silica Company Pond 9722-009
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Dillon Lake
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Diehr Lake
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Avondale Wildlife Area Reservoir Number Two
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Dawes Arboretum Pond
~19 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Somerset Reservoir
~20 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Buckeye Lake
~21 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Clouse Lake
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Also worth it near here
Early morning and the last two hours before sunset are consistently the most productive windows at both Dillon Lake and Central Silica Company Pond. Bass and crappie in particular tend to move into shallower structure during low-light periods, especially in warmer months.
Bank fishing is accessible at Dillon Lake through several Corps of Engineers managed areas around the reservoir. A boat opens up more of the lake, but shore anglers can reach productive spots without one, particularly near the dam area and cove edges.
It can be a good low-key option for beginners given its smaller size and calmer setting compared to Dillon Lake. That said, access details and any site-specific rules should be confirmed before your visit, as pond access conditions can vary.
