Ohio · Fishing
Fishing in Meigs Township, Ohio
Meigs Township sits in Muskingum County in eastern Ohio, and its fishing scene is built almost entirely around a network of reclaimed strip-mine ponds managed by the Ohio Power Company, along with a handful of named lakes.
7 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 7 spots
Meigs Township sits in Muskingum County in eastern Ohio, and its fishing scene is built almost entirely around a network of reclaimed strip-mine ponds managed by the Ohio Power Company, along with a handful of named lakes. Spillman Lake and Straker Lake are the two most recognizable destinations here, but the Ohio Power Company ponds — including Mum-87, Mum-90, Mum-100, and Pond 9615-004 — are where most of the serious lake fishing happens. These reclaimed ponds tend to run deep and clear, and they hold largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill in numbers that reward anglers willing to do a little scouting. Access varies by pond, so checking current Ohio Power Company recreational land permits before you show up matters. This is not a destination with boat ramps and bait shops around every corner — you are looking at mostly bank fishing or small watercraft, and the experience is quieter and more self-sufficient than fishing a state park reservoir. If you are comfortable reading structure on still water and do not mind a gravel road or two, Meigs Township delivers solid lake fishing without the crowds.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a special permit to fish the Ohio Power Company ponds in Meigs Township?
Yes. The Ohio Power Company ponds, including Mum-87, Mum-90, Mum-100, and Pond 9615-004, are on private recreational land managed by AEP (American Electric Power). You need both a valid Ohio fishing license and a current AEP recreational land use permit to fish them legally. Permits are available through AEP's land management program, and rules can change seasonally, so confirm current requirements before your trip.
What species can I realistically expect to catch in these lakes and ponds?
The Ohio Power Company ponds and lakes like Spillman and Straker typically hold largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, and crappie. Reclaimed mine ponds in this part of Ohio often have good bass populations because the deep, irregular structure suits them well. There is no gold-medal or designated wild-trout water in this area, so trout fishing is not a reliable target here.
What kind of access should I expect — can I launch a boat?
Most of the Ohio Power Company ponds in Meigs Township are bank-fishing or small non-motorized watercraft destinations. Formal boat ramps are not standard at these sites. A kayak, canoe, or small jon boat you can hand-carry to the water's edge will open up more of the pond, but confirm access conditions for the specific pond you plan to visit since they vary.
What time of day is best for fishing these ponds?
Early morning and the last two hours before sunset are consistently the most productive windows for bass and bluegill on still water like these ponds. Catfish tend to feed more actively after dark, especially in warmer months. Midday fishing in summer is slower, though deeper ponds like the Ohio Power Company sites can still produce if you fish the thermocline.
Is this area suitable for beginners or families with kids?
It can be, with some preparation. Bank fishing for bluegill and channel catfish on ponds like Spillman Lake or the OPC sites is straightforward and does not require specialized gear. The main thing to sort out ahead of time is access and permitting, since showing up without an AEP land use permit at the power company ponds will be a wasted trip. Once that is handled, a basic spinning rod with live bait or small lures is all you need.
