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Ohio · Fishing
Perry Township's fishing scene is built around still water. The four lakes listed here — Sippo Lake, Jerry's Pay Lake, Spring Valley Lake, and Vo-Ash Lake — cover a range of experiences from a well-developed public reservoir to a
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Perry Township's fishing scene is built around still water. The four lakes listed here — Sippo Lake, Jerry's Pay Lake, Spring Valley Lake, and Vo-Ash Lake — cover a range of experiences from a well-developed public reservoir to a pay-to-fish operation, so whether you're after a casual afternoon with a bobber or a more structured outing, there's something that fits. Sippo Lake, part of Stark County's park system, is the largest and most accessible option, with established shoreline access and boat facilities. Jerry's Pay Lake operates on a fee basis, which typically means stocked fish and a more controlled environment — useful if you're bringing kids or just want a reliable bite without a lot of searching. Spring Valley Lake and Vo-Ash Lake round out the list as smaller, quieter options. None of the waters here carry a gold-medal or wild-trout designation, so expectations should be set accordingly — this is solid warmwater fishing, not a destination trout trip. Bring gear suited for bass, bluegill, catfish, and carp, and you'll be fishing the right water.
You need a valid Ohio fishing license for Sippo Lake, Spring Valley Lake, and Vo-Ash Lake. Jerry's Pay Lake operates as a private pay lake, and those typically issue their own daily permits in place of a state license, but confirm directly with Jerry's before you go since private lake policies vary.
These are warmwater lakes, so target bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and carp. Pay lakes like Jerry's are often stocked with channel catfish specifically to keep catch rates up. None of the listed waters are designated wild-trout or gold-medal trout fisheries, so don't plan a trout trip here.
Bishard Pond
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Piedmont Lake
~39 min drive
Moderate
Salt Fork Lake
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Muskingum River – McConnelsville Access
~1h 1m drive
Moderate
Columbus and Southern Pond 0116-00
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Salt Fork Lake
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Salt Fork Lake
~16 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Salt Fork Lake
~17 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Luburgh Lake
~17 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
New Concord Village Reservoir
~18 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Spring Lake
~18 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Salt Fork Lake
~19 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Early morning and the last two hours before sunset are consistently the most productive windows for bass and panfish in Ohio's warmwater lakes. Catfish at pay lakes like Jerry's can bite well into the evening and overnight. Midday in summer is generally the slowest period.
Sippo Lake does allow boats and has a launch area through Stark Parks. Electric motors are permitted, but check current Stark Parks guidelines for horsepower or motor restrictions before hauling a gas-powered outboard out there, as those rules can change seasonally.
A medium-action spinning rod with 8-12 lb monofilament covers most situations across all four lakes. For Sippo and the smaller natural lakes, soft plastics and live bait like nightcrawlers work well for bass and panfish. If you're heading to Jerry's Pay Lake, bring a heavier bottom rig and cut bait or stink bait — catfish are the main draw there.
