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Ohio · Fishing
Reading Township sits in a quiet corner of Ohio that doesn't show up on most fishing forums, which is part of the appeal. The township's fishable water is concentrated in three still-water bodies: Clouse Lake, Rush Creek Structure 3b Reservoir, and Somerset Reservoir.
3 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
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Reading Township sits in a quiet corner of Ohio that doesn't show up on most fishing forums, which is part of the appeal. The township's fishable water is concentrated in three still-water bodies: Clouse Lake, Rush Creek Structure 3b Reservoir, and Somerset Reservoir. All three are lake fishing spots, meaning you're working from the bank or a small watercraft rather than wading a current. That setup suits anglers who want a relaxed outing without a lot of logistics — no shuttle, no drift boat, no complicated access puzzle. Ohio's inland lake fishing tends to hold up well through spring and into early summer, then again in fall when water temperatures drop and fish move shallower. The reservoir and lake environments here are typical of central Ohio's managed still water: expect species common to warmwater fisheries in the region. None of the listings carry a gold-medal or wild-trout designation, so manage expectations accordingly — this is solid community fishing water, not a destination trophy fishery. If you're local or passing through and want a few hours on the water without driving to a major reservoir, these three spots give you real options worth scouting.
All three spots — Clouse Lake, Rush Creek Structure 3b Reservoir, and Somerset Reservoir -- are lake fishing venues, so you're fishing still water rather than moving current. These are warmwater fisheries typical of central Ohio, not designated trout streams or cold-water fisheries.
Yes, a valid Ohio fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older fishing at any of these waters. You can purchase one through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website or at licensed retailers. Check the ODNR site for current fee structures and any applicable endorsements.
Clouse Lake
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Muskingum River – McConnelsville Access
~44 min drive
Moderate
Scioto River – Circleville Access
~1h 2m drive
Easy
Somerset Reservoir
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Hocking River – Athens Access
~55 min drive
Moderate
Hoover Reservoir
~1h 9m drive
Easy
Rush Creek Structure 3b Reservoir
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Central Silica Company Pond 9722-009
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Central Silica Company Pond 9722-009
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Freshwater Reservoir
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Sunnyhill Slurry Impoundment
~18 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Sunnyhill Slurry Impoundment
~18 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Early morning and the last two hours before sunset are generally the most productive windows on still-water lakes like these, when fish are actively feeding in shallower areas. Midday in summer can slow things down considerably as fish push deeper to find cooler water.
A medium-action spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range handles most situations on lakes like these. Bring a mix of soft plastics, small crankbaits, and live bait rigs -- nightcrawlers and wax worms are reliable producers on Ohio warmwater lakes. A small tackle box, polarized sunglasses, and a net round out the basics.
Still-water lake fishing is generally one of the more accessible formats for beginners and younger anglers -- no wading, no current to read, and the learning curve is manageable. Bank access at lakes like these tends to be straightforward, though it's worth visiting or calling ahead to confirm current access conditions at each specific site.
