Ohio · Fishing
Fishing in Rich Hill Township, Ohio
Fishing in Rich Hill Township centers almost entirely on the Ohio Power Company ponds scattered across the reclaimed strip-mine land in this part of Muskingum County.
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Fishing in Rich Hill Township centers almost entirely on the Ohio Power Company ponds scattered across the reclaimed strip-mine land in this part of Muskingum County. The four ponds listed here — Mur-27, Mur-12, 9615-022, and Ohio Power Pond Number Three — are typical of what the Ohio Power tract offers: small, often deep impoundments carved out of former coal country, with irregular shorelines and structure that holds fish year-round. These are lake-fishing destinations, not river or stream spots, so expect still-water tactics to be the play. Access to Ohio Power Company lands in Ohio requires a permit through the AEP ReCreation Lands program, so sorting that out before you make the drive is essential. The ponds vary in size and character, and because they sit on reclaimed land, the surrounding terrain is open and rolling rather than heavily wooded, which means wind can be a real factor on the water. Anglers who do their homework on which specific pond they're targeting and get their access permit squared away tend to have a much more productive trip than those who show up and figure it out on arrival.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a special permit to fish the Ohio Power Company ponds in Rich Hill Township?
Yes. These ponds sit on AEP (American Electric Power) ReCreation Lands, and you need a free annual permit through AEP's ReCreation Lands program to access them legally. You can register on the AEP website. You'll still need a valid Ohio fishing license on top of that.
What kind of fishing should I expect at ponds like Mur-27, Mur-12, and 9615-022?
All four listings are classified as lake fishing, so you're working still water rather than current. Strip-mine ponds in this region commonly hold largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish, though conditions vary by pond. Check with the Ohio Division of Wildlife for any stocking records specific to these impoundments before you go.
What gear setup makes sense for these ponds?
A medium-action spinning or baitcasting rod handles most situations well on small impoundments like these. Soft plastics, jigs, and live bait are reliable across the board. Because the ponds can be windy and the shorelines open, a longer rod in the 7-foot range gives you a casting advantage if you're fishing from the bank.
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 on still-water ponds, especially for bass and bluegill. Midday in summer can slow things down significantly as surface temperatures rise, so plan your fishing around the low-light periods if you can.
Is this a good destination for beginner anglers?
It can be, provided you handle the access permit ahead of time and know which pond you're heading to. The lake-fishing format is straightforward, and small impoundments are generally forgiving for newer anglers learning to read water. The main friction point is logistics, not the fishing itself.
