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Ohio · Fishing
Richland Township sits within reach of several quiet lake fisheries that don't get the weekend crowds you'll find at bigger Ohio reservoirs.
3 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
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Richland Township sits within reach of several quiet lake fisheries that don't get the weekend crowds you'll find at bigger Ohio reservoirs. The three lakes represented here — Saint Clairsville Reservoir Number Two, Camp Seneca Lake, and Indian Lake — are all lake fishing destinations, meaning you're working still or slow-moving water rather than chasing current. That shapes your approach: think structure, depth transitions, and seasonal water temperature more than reading a drift. None of these are large destination fisheries with marina infrastructure, so come prepared with your own gear and a current Ohio fishing license. The area rewards anglers who do a little homework before showing up rather than those expecting posted signage and rental rods at the water's edge. If you're driving in from outside Belmont or the surrounding counties, confirm access points ahead of time, since smaller reservoirs and private camp lakes can have gate hours or membership requirements that aren't always posted online. Early morning and the last two hours before sunset are consistently the most productive windows on still-water lakes like these, particularly in warmer months when fish push shallow to feed.
A valid Ohio fishing license is required at all three locations as a baseline. Camp Seneca Lake in particular may have additional access requirements tied to the camp property, so contact the facility directly before your trip to confirm whether day-use fishing is permitted for non-campers. Saint Clairsville Reservoir Number Two is a municipal reservoir, and access rules can vary, so check with the city or Belmont County for current public access status.
The activity listings identify all three as lake fishing sites but don't specify stocking data or designated species, so we won't overstate it. Ohio lake fisheries in this region typically hold largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish, but you should check the Ohio Department of Natural Resources fish management reports for each specific water body to know what's been stocked or surveyed recently.
Dillon Lake
~19 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Kokosing River – Mount Vernon Access
~44 min drive
Moderate
Dillon Lake
~21 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Muskingum River – McConnelsville Access
~1h 6m drive
Moderate
Columbus and Southern Pond 0116-00
~27 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Luburgh Lake Number Eleven
~30 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Luburgh Lake Number Twelve
~30 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Newark Low Head Reservoir
~32 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Forest Hill Lake
~33 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Diehr Lake
~35 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
New Concord Village Reservoir
~36 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Dawes Arboretum Pond
~39 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Spring and early fall are generally the most productive seasons on Ohio still-water lakes. Crappie and bass move shallow during the spring spawn, making them more accessible from shore or a small boat. Summer fishing holds up best in early morning before surface temperatures climb, and fall brings a second feeding push as fish bulk up before winter.
Lake fishing is generally a good fit for beginners since you're not managing current or technical wading. Bluegill and crappie, common in Ohio lakes, are forgiving targets that bite readily on simple rigs. That said, access at some of these sites may involve uneven terrain or limited facilities, so scout the specific lake before bringing young kids to make sure the bank is manageable.
A medium-light spinning setup handles most lake species you'll encounter here. Bring a mix of live bait options like nightcrawlers and wax worms alongside a few soft plastics and small jigs for bass and crappie. Pack your own food, water, and sun protection since none of these sites are described as having on-site amenities, and bring a net if you plan to practice catch and release on larger fish.
