Ohio · Fishing
Fishing in Suffield Township, Ohio
Suffield Township sits in Portage County in northeast Ohio, and for anglers it punches above its weight thanks to three accessible lakes within a short drive of each other.
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Suffield Township sits in Portage County in northeast Ohio, and for anglers it punches above its weight thanks to three accessible lakes within a short drive of each other. Mogadore Reservoir is the anchor here — a sizable impoundment managed by the City of Akron that holds largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, and channel catfish, and it draws consistent pressure because the fishing is genuinely productive rather than just convenient. Wingfoot Lake, owned by Goodyear, has historically had restricted public access, so check current access rules before you make the drive. Congress Lake rounds out the local options and is a shallower, weedier body of water that tends to favor bass and panfish anglers working the edges. None of these waters carry a gold-medal or wild-trout designation, so trout fishing is not the draw here — warmwater species are the target. The fishing calendar in this part of Ohio runs from ice-out in late February or early March through late fall, with crappie and bass activity picking up noticeably once water temperatures climb past 50 degrees. If you are coming from outside the area, Mogadore Reservoir is the most reliable starting point and has the most publicly documented access.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an Ohio fishing license to fish Mogadore Reservoir or Congress Lake?
Yes, a valid Ohio fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older fishing any of these waters. You can purchase one online through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources or at local bait shops and sporting goods stores. Carry it with you on the water.
Is Wingfoot Lake open to the public for fishing?
Wingfoot Lake is owned by Goodyear and public access has been limited or restricted at various times. Before planning a trip specifically to Wingfoot, contact Portage County or check with local bait shops for the current access situation. Mogadore Reservoir and Congress Lake are more reliably accessible options.
What species can I realistically expect to catch at Mogadore Reservoir?
Mogadore Reservoir holds largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish. Walleye and crappie are particularly popular targets, and the reservoir's size gives you enough water to find fish even on weekends when pressure is higher.
What time of day is best for fishing these lakes?
Early morning and the last two hours before sunset are consistently the most productive windows for bass and walleye on all three lakes. Crappie can be caught throughout the day, especially when they are holding near submerged structure or dock pilings in spring.
What gear setup makes sense for a first visit to this area?
A medium-action spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range covers most situations across these lakes. For Mogadore Reservoir, bring jigs and soft plastics for bass, and a few walleye rigs if you want to target those after dark or near dawn. Congress Lake's weedy shallows reward weedless rigs and topwater lures in warmer months.
