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Ohio · Fishing
Washington Township, Ohio sits in Fayette County, and while it won't show up on any statewide fishing highlight reel, it offers a handful of quiet lake options worth knowing about if you're in the area or passing through.
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Washington Township, Ohio sits in Fayette County, and while it won't show up on any statewide fishing highlight reel, it offers a handful of quiet lake options worth knowing about if you're in the area or passing through. The four fishable waters here are all lake settings: Hargus Lake, Washington Township Fishing Lake, and the two Luburgh Lakes — Number Eleven and Number Twelve. Hargus Lake is the most established of the group, sitting inside Deer Creek State Park and drawing anglers after largemouth bass, crappie, and channel catfish on a regular basis. Washington Township Fishing Lake is a smaller community-oriented spot that tends to see lighter pressure. The Luburgh Lakes are a paired set that most locals know about but that rarely show up in broader fishing guides, making them worth a look if you prefer solitude over amenities. None of these waters carry a gold-medal or wild-trout designation, so expectations should be set accordingly — this is relaxed, practical freshwater fishing rather than a destination trip. That said, for someone who wants to wet a line without driving far, Washington Township covers the basics across four distinct lake settings.
All four waters are lake fisheries, so you're looking at typical Ohio warmwater species — largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish are the most common targets. Hargus Lake has the longest fishing history of the group and tends to hold the most consistent populations. None of the listed waters are designated trout fisheries, so don't plan a trip around trout.
Yes, a valid Ohio fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older at all four locations. You can purchase one through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website or at most local sporting goods retailers. Check current ODNR regulations before your trip, as specific rules around bag limits and size minimums can vary by species and water body.
Deer Creek Lake Day Use
~45 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Alum Creek Below Dam Area
~1h 11m drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Benua Lake
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Scioto River – Circleville Access
~20 min drive
Easy
Hocking River – Athens Access
~1h 6m drive
Moderate
Hargus Lake
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Hoover Reservoir
~1h 7m drive
Easy
Muskingum River – McConnelsville Access
~1h 20m drive
Moderate
Hunters Run Conservation District Structure Reservoir
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Alum Creek Lake
~1h 11m drive
Easy
Hunters Run Conservation District Structure Reservoir
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OH.
Paint Creek Lake
~1h 21m drive
Easy
Early morning and the hour or two before sunset are the most productive windows at lake fisheries like these, particularly for bass and crappie. Midday fishing in summer slows down as water temperatures rise and fish move deeper or into shaded structure. In spring and fall, midday can actually be quite good as water temps are more stable throughout the day.
A medium-light to medium spinning setup covers most of what you'll encounter across these four lakes. For bass, soft plastics, small crankbaits, and spinnerbaits work well in lake environments. If you're targeting crappie or bluegill, a light rod with small jigs or live bait under a bobber is hard to beat. Bring a valid fishing license, a net, and a cooler if you plan to keep fish.
Access details can vary for smaller community and township lakes, so it's worth confirming current public access before making the drive specifically for those waters. Hargus Lake, being part of Deer Creek State Park, has well-established public access with parking and bank fishing areas. For the Luburgh Lakes and Washington Township Fishing Lake, contact Fayette County or local township offices to confirm hours and any permit requirements.
