Fishing Alum Creek Lake
AKA: Alum Creek Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Alum Creek Lake, OH
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Smallmouth bass are a favorite of many locals here, as they are plentiful and easy to catch, once located. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Alum Creek Lake continues to provide some of the best smallmouth bass fishing in the state. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing.
Saugeye Fishing
When a female walleye spawns with a male sauger, the result is a hybrid known as saugeye. Alum Creek Lake has a notable population of saugeye, which are pursued by local anglers. Their meat is very tasty, and they put up a good fight. Look for them near bottom on sandy bars and especially along drop offs into river channels. These toothy critters often migrate up-river in winter and spring, congregating in low-current areas. A common method for catching saugeye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting topwater lures, live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.
Crappie Fishing
Both black crappie and white crappie make their homes in Alum Creek Lake, and crappie are a very popular species this year. Crappie fishing is on the rise and they can be found in sizeable schools. According to the Alun Creek State Park website, a good place to start looking for crappie is along the east bank above Cheshire Road and into Big Run Cove. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water. White crappie, in smaller numbers, also make this lake their home. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a quick limit of crappie.
Alum Creek Lake Fishing Video
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, white bass, muskie and saugeye at Alum Creek Lake in Ohio.
Located just north of Columbus Ohio outskirts, Alum Creek Lake is a 3,000-acre lake with over 68 miles of shoreline. Bass (largemouth and smallmouth), muskie and saugeye are the primary targets for many anglers here. Additionally the lake supports populations of crappie, catfish, bluegill and white bass.
Alum Creek Lake, located in central Ohio, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. The lake covers over 3,300 acres, offering ample opportunities for anglers to pursue a variety of fish species. Largemouth bass is the primary target for many anglers at Alum Creek Lake, with the lake known for producing trophy-sized bass. The lake also boasts a healthy population of crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish, providing additional angling opportunities. Whether casting from the shoreline, fishing from a boat, or exploring the lake's many coves and submerged structures, Alum Creek Lake provides an exciting fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels.
Much of the lake is surrounded by heavy forage, limiting access to much of the shoreline for bank fishing. In winter, anglers can traverse these areas by walking over them to go ice fishing for black crappie, white crappie and bluegill. However, there are areas around the lake with access points. Rock, timber and bluffs are the primary cover for baitfish and fish. Six boat ramps, situated around the lake, provide plenty of boat launch opportunities for all types of pleasure boats, sailboats, pontoons, bass boats and other fishing boats. Kayaks and canoes can be launched at numerous locations. The marina, stores, lodging, campgrounds and restaurants around the lake enhance your stay - whether it is a few days fishing or a longer family vacation.
Primary fish species residing in Alum Creek Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Alum Creek Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
In addition to excellent fishing opportunities, Alum Creek Lake is a popular destination for boating enthusiasts. The lake allows various types of watercraft, including powerboats, sailboats, and kayaks. Boaters can enjoy cruising across the lake's expansive waters, water skiing, or simply relaxing on the water. Boating facilities, including marinas and boat ramps, are available for easy access to the lake.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Alum Creek Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, canoes, kayaks and pontoon boats
740 548-6056
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Alum Creek Boat Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off Africa Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Alum Creek Boat Ramps
Located mid lake, east side, just north of the west end of the Cheshire Road Bridge, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Alum Creek State Park Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, at the west end of the Cheshire Road Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Marinas
Alum Creek Marina
4000 Hollenback Rd
Lewis Center, OH 43035
740 548-6056
Fishing Guides On Alum Creek Lake
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Ohio Fishing License.
Alum Creek Lake also offers camping facilities, making it a fantastic spot for a multi-day fishing adventure. The Alum Creek State Park Campground provides a range of camping options, including electric and non-electric sites, as well as cabins for those seeking a more comfortable stay. Camping near the lake allows anglers to enjoy early morning or late evening fishing sessions, taking full advantage of the lake's prime fishing hours.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Alum Creek State Park Campground - 740 548-4039
Cross Creek Camping Resort - 740 549-2267
Alum Creek Group Campsite - 740 548-4039
Alum Creek Bridle Trail Campground - 740 548-4631
Berkshire Lake Campground - 740 965-2321
Alum Creek Lake OH Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Alum Creek Lake
Alum Creek Marina
4000 Hollenback Rd
Lewis Center, OH 43035
740 548-6056
Fishing lakes in each state.
031524
Alum Creek Lake in Ohio.
OHIO
Alum Creek Reservoir offers bass, muskie and saugeye fishing in the Columbus Ohio area.
