Fishing Tappan Reservoir
AKA: Tappan Lake
Popular Fish Species Tappan Reservoir, OH
Crappie Fishing
Tappan Reservoir continues to provide crappie enthusiasts with great fishing. Light line and small hooks are key when fishing live bait. Crappie jigs are also productive her in a wide variety of colors. The lake has healthy populations of both white crappie and black crappie. These two species typically tend to school separately. However, once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. 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, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk.
Channel Catfish Fishing
Tappan Reservoir has a solid population of channel catfish, providing anglers with good catch rates. The typical fish are about 2 pounds, with larger ones caught frequently. For weekend anglers, most any rod and reel will work for catching channel catfish, as long as the line is strong enough. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the right equipment enhances success, especially when you hook one of the big boys. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. The state record channel catfish is over 37 pounds, and Tappan Reservoir holds some pretty big ones. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin.
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Tappan Reservoir is considered a favorite bass fishing lake in the area. Anglers are catching bass in good numbers with largemouth bass in the 3 to 4-pound range showing up with some regularity. A history of careful fisheries management by the Division of Wildlife | Ohio Department of Natural Resources has helped to maintain a thriving bass fishery. Anglers can also catch smallmouth bass, which reside here in decent numbers. Recent results by bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 6 pounds being weighed in. In Tappan Reservoir, bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, white bass and saugeye at Tappan Reservoir in Ohio.
Tappan Reservoir Fishing Video
Populated with several catchable fish species, Tappan Reservoir is an especially popular place to fish for bass, crappie and saugeye. Catfish, white bass and bluegill also reside here. This fishery is a 2,100-acre lake, in the northeast part of the state.
Tappan Reservoir, located in eastern Ohio, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a serene and scenic retreat. With its tranquil surroundings and diverse recreational opportunities, Tappan Reservoir offers excellent fishing, boating, and camping experiences.
Fishing at Tappan Reservoir provides anglers with the opportunity to target various fish species. The lake is known for its abundant populations of crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and saugeye. Anglers can cast their lines from the shore, fish from a boat, or explore the lake's many coves and submerged structures for optimal fishing spots. Tappan Reservoir's diverse fishery ensures that anglers of all skill levels can have a rewarding and enjoyable fishing experience.
It proudly boasts 38 miles of shoreline for anglers to explore, with plenty of areas to access the shore, for fishing from the bank. Ice fishing in winter is popular. There are boat ramps, a marina, dining and camping at the lake, with other resources nearby.
Primary fish species residing in Tappan Reservoir
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Tappan Reservoir Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Boat Rentals
Tappan Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, kayaks and pontoon boats
740 269-2031
Boating is a popular activity at Tappan Reservoir, offering visitors the chance to explore the expansive waters and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The lake allows various types of watercraft, including powerboats, pontoons, and kayaks. Boaters can enjoy leisurely cruises, engage in water sports activities, or simply relax on the calm waters while taking in the natural beauty. Multiple boat ramps and marinas are available, ensuring easy access to the lake for boating enthusiasts.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Tappan Lake Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, north side, off I-250, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Marinas
Tappan Marina
33315 Cadiz-Dennison Rd
Scio, OH 43988
740 269-2031
Fishing Guides On Tappan Reservoir
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.
Camping facilities at Tappan Lake State Park cater to those looking to extend their stay and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. The state park offers a range of camping options, including tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. Campers can enjoy the peaceful ambiance, partake in outdoor activities, and take advantage of the lake's fishing and boating opportunities. The campground provides amenities such as picnic areas, playgrounds, and hiking trails for added enjoyment.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Tappan Lake Park Campground - 740 922-3649
Tappan Park Amphitheater Campground - 740 922-3649
Tappan Reservoir OH Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Tappan Reservoir
Tappan Lake Park
84000 Mallarnee Rd
Deersville, OH 44693
740 922-3649
Fishing lakes in each state.
073024
Tappan Reservoir in OH
OHIO
Fishing for bass, crappie and saugeye in northeast OH
