About William H Harsha Lake, OH

William H. Harsha Lake, formerly known as East Fork Lake, is located on the East Fork of the Little Miami River in Clermont County. The lake was later renamed in 1981 to honor retired Congressman William H. Harsha. It is about 2,160 acres, making it a perfect spot for fishing. The lake is also known for its Ordovician fossil beds, which are layers of uniquely formed limestone.

William H. Harsha Lake is a project for flood reduction and wildlife habitat and was created in 1978. The lake was also created for recreational use, such as fishing and hunting. Back in 1869, there were two active gold mines in the area where the project is located. The first mine is located within the vicinity of Elk Lick, while the other one was a tunnel mine within the vicinity of Twin Bridges. The mines are now abandoned.

Anglers can also visit the East Fork State Park, one of Ohio’s largest state parks. It is very popular with hikers as it consists of 85 miles of hiking trails. Those who enjoy horseback riding can enjoy 57 miles of trail. Visitors can also spend time setting up a camp, going cycling, 

The lake is managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

All About Fishing in William H Harsha Lake, OH

William H. Harsha Lake offers a great fishing experience for anglers. Annually, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife supplies the lake with hybrid striped bass and walleye. Fish such as largemouth bass, white crappie, channel catfish, white bass, smallmouth bass, blue catfish, black crappie, and flathead catfish are commonly caught in the lake.

Fishing techniques such as fly fishing have been used by anglers when fishing on the river downstream from the dam. Anglers can also go drift fishing as boats and jet skis are allowed in the lake, noting that boat ramps are available with no fees for boat launching. Those who would like to deploy boats are reminded that the boats are restricted in the area close to the dam and Control Tower. Anglers can also try surf casting as they are allowed to fish anywhere along the lake shoreline, but the boat ramps, docks, and the area below the Control Tower are off-limits. Beginning anglers can do spin fishing as it is one of the techniques used to go after bass or walleye.

Visitors and local anglers are urged to be informed of the fishing regulations in Ohio. They are also reminded that a valid fishing license is required at all times. Anglers can purchase a license that is valid for a day, for three days, or for one year.

Fishing Seasonality

Hybrid striped bass are known to be a crossbreed between white bass and striped bass and can be caught year-round. During the late spring, hybrids are found in the lower parts of dams. Walleye are best caught during the spring and the fall. They tend to spawn from the end of March to the beginning of April. Bass species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and white bass are available year-round but they are best caught during their spawning season which runs from mid-March through late May. White and black crappie fishing is best during early spring, and during their spawning season which starts from February until May. Channel, blue, and flathead catfish are best caught during the summer season but do note that they can be caught all year round. Blue and channel Catfish tend to spawn when the water temperature is between 70 to 84 F while flathead catfish prefer a water temperature of 66 F and 75 F. The majority of catfish species spawn during spring or summer.

Fishing Seasonality

Hybrid striped bass are known to be a crossbreed between white bass and striped bass and can be caught year-round. During the late spring, hybrids are found in the lower parts of dams. Walleye are best caught during the spring and the fall. They tend to spawn from the end of March to the beginning of April. Bass species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and white bass are available year-round but they are best caught during their spawning season which runs from mid-March through late May. White and black crappie fishing is best during early spring, and during their spawning season which starts from February until May. Channel, blue, and flathead catfish are best caught during the summer season but do note that they can be caught all year round. Blue and channel Catfish tend to spawn when the water temperature is between 70 to 84 F while flathead catfish prefer a water temperature of 66 F and 75 F. The majority of catfish species spawn during spring or summer.

All About Fishing in William H Harsha Lake, OH

William H. Harsha Lake offers a great fishing experience for anglers. Annually, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife supplies the lake with hybrid striped bass and walleye. Fish such as largemouth bass, white crappie, channel catfish, white bass, smallmouth bass, blue catfish, black crappie, and flathead catfish are commonly caught in the lake.

Fishing techniques such as fly fishing have been used by anglers when fishing on the river downstream from the dam. Anglers can also go drift fishing as boats and jet skis are allowed in the lake, noting that boat ramps are available with no fees for boat launching. Those who would like to deploy boats are reminded that the boats are restricted in the area close to the dam and Control Tower. Anglers can also try surf casting as they are allowed to fish anywhere along the lake shoreline, but the boat ramps, docks, and the area below the Control Tower are off-limits. Beginning anglers can do spin fishing as it is one of the techniques used to go after bass or walleye.

Visitors and local anglers are urged to be informed of the fishing regulations in Ohio. They are also reminded that a valid fishing license is required at all times. Anglers can purchase a license that is valid for a day, for three days, or for one year.