Kiser Lake, OH

Kiser Lake is in Champaign County, in west-central Ohio, approximately four miles northwest of St. Paris and 34 miles north of Dayton on State Route 235. Kiser Lake has 394 surface acres of water and 5.5 miles of shoreline. It is a relatively shallow lake with abundant vegetation, including large areas of lily pads.Kiser Lake has populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, channel catfish, crappie, yellow perch, bullheads and carp. The Division of Wildlife stocks yearling channel catfish in the reservoir every other year. Gizzard shad is the main forage species. Kiser Lake has a healthy sunfish population with good numbers and sizes of bluegill and pumpkinseed. Concentrate on vegetated areas using waxworms, nightcrawlers, or redworms under a bobber. Switch to minnows in these same areas when targeting crappie. Hybrid striped bass have not been stocked since 2004, but many large individuals remain, with several over 28†and 15 pounds sampled in 2008. When targeting hybrids and stripers, try using a chicken liver or cut shad on the bottom or trolling crankbaits. Concentrate on deep water areas along the old river channel or off points. This technique can also be productive for channel catfish.Kiser Lake State Park has a marina, boat rentals, seasonal dock rentals, two boat launches, hiking trails, picnic areas, shelters, a beach and campground. There are many shoreline fishing access points including two gravel fishing piers on opposite sides of the lake. There is a non-motorized craft only restriction on this lake.