Monroe Lake, OH

Monroe Lake is located within the 1,333-acre Monroe Lake Wildlife Area. This public area is in Malaga Township, Monroe County approximately five miles north of Woodsfield. Monroe Lake is accessible off Township Road 1001 (Main Cross Street) or State Route 800. The lake encompasses 39 acres at normal pool with a shoreline length of 2.8 miles and a maximum depth of 33 feet. Monroe Lake has populations of largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill. The Division of Wildlife stocks channel catfish yearlings in alternate years. Catchable rainbow trout are stocked annually in the spring. Gizzard shad is the main forage species.Better largemouth bass fishing can be found in the spring and fall. As springtime water temperatures warm up, bass will move into shallow water areas to feed and to prepare for spawning. Fish near shallow structure such as tree stumps, fallen trees, or weed bed edges. Spinnerbaits, rubber worms, crankbaits, and jig/pig combinations work well. Warm summer water temperatures will usually push fish into deeper depths. Fishing during the early morning hours or in the evening will provide better results. Cooler, fall temperatures will trigger bass to move back in the shallow water areas. Fishing success may pick up as bass prepare for winter. Bluegill can be caught throughout the lake from early spring until fall. Popular methods include waxworms or redworms fished below a bobber. Look for spawning beds in shallow water during the spring and throughout the summer. Many bluegill concentrate in these areas. Channel catfish angling picks up by mid-June. Nightcrawlers, chicken livers, or prepared catfish baits work well when fished on the bottom. Night fishing for catfish is a popular method for catfish anglers. Early spring trout anglers enjoy success using a variety of baits such as corn, cheese, small spinners or prepared baits.A boat ramp is located off the Township Road 1001 (Main Cross Street) entrance. A courtesy dock is located near the ramp as is a foot bridge for shoreline anglers. A small camping area is provided off State Route 800 near the dam. Monroe Lake has a 10-horsepower limit for outboard motors.