7 Remote Lakes in Ohio to Fish and Swim

Ohio has over 5000 natural and man-made lakes. However, not all are safe for swimming, and many don’t allow fishing. But, if you are looking for something more secluded where you can relax, enjoy the water and fish, there are several lakes that meet these criteria. Some lakes are perfect for a day trip, while others make an excellent weekend getaway. So, continue reading to learn about seven remote lakes in Ohio to fish and swim.

1. Mineral Springs Lake

In 2019, Mineral Springs Lake ranked among Ohio’s top 10 cleanest water bodies. This lake boasts a 22-slip marina and 33 private boat docks. Furthermore, it is also home to the elusive non-stinging freshwater jellyfish. But, most visitors come for a variety of recreational activities like:

• Fishing (crappies, bass, and bluegills)
• Swimming
• Camping
• Inflatable water park
• Kayak/canoe rentals
• Boating
• Beach playground
• General store
• Sand volleyball
• Basketball
• Stage for bands
• Wildlife
• Seven miles of riding trails

2. Piedmont Lake

Premier angler staff love Piedmont Lake because they have caught more trophy fish here than at any other fishing spot in Ohio. This lake spans Belmont and Harrison Counties and is an excellent place for visitors wanting peace and quiet. This is because there is a 10 HP motor limit for all boaters. As a result, the waters stay relatively mellow. Additionally, the lake also features several bays and coves, so anglers are spoiled for choice when searching for a secluded area to cast their lines. The main attraction of Piedmont Lake is the muskies. In fact, this lake holds the state record for a 55.13-pound muskie. Joe D. Lykins caught this massive fish in 1972. Furthermore, there are plenty of swimming opportunities at Piedmont Lake. Visitors can swim in the pool, lake, river, or any dedicated swimming area.

3. Seneca Lake

Located just 12 miles south of Cambridge in eastern Ohio lies Seneca Lake. This remote lake in Ohio is the largest of all the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District lakes. It has over 3,500 acres of surface water and sports 45 miles of shoreline. Furthermore, it is one of the best fishing lakes in the state. For example, in 2018, this lake produced many large crappie, channel catfish, saugeye, and largemouth bass. While sunfish aren’t abundant in Seneca Lake, the ones caught are usually very large.

This lake also boasts a variety of recreational activities like boating and water sports. It is just a short drive from Marietta and Cambridge. It is the perfect spot for campers as its campgrounds are open throughout the year. In addition, it has an excellent RV park. Visitors can relax on the swim beach, which sports a concession stand. It is a popular spot for Memorial Day as visitors can enjoy sailing, waterskiing, a full-service marina, boat rentals, fishing supplies, and a restaurant with courtesy docking.

4. Pymatuning Lake

Pymatuning Lake might be hard to pronounce, but it is the name on many anglers’ lips because of its great fishing opportunities. This lake sits between Ohio and Pennsylvania in Pymatuning State Park. Anglers need to be aware of the rules of this lake because if they have an Ohio fishing license, they won’t be able to fish on the Pennsylvania side. Therefore, they must also apply for a Pennsylvania fishing license if they are casting there.

Pymatuning Lake has plenty of space to find a secluded place to fish as it’s the largest inland lake in Ohio, spanning over 16,300 acres, of which 14,300 is fishable water. Walleyes and Muskies are both stocked each year, so anglers often catch them. Other catches include yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, and sunfish. Furthermore, the lake hosts an annual walleye tournament each year, which features around 80 anglers from New York, Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

Swimming is a must when visiting Pymatuning Lake in the summer, as it boasts a 500-foot swimming beach just south of the causeway. However, swimming is only permitted during the day in designated areas. Amenities include restrooms, showers, a changing house, and two volleyball courts.

5. Mosquito Creek Lake

Mosquito Creek Lake lies in Mosquito Lake State Park, Trumbull County, which the Ohio Division of Wildlife manages. It is only a 90-minute drive from Erie, Pennsylvania, so many anglers from Cleveland and Youngstown travel to this lake for weekends. They make this journey because this lake has some of the best yellow perch, large crappie, and northern pike fishing in Ohio. Additionally, Mosquito Creek Lake is stocked with walleye each year. Other fish species include:

• Sunfish
• Channel catfish
• Largemouth bass
• White bass

Furthermore, Mosquito Creek Lake hosts numerous fishing tournaments each year, including the annual Mosquito Madness Tournament, which has a grand prize of $10,000!

Swimming in Mosquito Creek Lake is great fun, with its 600-foot beach,n perfect for sunbathing and recreational swimming. However, when taking a dip in its cool waters, be aware of the designated swimming areas.

6. Lake Vesuvius

Lake Vesuvius is a hidden gem tucked in the Wayne National Forest, making it one of the most remote lakes in Ohio. This lake sports breathtaking views of the surrounding rugged hills and cliffs. Furthermore, it has 143 acres of surface water, so there is plenty of space to find a secluded place to fish. In fact, there are around 130 fishable pounds and small lakes throughout Wayne National Forest that contain bluegill, carp, largemouth bass, and catfish. This national forest is open all year and includes multiple picnic areas for day trips, campgrounds for weekend getaways, a beach and swimming areas, archery trails, scenic overlooks, and a 46-mile trail system (only open from early spring till winter).

7. Burr Oak Lake

Burr Oak Lake is a man-made lake built for flood control purposes. Construction began in the 1940s, but everything was delayed due to World War II. However, engineers completed the lake in 1950. Burr Oak Lake is a 664-acre lake situated in Morgan and Athens Counties. It is a fantastic place for water-based recreational activities. For example, there is a large sandy beach for swimming and sunbathing.

Additionally, it is a great option for boaters who want to relax by doing some fishing. In fact, this reservoir is one of the best spots for fishing if you are on an RV vacation. The lake has several secluded fishing spots offering perfect conditions to catch a trophy-sized prize. Burr Oak Lake is home to a variety of fish, including:

• Saugeye
• Crappie
• Largemouth bass
• Bluegill
• Catfish
• Sunfish

Spring is the best time to plan a fishing trip at this lake. However, anglers are blessed with excellent catches all year round. And for those in your family that don’t want to fish, there is plenty of things to do in the area. There are around 28 miles of trails, 20th-century historic ruins, and birding.

The Best Season for Fishing and Swimming in Ohio

Many anglers will tell you Ohio has some of the best fishing in the Midwest. However, you need to know the best time to cast your line. For example, the best time to fish in Ohio is during summer and fall, and you will have the most success in the early morning or late evening. While summer is ideal for fishing, ice fishing during winter is also popular in Ohio.

The best time to swim in Ohio is during the hottest months, June, July, and August. The warmest month is typically July, which reaches an average temperature of 84.4 degrees Fahrenheit, with temperatures rarely dropping below 65.5 degrees Fahrenheit during the evening.

Summary of 7 Remote Lakes in Ohio to Fish and Swim