Fishing:

Fishing is a popular sport on the 2,120 acre lake at Buck Creek State Park.  Anglers utilize the park throughout the year.  Bluegill, bass, catfish, crappie, white bass and walleye are common throughout the lake.

Special Regulations

1. There is a 15-inch minimum size limit for walleye at Buck Creek State Park
2. There is a 12-inch minimum size limit for all black bass species (largemouth, small mouth, and spotted)
3. Snagging of any fish within 1,000 feet below the dam is prohibited

Fishing Outlook

Bluegill - Good numbers, most 5-8".  In May and June, try fishing near artificial structures along the shoreline or near piling units.

Channel Catfish - Good numbers of 1-2 pound fish, some up to 12 pounds.  Try the marina area in the summer.

Crappie - Fair numbers, average 9", and a few up to 13".  Fishing is best around artificial structures in May and June.

White Bass - Good population, lots of 10-13" fish.  Cast spinners or troll crankbaits in main lake, or try Buck Creek inlet in the New Moorefield area in the spring.

Walleye - Good population, mostly 13-20", some up to 25.  About 200,000 to 300,000 fingerlings were stocked annually from 1995-2000 with 645,000 stocked in 2001.  Try the tail-water in the winter months after high flows.  Cast lightweight jigs along the rocky dam in March and April.  In the summer, cast or troll crank baits, or drift with bottom-bouncing work rigs.

All state fishing laws and creel limits apply in the park, as well as special fishing regulations for the park.

Hunting

Game birds and animals abound at Buck Creek State Park.  Sportsmen and women enjoy hunting in designated areas of the park. These areas do not open for public hunting until October 15 of each year.  A valid Ohio hunting license as well as any pertinent tags or stamps are required to hunt at Buck Creek.  Popular game animals include squirrels, rabbits and white-tail deer. 

Waterfowl hunting is also a popular sport.  The park holds an annual duck blind lottery.  Call the park office at (937) -322-5284 for more information about the duck blind lottery and for information on state park hunting rules.  Click on the wood duck for an on-line waterfowl identification guide.

All state hunting laws and bag limits apply in the park.

Visit the Ohio Division of Wildlife for hunting laws and regulations, to purchase hunting licenses, for information on hunter safety classes and much more.

Click here for a view of the park map.  The hunting areas will appear as diagonal lines on the map.
 

Page last updated on 07/25/2007