Lake Info & State Management
Lake Hope is located in Vinton County. This small lake covers 120 acres of fishing water with 5.7 miles of shoreline. The lake lies within Ohio Division of Wildlife District Four(4).
Location,Lake Hope is located in Vinton County approximately 15 miles west of Athens – 10 miles southwest of Nelsonville – 20 miles northeast of Wellston. The lake is accessible from State Route 278.
Distance from Major Cities ~ 52 miles southeast from Columbus. 15 miles west of Athens. 190 miles south of Cleveland. 135 miles east of Cincinnati.
Fishing Opportunities at Lake Hope include *Bluegill *Largemouth and Spotted Bass *Channel Catfish – *Saugeye and *Golden Trout are stocked.
Boating Information ~ There is an 3-hp restriction on Lake Hope. Near the dam is a small primitive boat launch with a boat rental and beach nearby.
The Ohio Division of Wildlife activities include; monitoring fish populations ~ physical and chemical water analysis.
Lake Hope Location ~ Google Maps
Ohio Adventures (Lakes to Fish!)

Winter Pool Bass Fishing
Many Ohio lakes have been drawn down to winter pool, leaving dry & exposed the normal shallow water areas bass hang out in. So, where do bass hang out until the lake fills

Lake Erie Walleye Fall Brawl Winners Announced!
The top three places of the 2025 Lake Erie Walleye Fall Brawl have been verified and announced. Congratulations to Jay Gullet, winner of a 2026 Ranger 622 FS! He weighed an 11.59#, 29.5″ walleye November 20th. Some wild weather
Turn In a Poacher (1-800-POACHER)
Ohio’s Turn In a Poacher -“TIP” program – helps to curtail poaching throughout the state by involving the public in reporting wildlife violations. If you observe a wildlife violation, click here and submit the form online or print the form and mail to:
TIP Headquarters, Division of Wildlife
2045 Morse Rd., Bldg G | Columbus, Ohio 43229-6693
Or call the TIP toll-free hotline, 1-800-POACHER.









