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| Lake Information | Details and State Management |
|---|---|
| Rocky Fork Lake | Rocky Fork Lake is in Highland County. This lake covers 2080 acres of fishing waters with 30 miles of shoreline. This lake lies within Ohio Division of Wildlife District Five(5). |
| Location | Rocky Fork Lake is in Highland County approximately 5 miles east of Hillsboro – 30 miles west of Chillicothe – 55 miles east of Cincinnati. The lake is accessible from US Route 50 and State Routes 124 – SR 506 – SR 753. |
| Distance from Major Cities | Approximately 55 miles east of Cincinnati. Approximately 50 miles southeast of Dayton. Approximately 60 miles south of Columbus. |
| Fishing Opportunities | Rocky Fork angling opportunities include; *Largemouth Bass *Bluegill *White and Black Crappies *Muskellunge *Walleye *Channel and Flathead Catfish *Bullheads *Carp. A few *Smallmouth Bass can also be caught. Gizzard shad are the main forage species. |
| Boating Information | There are no horsepower restrictions on Rocky Fork Lake. Five launch ramps surround the lake. The state marina on the west end of the lake offers boat rentals. Boat ramps located on the south side are off of Fisherman's Wharf Road and Blue Ribbon Road. On the east end off of Lucas Road and the East Shore Marina. On the north side the ramp is located just off of North Shore Road. Be aware that there is a no Wake Zone at the State Park end of the lake. There is also a Wildlife Sanctuary area where fishing is prohibited. |
| State Management | The Ohio Division of Wildlife activities include; stocking ~ installing fish structures ~ monitoring fish population ~ constructing fishing piers ~ water quality analysis. |
Rocky Fork Lake Location – Courtesy of Google Maps
Rocky Fork Fishing Report
GFO visited Rocky Fork Lake on June 7, 2017. Then weather conditions were cool (@65 degrees), cloudy 7 breezy, with water temperature ranging between 72 – 75. The water was stained. Rocky Fork Lake has an abundance of whatever you like to fish – from logs and brushy shorelines, plus stumps, stick-ups and lots of grass & weeds. We had a really FUN day catching lots of quality bass (2-2.5 lbs.), and hardly ran across another angler, either!
This lake has several public boat ramps. The two highlighted in the pictures appear well-maintained and there is plenty of parking. Although there is no horsepower limit, there is a no wake zone, plus a wildlife sanctuary where fishing is prohibited.
Rocky Fork Lake Photo Gallery
Nearby Bait & Tackle Shops, Marinas, Boat Rental, etc.
The Bait House, Floating Shop| 5999 Fisherman Wharf Rd., Hillsboro, OH 45133 | PH: 937-403-8397
Bayview Campground & Cottages, Bait & Tackle | 11104 N. Shore Dr., Hillsboro, OH 45133 | PH: 937-393-3119
A very special THANKS to the Ohio Division of Natural Resources, the Division of Wildlife and the Division of Watercraft for their hard work and dedication in providing Southwest Ohio sportsmen and women with boating safety plus excellent fishing & hunting opportunities!
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.
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- Weekly Lake Erie Fishing Report October 17, 2018Fishing for yellow perch has been good. A few good reports came from the Sputnik buoy near Toledo in 28 to 30 feet of water.
- Learn to Hunt: Using a Doe Bleat October 17, 2018Video. If you're new to hunting, it's helpful to know different ways to call a deer in closer. Doe bleats, grunts, and rattling are all useful while hunting, but there are times when you should and should not use these calls.
- Chasing the Rainbows October 16, 2018The ODNR Division of Wildlife’s annual rainbow trout stockings are popular among anglers at smaller lakes and reservoirs throughout Ohio. Each spring, fish management staff stock approximately 100,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout. Stocking rainbow trout provides excellent opportunities for anglers of all ages to catch a fun, feisty, and harvestable fish.
- Wild Ohio Cookbook: Small Game and Wild Fowl Recipes October 16, 2018How does oven-fried squirrel sound? Get the recipe in our Wild Ohio Cookbook, adding a blend of spices you prefer such as oregano, thyme, or smoked paprika.
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- Range Orientation at Grand River Shooting Range October 15, 2018A range orientation class was recently held at the Grand River Shooting Range. A dozen participants, almost all new to range use, were introduced to the concepts of safely enjoying public shooting ranges. Topics such as range operations, rules, and general etiquette were covered by ODNR Division of Wildlife staff.
- Flathead Catfish October 15, 2018A large flathead catfish – also known as a shovelhead, mudcat, or yellow catfish - was recently captured while ODNR Division of Wildlife fish management staff conducted an electrofishing survey for saugeye at Tappan Lake in Harrison County. The flathead catfish is the only North American catfish species with a lower jaw that is longer […]
- Earth as Inspiration is Theme for Earth Science Week October 15, 2018Ohioans are invited to join the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in exploring the state’s natural history during Earth Science Week, Oct. 14-20. Geologists will give talks and lead hikes and fossil collecting throughout Ohio at state parks, state nature preserves and other important geologic sites.
- Wild Ohio Cookbook: Fish Recipes October 12, 2018Need a snack while watching the game this weekend? Find fish recipes in the Wild Ohio Cookbook.
- Get Schooled on Ohio’s Squirrels October 17, 2018
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