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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.
Ohio Wildlife News- Species of the Week: Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel April 1, 2020It's time for another animal species of the week! This week we are spotlighting the thirteen-lined ground squirrel.
- ODNR Operations During Coronavirus Outbreak April 1, 2020Want to get outdoors? Please reference the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website for the most timely details on closures and access opportunities at state-owned facilities.
- Thank You for Your Reports of Bald Eagle Nests! April 1, 2020We are thrilled to announce that we received over 2,400 reports of bald eagle nests in Ohio! We will spend the next couple weeks finalizing confirmations of nest locations and plan to have the full report available in late April, on Earth Day.
- USCG Guidelines for PFD Decontamination April 1, 2020Are you an avid boater seeking guidance on how to disinfect your personal flotation devices to make sure they are not carrying the Covid-19 virus? The U.S. Coast Guard recently posted guidance on how to do this.
- Camping Facilities Closed at Woodbury, Crown City Wildlife Areas April 1, 2020In response to the developing public health situation with COVID-19 and the Ohio Department of Health’s Stay At Home Order, we are closing campgrounds at Woodbury and Crown City wildlife areas.
- Use Smart Social Distancing Meaures When Fishing and Enjoying the Outdoors April 1, 2020Yes! You can still fish. This is a time of uncertainty, though, so please use smart social distancing measures. Read more about social distancing.
- Changes in ODNR Division of Wildlife Operations April 1, 2020Visit the Ohio Division of Wildlife website for the latest updates on cancelled events and changes in operations.
- Spotted: Green Frog March 31, 2020The green frog is the most abundant frog in Ohio. Peak breeding activity occurs from April through August, when eggs are fertilized externally and attach to aquatic plants in smaller clusters.
- Video: Red-Shouldered Hawk Nest March 31, 2020Enjoy this short Facebook video from our staff member Jamey about the Red-shouldered hawks nesting in her backyard.
- Wild Ohio Cookbook: Classic Fish Cake March 31, 2020If you had luck on the lake, you'll love this classic fish cake.
- Species of the Week: Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel April 1, 2020
Fishin' Polls
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