Pleasant Hill Lake Fishing Report

September 19, 2009 - PLEASANT HILL RESERVOIR (Richland County), 785 acres
Black / White Crappie - A fair population of white crappie exists along with a small population of black crappie. The crappie population has declined slightly over the past several years due to poor spawning success. Good numbers of crappie over 10” are still available. The average crappie harvested by anglers in 2008 was 9” in length. The best locations are along the steeper banks near submerged trees. OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Saugeye - Good numbers of large saugeye are available with fish, up to 26”. Recent survey results show a strong year class from 2007 will drive this fishery. These fish will average 18 inches by next fall. Anglers should try fishing on sandy beach areas in water depths ranging from 10’ to 15’ deep from March through July and again in the fall. Anglers should also try the flat areas where the reservoir bends toward the dam. The best fishing usually occurs in the evening. Winter fishing in the tail-waters, as well as in the reservoir, can be very good. OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT.

Muskellunge – Anglers catch the occasional musky in Pleasant Hill. These 30” to 45” fish have moved downstream from Clear Fork Reservoir. The Ohio Huskie Muskie Club reports that twenty-four muskellunge were caught in Pleasant Hill in 2006. OUTLOOK: FAIR.

Bluegill – The bluegill population is good with fish between 6 and 8” common. OUTLOOK: GOOD.
Channel Catfish – There is a fair population of channel cats averaging 20” in length with good numbers of cats up to 27” in length available. The average catfish harvested by anglers is 20” in length. OUTLOOK: FAIR.

Largemouth / Smallmouth Bass - An excellent population of largemouth bass is available along with a good population of smallmouth bass. Largemouth bass are more common in the upper portion of the reservoir while smallmouth bass tend to dominate in the lower lake. Good numbers of largemouth bass up to 20” are available with the average running around 13” in length. Electrofishing surveys in 2007 showed 22 fish/hour in the 15 – 20” range. Smallmouth bass on average are around 10” with fish up to 15” common. OUTLOOK: EXCELLENT.

White Bass - Good numbers of 11 to 16” fish exist. Try fishing Clear Fork tributary in the spring. OUTLOOK: GOOD.

Bullhead - There is a fair population of 8” to 14” fish. Best fishing occurs in the spring. OUTLOOK: FAIR.

No horsepower limit. A public boat ramp is available as well as a handicap accessible fishing pier. Ice fishing is allowed.

Recent stockings for Pleasant Hill Reservoir.
Year      Species                        Number           Size
2007      Saugeye                       292,054           Fingerling (1”)
             Channel Catfish                   505           Catchable (12”)
2008      Saugeye                       159,111           Fingerling (1”)
             Channel Catfish                   408           Catchable (12”)