Best Largemouth Bass Lakes in Central Ohio

Central Ohio offers some of the best bass lakes in the state. Waters like Knox Lake, Delaware Lake and Griggs Reservoir can provide fishermen with bass action all year long, but some of the best fishing is in spring and early summer, when big bass move shallow to feed and spawn.

Knox Lake

• Location: 1.5 miles northeast of Frederickstown
• Type: reservoir
• Size: 469 acres
• Depth: 24 feet
• Fish Species: largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish
• Habitat: fallen shoreline timber, rock and gravel in lower lake; stumps and standing timber in upper lake
• Access: Division of Wildlife parking lot, picnic area, boat ramps, docks and shore access off Buena Vista Road

Delaware Lake

• Location: 4 miles north of the city of Delaware
• Type: reservoir
• Size: 693 acres
• Depth: 27 feet
• Fish Species: largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, sunfish, white bass
• Habitat: coves and points, steep drop-offs, shallow brush
• Access: boat ramps, parking, docks and shore access to western shore through Delaware State Park; boat ramp with parking on eastern shore off Sherwood Road

Griggs Reservoir

• Location: Franklin County, just west of Columbus
• Type: reservoir
• Size: 378 acres
• Depth: 21 feet
• Fish Species: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, saugeye, sunfish
• Habitat: shoreline timber, rip-rap and water willow; islands in upper reservoir
• Access: boat ramps, docks, shore access, picnic areas and parking in City Park on the eastern shore; additional marinas and launch facilities off State Route 33.