Fishing Clendening Lake

AKA: Clendening Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Clendening Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
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Clendening Reservoir, OH

Popular Fish Species Clendening Lake, OH

Clendening Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Clendening Lake is considered a quality bass fishing lake, as it has been for several years now. Anglers are catching bass in good numbers with largemouth bass in the 4 to 6-pound range showing up with some regularity. A history of careful fisheries management by the Division of Wildlife, Ohio Department of Natural Resources has helped to maintain a thriving bass fishery. Anglers can also catch smallmouth bass, which reside here in decent numbers. Recent results by bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 6 pounds being weighed in. In Clendening Lake, bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.

Clendening Lake Popular Fish - Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish Fishing

Clendening Lake has held a dependable population of channel catfish for many years now. The typical fish are about 2 pounds, with larger ones caught frequently. For weekend anglers, most any rod and reel will work for catching channel catfish, as long as the line is strong enough. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the right equipment enhances success, especially when you hook one of the big boys. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. The state record channel catfish is over 35 pounds, and Clendening Lake holds some pretty big ones. Flathead catfish also reside in the lake and fishing for them is often good as well. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin.

Clendening Lake Popular Fish - Flathead Catfish

Flathead Catfish Fishing

This year good populations of flathead catfish can be found in Clendening Lake. The state record flathead catfish is over 75 pounds. Fishing for flathead catfish is most often productive in the river end of the lake around any kind of structure. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits. Other catfish in the lake include channel and blue catfish.

Clendening Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, white bass, yellow perch and saugeye at Clendening Reservoir in Ohio.

With almost 50 miles of shoreline, Clendening Lake is a favorite fishing for bass, crappie and bluegill. This 1,800-acre lake in the northeast part of the state also sports healthy populations of catfish, white bass, perch and saugeye. The lake is known for its abundance of crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. There are three boat ramps, a marina, boat rentals, a restaurant, camping and picnic facilities, and a few areas near public facilities provide access to the shoreline for bank fishing.

Primary fish species residing in Clendening Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Clendening Reservoir Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NO

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Clendening Lake Marina and Campground
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
740 658-3691

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Clendening Lake Marina & Campground Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Bose Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Simpson Road Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, north side, off Simpson Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Marinas

Clendening Lake Marina and Campground
79100 Bose Rd
Freeport, OH 43973
740 658-3691