Clear Fork Lake
This 1,000-acre lake is located along Ohio Route 97 in portions of Morrow and Richland counties in north-central Ohio, seven miles southwest of Mansfield. The lake and surrounding recreation area are managed by the City of Mansfield.
While its primary purpose is to provide drinking water supply for the Mansfield area, Clear Fork is a popular boating, fishing and picnic destination. Additional recreation opportunities include hiking, camping, and hunting.
The lake is popular among boat anglers who generally fish the lake for muskies. In fact, Clear Fork is rated among Ohio’s top muskie fishing lakes and is a consistent producer of trophy catches of this toothy and aggressive predatory sport fish. The lake also offers good fishing opportunities for crappie, bluegill and largemouth bass.
Boaters are not restricted by a horsepower limit, but must strictly observe a lakewide speed limit of 8 miles per hour. Four full-time patrol officers are on duty to enforce boating and other recreation area rules and to assist visitors. Fishing from boats is permitted across the lake, except in the buoyed area within 500 feet of the dam on the east end of the lake.
Shoreline fishing is permitted only along the west and south shores.
Concessionaires along the south shoreline rent boats and sell fishing equipment, boating equipment and supplies. A marina is located in the southwest corner of the lake adjacent to the lake’s only boat ramp. Three additional parking and picnic areas are located along the south shoreline off Route 97.
A handicap-accessible picnic area and fishing pier also is available.
The Mansfield Sailing Club is located near the intersection of Ohio Route 97 and Gass Road, where boaters and visitors can enjoy the club’s docks, shelter, picnic areas, and restrooms. The docks and their moorings may only be used by club members, though remaining facilities are open to the general public
Clear Fork Lake is located 34 miles east of Marion, 60 miles north of Columbus and 71 miles southwest of Akron.
A visit to Clear Fork Reservoir also provides good opportunities to visit the nearby Mohican State Forest, the Mohican River and the state park and resort lodge. For more information on this boating destination, call the Clear Fork office at 419-884-1408 and visit the City of Mansfield web page at www.ci.mansfield.oh.us |