Deer Creek State Park Lodge, Ohio.

Fishing at Deer Creek Lake

The Department of Natural Resources has stocked the lake with Saugeye annually. Fishing is allowed from boats and the shoreline, in and along Deer Creek Lake and in Deer Creek below and above the lake. Ohio fishing licenses are required and can be purchased at

Frostie's on Crownover Mill Road, or Webb's on State Route 207 in Pancoastburg. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources conservation officers enforce game laws.

Fish and wildlife management is a shared responsibility—the Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Corps of Engineers manage the fish and wildlife programs by habitat improvement, nesting site development, and food-plot programs for the benefit of many fish and wildlife species.

What's Biting at Deer Creek Lake

It is not uncommon to find bluegill, largemouth bass, white and black crappie, channel catfish, white bass, saugeye, carp and bullheads in the waters of Deer Creek Lake. The Division of Wildlife also stocks saugeye fingerlings. Gizzard Shad is also found in the lake and they make excellent bait for Ohio anglers, especially when fishing for catfish.

Fishing Map 

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources offers a detailed and printable fishing map for your convenience.

Deer Creek Lake

Deer Creek Lake is a man-made lake and its deepest point is 40 feet near the dam. The U S Army Corps of Engineers built the dam for flood control. Construction began in 1965, and it was completed in 1968. Today, there are over 1,290 acres of water behind the dam. The Deer Creek Lake feeds into the Scioto River, which is more than 231 miles in length.  The river is mainly used for recreation and drinking water.