Fishing in Ohio invites quiet contemplation and escape in nature, well, at least, I think so. With little-known fishing spots in Ohio like Clendening Lake, anglers have much to love about our state. Sure, Ohio is teeming with lots of beautiful bodies of water (you know, the Great Lakes). Still, if you’re looking for a more serene and secluded experience, with seclusion and 40 miles of wide-open shorelines, you’ll find it in the peaceful community of Freeport.
As you cast your line at this underrated lake in Ohio, with nothing but you, the open waters, and the quiet stillness, you’ll soon realize that time spent in the great outdoors is time well spent.
Where is Clendening Lake?
Tucked away in the rural town of Freeport in west-central Ohio, Clendening Lake is an under-the-radar gem that’s teeming with some of the state’s finest fresh catches. With fewer than 400 residents, Freeport is unlike major tourist hubs like Cleveland and Columbus, which are about 100 miles away. And although the community is not a well-known fishing village like Port Clinton, folks come here on purpose to spend time outdoors and to take a much-needed break from their fast-paced lives. And of course, spending peaceful days fishing on Clendening Lake is the main draw here.
Technically a reservoir, Clendening Lake is part of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, which was created in 1933 to control flooding in the state of Ohio following the Great Flood of 1913. Known as the largest undeveloped lake in the state of Ohio, Clendening Lake boasts 40 miles of unspoiled shoreline and over 1,700 acres of pristine waters. There is a 9.9 hp motor limit to ensure peaceful boating and undisturbed fishing — and while the waters are certainly calm, below the surface, fish swim and spawn and thrive.
What Makes Clendening Lake So Special?
While Clendening isn’t one of the most popular lakes in Ohio, it has its own claim to fame. The lake is known for its large Ohio muskie, saugeye, bass, panfish, and catfish, attracting anglers from around the state. However, it holds one of the Ohio state records for the flathead catfish that was caught in this very lake in 1979! It weighed a whopping 76.5 pounds and was nearly five feet long! That’s about the size of a 10-year-old child…