Shreve Lake reopens after restoration project
ODNR celebrated the reopening of Shreve Lake by stocking bluegill into the lake with the community.
ODNR
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of
Wildlife officially reopened Shreve Lake Wildlife Area in Wayne County to
fishing and boating Aug. 14 with a special dedication ceremony. The lake is
reopening following a major restoration project, which included repairing
Shreve Lake’s dam.
“This is a project that has been a long time coming, and under Gov. DeWine’s leadership, we are proud to finally reopen Shreve Lake
for those who love to fish or paddle in Wayne County,” ODNR Director Mary
Mertz said. “Shreve Lake will once again be counted among Ohio’s many gateways to
the great outdoors.”
To celebrate Shreve Lake’s reopening, the ODNR Division of
Wildlife stocked 1,500 adult bluegills. The division will follow up with an
additional stocking of 6,000 largemouth bass and 30,000 fingerling-sized
bluegill this year. Future stockings will supplement these efforts and add
channel catfish to the lake. Natural reproduction will create a balanced and
sustainable fishery over time.
In 2022 ODNR began work to repair the dam including draining the lake to replace the dam’s principal spillway, which allows for
drainage and maintains lake levels. In addition to the dam, other improvements
to Shreve Lake were made such as repairing a fishing pier and boat ramp and
constructing a new parking lot and boat launch.
These improvements, totaling $6.5 million in capital
funding, will enhance fishing, birding and other outdoor recreation at the
lake.
Shreve Lake is a popular destination for kayak anglers
because of the lake’s available habitat and accessible boat launches. The daily
limit for anglers is five bass, with a minimum length requirement of 12 inches.
The daily limit for bluegill is 10. A fishing license is required for anglers age 16 and older. Visit www.wildohio.gov for more
information.
Shreve Lake Wildlife Area is located in Wayne County, about 1 mile north of Shreve. Lake access is along Township Road 316. The area was purchased by the division of wildlife in 1958, and the 58-acre lake was constructed in 1962. In addition to fishing and paddling, Shreve Lake Wildlife Area supports hunting, trapping and birding across a variety of habitat types including grasslands, woodlands and shrubby areas. Birders flock to the area during spring and fall migrations to enjoy abundant waterfowl, songbirds and more.
