Salt Fork Lake
Salt Fork Lake
- Boat Ramps
- 11
- Access Points
- 22
- Species
- 14
Located in the hills of southeastern Ohio, Salt Fork Lake is a 2,952-acre reservoir that offers excellent fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Created in 1967 through the impoundment of Salt Fork Creek, this picturesque lake features steep to rolling terrain dissected by numerous small streams. Originally planned as a water source for Cambridge, the area's recreational potential led to its development as Ohio's largest state park. The lake boasts 74 miles of shoreline with diverse habitats including standing timber in embayments, an artificial reef on the north branch, and rocky shorelines that provide ideal fishing structure.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Salt Fork Lake and what's needed to catch them.
Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Salt Fork Lake. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
Know where you can legally fish on Salt Fork Lake
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
Ohio licenses and regulations
Ohio Boating Regulations
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
Ohio Fishing License
Persons under 16 years of age are not required to purchase a fishing license.
Ohio Fishing Regulations
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
Ohio Stream Access Laws
Ohio does not believe there is a precise definition for navigability, so it is determined on a case-by-case basis. However, the state generally accepts waterways capable of recreational boating, with a history of recreation and with public access. The public is allowed to recreate freely on all navigable waters but streambeds are not publicly owned.
Take Salt Fork Lake with you
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Use the map without signal
Download the map around Salt Fork Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Salt Fork Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Salt Fork Lake and check the forecast before you go.
No forecast data available.
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