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Tappan Lake

Boat Ramps
4
Access Points
4
Species
12

Tappan Lake is a 2,350-acre reservoir located in Harrison County, Ohio, with approximately 47 miles of shoreline. Part of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, this picturesque lake is nestled in the rolling hills of eastern Ohio. The lake was created in the 1930s, with normal pool elevation at 899.3 feet above sea level. The former communities of Tappan and Laceyville were inundated when the lake was completed in 1938. US Route 250 follows the main body of the lake for approximately 7 miles on causeways built during its construction. Located about 100 miles east of Columbus, 80 miles south of Cleveland, and 30 miles from the Ohio/West Virginia border, Tappan Lake provides excellent fishing opportunities for anglers throughout the year.


Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Tappan 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 Tappan 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.

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Ohio Fishing License

Persons under 16 years of age are not required to purchase a fishing license.

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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.

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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.

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Take Tappan 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 Tappan Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Tappan 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.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Tappan Lake and check the forecast before you go.

Little Stillwater Creek bl Tappan Dam at Tappan OH

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