There is no arguing that Berlin Lake is one of the most famous spots in Mahoning River in northeastern Ohio. What started out as backup reservoir for Lake Milton in the 1940s is now a paradise for boaters.
As the fifth largest in-land lake in Ohio, the Berlin Lake covers 3,590 acres during the summer. The lake’s surface area expands to more than 5,000 acres during the rainy season.
People who visit Berlin Lake come for recreational opportunities the lake offers.
What Makes Berlin Lake Popular to Boaters?
Berlin Lake’s wide surface area makes it conducive to various water sports and activities. This includes wind surfing, sailing, power boating, jet skiing, water skiing, and tubing. The lake is also ideal for paddle crafting and pontoon boating.
In addition, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages the Mill Creek Recreation Area around the lake. The recreation area has launch sites for four public boats, making sure that the water can accommodate a lot of tourists and lake goers on summer weekends.
There are also two marinas with dockings facilities available to take in boaters in the area. The facilities include fishing tackle and supplies and other boating necessities.
As posted on ODNR Division of Wildlife’s website, Berlin Lake has no power restrictions for boats during the day. However, speed limit at night is restricted at 10 mph.
Also, keep in mind that there are designated no-wake zones, water skiing areas, and sailboat-only areas around the lake.
Fishing at Berlin Lake
The many arms and bays of Berlin Lake have created varied fish habitats in the reservoir. In addition, old Christmas trees that are disposed of in strategic locations provide for artificial fish structure.
Berlin Lake is a popular place for fishing, as it serves as a natural spawning area for walleye.
This particular species is caught during the spring and early summer either by trolling with small diving lures or casting with jig and live bait rigs. You can also do ice fishing for walleye during winter months using jigs and blade lures tipped with minnows.
During spring and early summer, you can catch a largemouth bass within and around the many narrow arms of Berlin Lake. They can also be found in the shallow flooded willows at the upper end of the lake.
On the other hand, smallmouth bass are caught during spring in and around the middle and lower sections of the lake.
The best way to catch both a largemouth bass and smallmouth bass is through jigging. In relation to this, annual bass fishing tournaments are held at Berlin Lake.
Meanwhile, crappies can be caught each spring when dogwood starts to bloom, particularly on small jigs and live baits from flooded willows, fallen trees, brush piles, and stumps in the headwaters of Berlin Lake.
From June to the rest of the summer, channel catfish can be caught after dark fishing from the shoreline.
Other than those species, lake goers can find bullhead, muskellunge, and bluegill in the reservoir. You can visit ODNR for their fishing forecast to know when is the best time to go fishing.
Deer Creek Reservoir: Berlin Lake’s Fishing Secret
Found near the south of Berlin Lake, the Deer Creek Reservoir covers over 300 acres of prime angling waters.
It was built on 1955 to supple water in the city of Alliance. Now, it is one of Berlin Lake’s lesser-known fishing secrets.
Lake goers may find Deer Creek an ideal place for ice fishing during winter. However, only electric motor boats are allowed to enter the area.
Other Recreational Activities You Can Do at Berlin Lake
While Berlin Lake is known as a boating and fishing spot, the reservoir also offers off-water activities.
For one, you can do camping at Mill Creek Campground. The campground offers various campsites and camping amenities. However, campers must book a reservation to get a spot.
The campground also features a short natural trail, considering the limited number of hiking paths in the area. In this regard, the Berlin Lake Association seeks to develop a major hiking trail along the abandoned railroad bed crossing the lake.
The ODNR also manages more than 8,500 acres of wetlands, woodlands, and grasslands surrounding the reservoir. Popular destinations include an area for dog training and the archery range, while other visitors can do hunting in some parts during the open season.
Berlin Lake is also a natural spot for bird watching as it serves as sanctuary to a lot of migrating fowls. During the periods where water is low, the exposed mudflats attract tons of shorebirds which can be difficult to find during specific times of the year.
Are Your Excited to Visit the Berlin Lake?
If you are the kind of person who likes water activities, or you simply desire to be one with nature, visiting Berlin Lake should be on your bucket list.
