"There is nothing like the thrill of expectation over the first cast in unfamiliar waters. Fishing is like gambling, in that failure only excites hope of a fortunate throw next time."
Charles Dudley Warner
Infirmary Mound Park, Granville
Mirror lake, a 7-acre pond located at Infirmary Mound Park in Granville Ohio, is currently considered the club's "Home Waters". Many of our meetings and in-house tournaments occur at this location, along with our youth summer camp. The pond has a good population of 10 - 14 inch bass, but is pressured and catching them can be a challenge. In recent years the Licking Park District has added both natural and artificial structures and the ODNR has stocked LM bass, Bluegill, and Channel catfish. These efforts are definitely improving the fishery. Access is good on three sides of the pond and kayaks or canoes are allowed during the summer months. Wacky Worms produce year round with top-water plugs excelling in the summer evenings. The pond is catch and release only.
Granville
Raccoon Creek is in the Licking River Watershed, and runs through Granville Ohio. At several points along its route, you can gain access to the bank and most of the creek is wadable. It is important to pay attention to posted signs as not all of the stream is open to the public. The section of the creek flowing through Granville has been rated as "excellent" by the OEPA and supports a good population of smallmouth bass and rock bass. Bottom bouncing soft plastics, crankbaits, small swimbaits and top water plugs are good choices on most days. Please consider practicing "catch and release" as river smallmouth grow slowly.
If catfish are your quarry, Mirror Lake at Infirmary Mound Park should be your local destination. Over the last several years the Licking Park District, in partnership with ODNR have been stocking catfish. As you can see in this picture (a 29.1 pound Flathead Catfish), their efforts are paying off! If you would like to try a little night fishing for giants... stay tuned! The GFC will be working with the LPD to offer night fishing opportunities at least once a month during the spring and summer season.