Shenango Lake keeps anglers busy
Anglers seeking an area rich in fishing options need look no further than Shenango Lake. This Mercer County impoundment hosts several warmwater species, and its tailwater area adds a trout-fishing component.
Crappies are a premier species in Shenango, with spring the most popular time to target them. The lake contains both black and white crappies. Both flavors run a nice size, with white crappies averaging nine to 13 inches.
Crappies share the limelight with largemouth bass, which are plentiful. Smallmouths are also found here.
Shenango's walleye fishery is a decent one, as the species has a following among anglers.
The muskie population might not be a particularly strong one, but the lake does have a history of producing big muskies. The lake is stocked on at least a semi-regular basis with hybrid striped bass, which adds another element to the picture.
Northern pike are present, and, according to Fish and Boat Commission surveys, are on the increase. Channel catfish also are found in good numbers and size.
The outflow area of Shenango is stocked with adult trout and is open all year. The area extends from the discharge of the dam downriver to Buckeye Drive Bridge.
An impoundment of the Shenango River, Shenango Lake covers 3,500 surface acres. Its maximum depth at summer pool is about 35 feet. A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lake primarily managed for flood control, Shenango is subject to fluctuating water levels.
Since it undergoes an annual drawdown, don't expect to find aquatic vegetation. The lake does have a diverse amount of structure and cover, though. Submerged roadbeds and railroad beds are concealed by the lake's surface. Extensive areas of riprap, primarily found in conjunction with the many bridges that traverse the lake, attract both largemouth and smallmouth bass in the summer.
The submerged river channel and secondary creek channels funnel gamefish. Numerous stump fields are present. Fish attractors, such as cribs, brush piles and tire reefs, have been placed in the lake to connect fish with fishermen.
Shenango Lake is made up of two major arms that create the two largest basins. The Shenango River enters the impoundment from the east, forming one of these areas. Pymatuning Creek joins the lake from the west. Both basins funnel into a relatively narrow reach, the Mahaney Channel.
The dam is located at the southern end of the channel, directly above where Pine Hollow Run enters the lake.
During the early spring, Shenango's crappies tend to concentrate in shallow water, particularly areas that are quick to warm. Such spots are located in the upper portions of both the Shenango and Pymatuning arms.
During late spring and early summer, expect to find crappie action along the many riprap bridge areas.
Standard crappie fare, such as a small fathead minnow suspended under a bobber, will catch plenty of fish. A more aggressive tactic is to use a long "dipping" pole to probe visible cover with a 2-inch plastic bait.
As spring gives way to summer, much of the angling attention will focus on bass. Largemouths will be well dispersed throughout the lake. Smallmouths tend to be found where rocky habitat is present. Shenango is an excellent lake for targeting bass with crankbaits and Carolina rigs.
There is no horsepower restriction on Shenango Lake, though there are minimum-wake zones. Also, the area located above the railroad bridge on the Pymatuning arm is limited to 10-hp engines.
Phone 724-962-4384 to hear a recorded message regarding daily lake level and current recreation information. The park office can be reached at 724-962-7746.
Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Mercer County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-637-2370.
Jeff Knapp is an outdoors writer for the Butler Eagle.
