Crane Lake is a reservoir in Licking County, Ohio. Crane Lake covers about 2,757 acres; a reliable maximum depth figure was not found.
How the Size and Shape of Crane Lake Affect Fishing
Crane Lake was made by holding back a river or creek, making the old channel, bends and quiet coves sensible places to begin.
Fish and Baits at Crane Lake
Fish reported from Crane Lake include black crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, common carp, freshwater drum, gizzard shad, largemouth bass, white bass, and white crappie.
Bass
For bass at Crane, fish weeds, wood and shade with a jig, spinnerbait or Texas-rigged worm for largemouth.
Crappie, Perch and Sunfish
For panfish at Crane, use a small jig or live minnow beside brush for crappie, and fish a worm, cricket or tiny jig near weeds and shade for sunfish.
Walleye, Saugeye and White Bass
For roaming fish at Crane, follow shad with a small spoon, jig or crankbait for white bass.
Catfish, Bullheads and Carp
For bottom fishing at Crane, put cut bait, chicken liver or a nightcrawler on bottom for channel catfish, and fish corn or dough bait on a simple bottom rig for carp.
Other Reported Fish
Another option at Crane is to bounce a jig, worm or crayfish bait near bottom for freshwater drum.
How the Seasons Change Crane Lake
Spring around Crane is a good time to check warm coves and incoming water, and summer is a good time to fish shade, weeds and the first drop into deeper water. Fall around Crane can bring fish back to windy points and banks, while winter calls for smaller baits fished slowly.
A Simple Plan for Fishing Crane Lake
On a first trip to Crane, check incoming water, one bend in the old channel and a point near deep water with a moving lure, then slow down with a jig or worm where you get a bite.
Useful Tackle for Crane Lake
A medium spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound line handles most jigs, worms and small lures at Crane, while a medium-heavy rod is better for bass jigs and heavier bottom rigs.
Crane Lake FAQs
Where should an angler start on the 2,757-acre Crane Lake?
At Crane, pick one cove and the closest point or drop into deep water, then fish that small area well before making a long move.
Why is no maximum depth listed for Crane Lake?
A reliable depth number was not found for Crane, so anglers should rely on what they can see and what their lure touches.
Which reported fish is a simple first target at Crane Lake?
Black crappie is on the fish list for Crane, so start with a bait made for that fish instead of guessing at a species that may not be there.
Nearby fishing waters
Explore nearby waters, including local Featured destinations. Check each page for access and fishing restrictions.
Distances are straight-line estimates between mapped water locations.