Nimisila Reservoir is a reservoir in Ohio, near Summit County.
Nimisila was built in 1936 by the federal Works Progress Administration, using a dam across Nimisila Creek. Its origin as a water-supply project sets it apart from the nearby natural kettle lakes.
Today, Nimisila Reservoir offers a very different pace from the work that created it. Electric motors are the only boat motors permitted, according to Summit Metro Parks. That makes battery planning and a realistic return route part of an angler's preparation, rather than an afterthought when the wind rises.
At approximately 825 acres, this is the largest water in this nine-lake group. You can spend a useful day learning one section without trying to fish the reservoir from end to end. Choose a launch or bank access point that serves the area you intend to investigate.
| Setting | Portage Lakes region |
|---|---|
| Location | Summit County, Ohio |
| Surface area | Approximately 825 acres |
| Maximum depth | Approximately 30 feet |
| Estimated volume | 9,400 acre-feet |
Nimisila's varied fish list can encourage overpacking. A bass trip, a crappie outing and a catfish session call for different equipment, so decide which one matters most before loading the car. Bring an alternative that complements the main plan rather than several rods you never expect to use.
For bass, work visible vegetation with a rig that comes through it cleanly. An exposed jig may be useful beside an edge, while a weedless plastic is more manageable inside scattered cover. When the lure fouls repeatedly, change its path or rigging before concluding the fish are inactive.
Crappie fishing is a good reason to concentrate on depth control. Both black and white crappie are listed here. Use a small jig, count its sinking time and keep the retrieve consistent. If one depth produces a bite, repeat it before changing color. The goal is to learn where the fish are holding, not merely to find a lure they will occasionally strike.
Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides), Northern Pike (Esox lucius), Walleye (Sander vitreus), Black Crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), White Crappie (Pomoxis annularis), Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), Redear Sunfish (Lepomis microlophus), Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens), Brown Bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus), Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio), and Gizzard Shad (Dorosoma cepedianum).
Northern pike require preparation even if they are not your main target. If you deliberately fish for them, use tackle suited to their teeth and have appropriate unhooking tools ready. A landing net should be large enough to support the fish without turning the final moments of the fight into a struggle beside the boat.
Channel catfish give you a stationary alternative. Pick a safe, permitted position, keep the rod attended and use enough weight to hold the bait where you intend. Check a bait after repeated small taps; waiting longer accomplishes little if it has already been removed.
Yellow perch provide a useful alternative when you want to fish a small presentation with close attention to depth. Try a tiny jig or a modest worm offering near the bottom, but keep it clear of debris. If the bait disappears after a series of taps, reduce its size so more of the offering sits near the hook point. A bite at one depth is worth repeating before relocating.
For a spring or fall visit, prepare for changes during the outing. A comfortable launch can become an unpleasant return if the wind strengthens or the temperature falls. Pack an extra layer where it stays dry and set a turnaround time that leaves room for the unexpected. That practical margin is especially useful when your propulsion depends on paddling or battery power.
An electric-only outing still demands attention to wind and distance. Start with a charged battery, monitor its use and avoid planning a return that depends on perfect conditions. If paddling, choose a route within your ability and wear a properly fitted life jacket.
The published motor rule permits electric motors only. Check the park's current instructions concerning your particular boat and equipment before bringing it; do not assume permission to operate a gasoline motor.
Nimisila is managed by Summit Metro Parks. Use its current access information, notices and facility details when planning this part of a Portage Lakes trip.
Not necessarily. Walleye are listed, but maximum depth alone cannot tell you where they are feeding. Look for a workable depth change and keep track of lure position rather than going straight to the deepest available point.
Explore nearby waters, including local Featured destinations. Check each page for access and fishing restrictions.
Distances are straight-line estimates between mapped water locations.