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  • Fish in Lake Kelso?

    Question

    I have some questions about Lake Kelso. Are there any native fish species in this lake? If so, what are they? Have any other species been introduced? Is fishing there legal? What is the trailer of canoes used for? Thank you very much.

    Naturalist's Response

    Yes, there are plenty of native fishes in Lake Kelso (I’ve conducted numerous aquatic surveys in the lake over the years). Lake Kelso supports a typical Ohio warmwater fish community (Largemouth Bass, various sunfishes like bluegill, pumpkinseed, warmouth, etc.). There are also some really neat and very uncommon species like Lake Chubsuckers that take refuge in the lake.

    No, we do not introduce (stock) any fishes into Lake Kelso or allow any fishing because it is a designated State Nature Preserve. The canoes are for guided Geauga Park District programs.

    Thanks for your interest in the parks. Let me know if you have any other questions.

    -Park Biologist Paul Pira