Poland, OH: What's with the local lakes?? (Youngstown, Hamilton: homes, camping)

[finallygreen]

Hello,

Well I'm about to move to the Poland area, and I'm intrigued about these 2 lakes I've found here. There's a small lake off Water St./Poland Ave. North of the 224 (I THINK this one's called Hamilton, but I'm not really sure), and then a bigger one south of Western Reserve called Evans Lake. I first spotted these 2 lakes on google, but have since driven by & around them both. Thing is, it appears as though there's simply NO access to these lakes other than by the people fortunate enough to have homes on them. I've found the country club on the west side of Evans Lake (currently being remodeled), but other than that, nothing. Is there no public access to either of these lakes for fishing/swimming/whatever??

Thanks in advance for your time!

[South Range Family]

You are right about that being Lake Hamilton. Lake Hamilton Fishing in Mahoning County, Ohio | Fishing Works

This link may be a bit misleading. I'm not sure about its fishing status.


Evans Lake was part of a three lake system at one time. Evans, Pine, and Beaver. They were open to fishing. I'm pretty sure Beaver is now owned by the Firestone golf course in Columbiana.

Evans and Pine Lakes are owned by Aqua Ohio. They compete with Youngstown for supplying water to the townships. All three lakes were closed to the public a few years back. I've heard rumors that Pine Lake is going to reopen on a limited basis, but I can't confirm that. Give Aqua Ohio a call.

[finallygreen]

OK...so I have another question, and I didn't want to start another topic when it essentially belonged here...

I'm loving it here in the Poland/Lowellville area, but having spent most of my life in California, I'd REALLY like to find some 'recreational water' (for lack of a better term). Where's the closest body of water that I could safely take my kids to swim? (other than a pool, obviously!)

Thanks in advance for your time

[South Range Family]

Right now your best option is Berlin Lake. It's due West on 224 ten miles past Canfield.

Right before you get to the lake is a crossroad called Bedell Rd. Turn left on Bedell and go about 1/4 mile. There is a playground, beach, and picnic area on the right. The sand beach is inside the State campground. Park in the day use area, and walk in. It's free.

Later in the summer there is a good chance that a pay to swim lake will reopen in North Lima on 165. They have a separate swimming lake, and a 5 acre fishing lake. My buddy from work owns it. He has to work out a few more details, and then it should be a go.

You can check out Berlin on Web browser and Live Maps are incompatible

Did you get any info on the Lowellville Rod & Gun Club?

[finallygreen]

Thanks again for always having the answers, South Range.....looking at Berlin Lake on the map now.

Y'know, I didn't bother looking into the Rod & Gun Club yet...I've come to find out that my neighbor actually owns a small lake on his property that he'll allow us to fish in (and hunting's not my thing). I do remember you saying that there's a lot of other things they get involved in (stuff for kids, etc.), so I may still look into it eventually.

That'd definately be nice if your buddy gets his lake open....looks like N. Lima's half the drive that Berlin Lake is

[Beavercreek33]

Originally Posted by finallygreen

OK...so I have another question, and I didn't want to start another topic when it essentially belonged here...

I'm loving it here in the Poland/Lowellville area, but having spent most of my life in California, I'd REALLY like to find some 'recreational water' (for lack of a better term). Where's the closest body of water that I could safely take my kids to swim? (other than a pool, obviously!)

Thanks in advance for your time

Welcome to Ohio! I am glad you are enjoying it, and I wish you the best of luck!

[South Range Family]

If you feel like exploring a little, there is also Guilford Lake. It's South of Salem on route 9. The State campground is very small with a road going around it. I wouldn't waste my time camping there.

The good thing about it is that they also have a nice swimming beach, a play ground, and a boat ramp. About half way around the lake is another huge sand beach that is maintained by the State. It has showers, restrooms, and a big parking lot. They also maintain several pavillions, and picnic areas. There are a bunch of private camps around the lake, and two restaurants. Mark's Landing is a pretty popular destination down there.

There is a 9.9 horsepower limit. You will see mostly pontoons, and fishing boats on the water.


Almost across the street from Guilford is a 110 acre lake known as Salem Reservoir. It is owned by the City of Salem. They charge somewhere around $5 a day to fish. Kids are free. It's electric only, and they stock everything from Pike on down to Bluegill. It's on Tee Garden Road, and is a very well kept secret. There are very few people there, even with the bait shop and picnic area.

I read on a State website that one of these weekends coming up is free fishing in the entire State. They won't require the $19 license for those two days. Nineteen bucks is still a bargain for a year long fishing license though.


You may also want to keep your calendar open for the weekend of June 19th. Quaker City Drags is sponsoring the Steel Valley Nationals. There will be some car cruising in Boardman, but the majority of people now go to the afterparty in Salem. They close down the entire town. There are hotrods, food vendors, live music, and things to see. Last year the Wal-Mart put on a free movie in their parking lot. I believe they showed American Graffiti. Steel Valley Super Nationals!


I just noticed that maps.live has such a good picture of Salem Reservoir that you can actually see the weed beds where the fish hang out.