Griggs Reservoir is a 394-acre lake in Columbus that holds largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill in a setting close to the city center
Griggs Reservoir sits on the Scioto River in south Columbus, formed by a dam built in the early 1900s. The lake is narrow and elongated, running roughly north to south, and reaches depths of 40 feet in some spots but averages much shallower. It is managed by the City of Columbus Division of Recreation and Parks, and the shoreline is mostly public access through parks and boat ramps.
The reservoir holds a solid population of largemouth bass in the 1- to 4-pound range, with occasional fish pushing 6 pounds. Channel catfish are present and active, especially in summer and fall. Bluegill and other panfish are abundant and make for reliable fishing when bass are slow. The water is relatively clear in spring and early summer, but can turn turbid after heavy rain because the Scioto feeds directly into it.
Key Takeaways
- Griggs Reservoir has two public boat ramps and several shoreline access points, all free to use with no permit required.
- Bass fishing is best in spring (March through May) and fall (September through October), with summer requiring early morning or evening trips.
- Channel catfish bite year-round and are most active at night or in low-light conditions, especially in summer.
- Ohio fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older; a one-day license costs less than $20 and can be purchased online or at bait shops.
- The lake is narrow enough that shore fishing is productive, particularly along the dam and near the boat ramps where structure holds fish.
Access Points and Boat Ramps
The main public boat ramp is at Griggs Park, located on the west side of the reservoir off Riverside Drive. The ramp is concrete, well-maintained, and has parking for roughly 20 vehicles. There is no launch fee. A second ramp sits at the south end of the lake near the dam, also free and accessible during daylight hours.
Shore fishing is possible at several spots. Griggs Park itself has a small beach area and grassy banks where you can fish from the ground. The dam area on the south end allows shore access and is a popular spot for catfish anglers at dusk. Parking is available at both locations, though spaces fill quickly on weekends during good weather.
What Fish Are Here and When They Bite
Largemouth bass are the primary target for most anglers. Spring (March through May) is the most productive season, when bass move shallow to spawn and feed aggressively. Fall (September through October) is the second-best window, with cooler water pushing bass into active feeding patterns. Summer fishing is possible but requires fishing early morning or late evening; midday heat pushes bass deep and into shade.
Channel catfish are present year-round and bite best at night or in low-light conditions. Summer and fall are peak seasons for catfish, when they feed most actively. Live bait—shiners, bluegill, or crawfish—works well, as do prepared stink baits and chicken liver. Fish the deeper holes and channel edges, especially near the dam.
Bluegill and other panfish are abundant and bite consistently throughout the year. They are easiest to catch in spring and early summer, and they provide good action for children or anglers learning to fish. Small jigs, live crickets, or worms work reliably.
Regulations and Licensing
An Ohio fishing license is required for anyone 16 years old and older. A one-day license costs less than $20 and can be purchased online through the Ohio Division of Wildlife website, at most bait and tackle shops in Columbus, or at Walmart and other retailers that sell hunting and fishing licenses. A three-day license is also available at a modest cost.
Bag limits for largemouth bass are five fish per day with a 12-inch minimum length. Channel catfish have no daily limit. Bluegill and other panfish have a 30-fish daily limit. These regulations can change, so check the current Ohio fishing regulations before you go.
The reservoir is open to fishing from sunrise to sunset. No night fishing is permitted, which affects catfish anglers who prefer low-light conditions; plan to fish the hour before sunset and the hour after sunrise instead.
Seasons and Water Conditions
Spring (March through May) offers the most consistent fishing. Water temperatures climb from the 40s into the 60s, and bass are most active. The Scioto River flow can be high after snowmelt or rain, which can make the water turbid, but fishing remains good because bass are feeding heavily.
Summer (June through August) is hot and can be slow during midday. Early morning and evening trips are essential. Water clarity is usually good unless heavy rain has occurred. Catfish bite best at dusk and into the evening hours, though night fishing is not permitted.
Fall (September through October) is excellent. Water cools, bass feed aggressively, and the lake is less crowded than in spring. Water clarity is typically good. This is an underrated season for Griggs.
Winter (November through February) is slow for most species. Bass are deep and less active. Some catfish fishing is possible, but success drops significantly. Many anglers skip winter at Griggs and fish elsewhere.
What to Bring and How to Fish
For bass, bring a medium-action spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound monofilament or braided line. Soft plastics (4- to 6-inch worms or crawfish), crankbaits, and topwater lures all work. Fish the shoreline, especially near downed trees, rock piles, and the dam structure. Early morning and late evening are most productive.
For catfish, a medium to heavy rod with 15- to 20-pound line works well. Use a simple three-way rig or slip sinker rig with live bait or stink bait. Fish the deeper holes and channel edges, particularly near the dam. A headlamp is useful for evening fishing, though remember that fishing must stop at sunset.
For panfish, a light spinning rod and small jigs or live bait are all you need. Fish the shallows and near structure. Panfish bite consistently and are forgiving of technique.
Nearby Services and Facilities
Griggs Park has restrooms, picnic tables, and a small parking area. The park is open during daylight hours. Several bait and tackle shops are located in Columbus within 10 to 15 minutes of the reservoir. The closest is typically in the Hilltop or Clintonville neighborhoods; a quick search for "bait and tackle near me" will show current options and hours.
Gas stations and convenience stores are abundant in the surrounding neighborhoods. There are no restaurants directly at the reservoir, but Riverside Drive and nearby streets have options within a short drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish from shore at Griggs Reservoir?
Yes. Griggs Park has shoreline access with parking and restrooms. The dam area also allows shore fishing. Both spots are free and open during daylight hours. Shore fishing is productive for bass, catfish, and panfish, especially if you focus on structure like rocks or fallen trees.
What is the best time of day to fish here?
Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and late evening (late afternoon to sunset) are most productive for bass. Catfish bite best at dusk and into the evening, though night fishing is not permitted. Midday fishing is slow in summer but can work in spring and fall.
Do I need a boat to fish Griggs Reservoir?
No. Shore fishing is productive and requires no boat. A boat gives you access to deeper water and more structure, but many anglers catch fish regularly from the banks at Griggs Park and the dam area.
What size bass are typically caught here?
Most largemouth bass at Griggs run 1 to 4 pounds. Fish in the 5- to 6-pound range are caught occasionally but are not common. The lake is not known for trophy bass, but it offers consistent action for anglers targeting average-sized fish.
Is there a fee to launch a boat or fish here?
No. Both boat ramps are free, and there is no day-use fee for the park. You only need an Ohio fishing license, which costs less than $20 for a one-day license.