Ohio adds Fish Attactors at Atwood Reservoir

Northeast Ohio has some of the best places to fish in the state. But, more often than not, finding fish on some of the larger lakes can be difficult due to the lack of structure. But, thanks to collaboration between the Ohio Division of Wildlife and the Mahoning County Green Team, anglers who fish Atwood Reservoir (Carroll/Tuscarawas counties) now have an area where fish may be concentrated.

Throughout the month of February, crews from the Division of Wildlife placed fish attractors consisting of recycled Christmas trees in Atwood Reservoir. In total, 178 structures were introduced into an area of the lake that would not normally attract fish. "Holiday trees make excellent fish attractors due to their complexity, and they should be fully working when our new crappie regulations come into effect on March 1." says Matt Wolfe, Fisheries Biologist who oversees this project for the Division of Wildlife.

The tree structures can be found at the following locations:
- 164 structures from N 40o 32' 21.7" / W 81o 15' 37.1" to N 40o 32' 24.9" / W 81o 15' 42.3"

- 14 structures underneath the handicap fishing pier located inside Atwood Lake Park (N 40o 32' 23.9" / W 81o 15' 45.7")

The map datum on your GPS unit should be set at NAD 83 to find the structures and the coordinates provided are in degrees, minutes, and seconds.


The goal of this project is to introduce 500 structures into the waters of Northeastern Ohio annually in order to recruit the next generation of anglers and retain the anglers who already enjoy the sport of fishing. These efforts came at minimal cost to the Division and its constituents since the used block were donated and the holiday trees were recycled through the Mahoning County Green Team. To view some pictures of the structure placements, please go to the Wildlife News Release page at www.wildohio.com.. Structure locations in other Northeast Ohio lakes can be found at the Northeast Ohio Fishing Prospects page at www.wildohio.com. For all other inquiries, please contact the Wildlife District Three office in Akron at (330) 644-2293.