City Lake closing Sept. 30
By LARRY SHIELDS, Salem News staff writerThe Salem Reservoir continues producing good fishing with bass, crappie and perch being caught, according to Ricki Lee, one of four lake attendants.
Lee said last week two bass over 23-inches in length were caught.
When they're that big, Lee said, "We give a free pass for any bass at 18-inches or over that is released."
The lake will remain open until Sept. 30 and while it is closed on Mondays it will be open for Labor Day which falls on a Monday.
Lee said turnout was really good for the first part of the summer, but tailed off during the hotter months.
"Lots of early morning fishers," she said, adding weekends have also been "really good."
The lake, also known as Cold Run Reservoir, is Salem's main water supply and is located eight miles south of town making the 220-acre recreation center a short drive for an outing whether it's for boating, fishing, hiking and picnicking and taking it easy.
"We have a lot of picnic tables," Lee said.
"We get a lot of families. It's a nice getaway without using a lot of gas."
Operated by the Parks and Recreation Department the lake is under the supervision of the Salem
Utilities Department.
The lake offers a free pass to any parent bringing a child on the first Sunday of the month.
There is just one more of those on Sept. 7.
The lake is open from 7 a.m. until dusk and closed on Mondays, except holidays.
The cost for adults is $5 a day to fish from the lakeside, $4 with a Golden Buckeye and children under 12 are free with an adult.
Anglers don't have to purchase a license because it's a private lake and boats, electric trolling motors and 12-volt batteries are available to rent at $2.50 an hour each or $7.50 an hour for all three for up to six hours. The maximum $42 a day.
If a battery goes dead, it can be exchanged, or customers can just rent one of the 13 boats and row it themselves.
The lake sells night crawlers, maggots, minnows and wax minnows.
