What you'll find at Dillon State Park

Dillon State Park sits on a 1,100-acre reservoir in Muskingum County, about 20 miles south of Zanesville. The lake itself runs roughly 2,650 acres and holds a solid mix of walleye, crappie, catfish, and bass—the kind of fishery where you can catch different species on the same morning depending on where you cast. The park has two boat ramps, a marina with rental boats, and shoreline access from multiple parking areas, so you can fish however you prefer.

The water is relatively clear, which matters for walleye fishing here. Dillon doesn't have the reputation of some of the bigger Ohio reservoirs, but that's partly why it works: you get decent fishing without the weekend crowds you'd find at Piedmont or Seneca. The lake is deep enough in the main channel—60 to 80 feet in places—but has plenty of shallow structure along the arms and creek channels where fish stage seasonally.

Key Takeaways

  • Walleye fishing peaks in spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) when fish move into shallower water along the creek channels and points.
  • Summer crappie fishing is reliable in deeper water and around submerged timber, especially early morning or after dark.
  • Channel catfish bite well from June through September, particularly at night on cut bait near the dam and in the deeper holes.
  • Two public boat ramps and a marina make access straightforward; shoreline fishing is also productive from the parking areas along the north shore.
  • You need an Ohio fishing license, and walleye have a 15-inch minimum length with a daily bag limit of six fish.

Spring walleye fishing (April and May)

Spring is when Dillon walleye move shallow and bite consistently. As water temperatures climb from the low 50s into the 60s, fish leave the deep winter holes and move into the creek channels and along the points where the lake arms branch off from the main basin. This is jig-and-minnow territory—a 1/8-ounce or 3/16-ounce jig tipped with a live shiner or fathead minnow will catch fish all day if you work the right depth.

Focus on the creek channels that feed into the lake from the north and east. These channels hold structure—old creek beds, stumps, and irregular bottom—that walleye use as highways. Fish the edges where the channel drops off into deeper water, and don't ignore the flats in 8 to 12 feet of water. Early morning and late evening are prime, but spring walleye at Dillon will bite through midday if you're in the right spot. Trolling crankbaits along the points also works, especially if you're covering water and looking for active fish.

Summer fishing for crappie and catfish

Once water temperatures hit the upper 70s, walleye bite slows and crappie become the main target. Dillon has a healthy crappie population—both black and white crappie—and summer is when they school up in deeper water. Look for submerged timber, old brush piles, and the deeper holes in the main lake basin. A small jig (1/16-ounce) tipped with a minnow or a small soft plastic will load the boat on a good morning. Fish early, before the sun gets high; crappie bite best from first light through mid-morning.

Channel catfish are equally reliable in summer and fall. They bite best at night and in low-light conditions, so plan an evening trip if you want consistent action. Cut bait—shad, bluegill, or chicken liver—works well. Fish the deeper holes near the dam and along the main channel, and use a simple three-way rig or slip sinker setup to keep your bait on bottom. Catfish at Dillon run 15 to 30 pounds regularly, and a few exceed 40. There's no size minimum for catfish in Ohio, and the daily bag limit is 25 fish.

Fall fishing and the second walleye peak

September and October bring a second walleye bite nearly as good as spring. Water temperatures drop back into the 60s and 50s, and walleye move shallow again to feed before winter. The same creek channels and points that hold fish in spring hold them now, and the same jig-and-minnow approach works. Fall walleye often bite more aggressively than spring fish, so don't be afraid to use slightly heavier jigs (1/4-ounce) and work them with more action.

Fall is also a good time to target bass if you want a break from walleye. Dillon has largemouth and smallmouth, and they're active in the shallows in September and early October. Topwater lures and soft plastics work well, and you might catch a walleye on the same cast. By late October, water temperatures drop below 50 degrees and walleye move back to the deep holes; at that point, fishing slows until spring.

How to reach Dillon State Park and where to launch

Dillon State Park is located at 5265 State Route 146 North, Nashport, Ohio 43830. From Zanesville, take US-22 south toward Cambridge, then follow signs for State Route 146. The park entrance is well marked. There are two public boat ramps: the main ramp near the marina and a secondary ramp on the north shore. Both have parking, and the main ramp has a marina with fuel, rental boats, and tackle. Shoreline parking is available at several pull-offs along the north shore if you want to fish from the bank.

The park charges a day-use fee (currently $5 for Ohio residents, $8 for non-residents), and overnight camping is available if you want to make a weekend of it. The marina rents 16-foot and 18-foot boats by the day or half-day, which is a good option if you don't have your own. Call ahead to confirm rental availability, especially on weekends.

Tackle and techniques that work at Dillon

Walleye fishing here is straightforward: jigs and minnows in spring and fall, crankbaits for trolling, and live bait rigs in summer when fish are deeper. Bring 1/8-ounce to 1/4-ounce jigs in white, chartreuse, and natural colors. A 6-foot to 6.5-foot medium-action spinning rod with 6- to 8-pound monofilament or braided line is ideal. Minnows should be 2 to 3 inches—shiners and fatheads both work.

For crappie, downsize everything: 1/16-ounce jigs, 4- to 6-pound line, and 1- to 2-inch minnows or soft plastics. A vertical jigging approach works best when you've located a school. For catfish, use heavier tackle—7- to 10-pound line, a medium-heavy rod, and 3/0 to 5/0 circle hooks. Circle hooks are better for catch-and-release because they hook in the corner of the mouth and rarely go deep.

Seasons and what to expect month by month

April and May are prime walleye months—water is warming, fish are shallow, and the bite is consistent. June through August is crappie and catfish season; walleye fishing slows. September and October bring the second walleye peak, and fall crappie fishing is also good. November through March is slow; water is cold, fish are deep, and most anglers take a break. A few hardy souls fish winter for walleye in the deep holes, but it requires patience and the right equipment.

Weather matters. Overcast days are often better than bright sun, especially for walleye. Wind can be your friend—it pushes baitfish and makes walleye more aggressive—but it also makes boat handling harder. Plan your trips for early morning or evening whenever possible; midday fishing is slower except for crappie in deep water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Ohio fishing license to fish Dillon?

Yes. You need a valid Ohio fishing license, which you can purchase online through the Ohio Division of Wildlife website or at most sporting goods stores. Licenses are available for one day, three days, or a full year. If you're renting a boat from the marina, the rental operator can direct you to the nearest place to buy a license if you don't have one.

What are the walleye size and bag limits at Dillon?

Walleye have a 15-inch minimum length limit and a daily bag limit of six fish. This is the standard for most Ohio lakes. Crappie have a 7-inch minimum and a 30-fish daily limit. Catfish have no size minimum and a 25-fish daily limit. Always check the current Ohio fishing regulations before you go, as limits can change.

Can I fish from shore at Dillon, or do I need a boat?

You can fish from shore. The north shore has several parking areas with bank access, and you can catch walleye, crappie, and catfish from the bank, especially in spring and fall. A boat gives you more water to cover and access to deeper structure, but shoreline fishing is productive if you're patient and fish the right times of day.

What's the best time of day to fish Dillon?

Early morning (first light through mid-morning) and late evening (two hours before sunset through dark) are best for walleye and crappie. Catfish bite best at night. Midday fishing is slower for walleye but can work for crappie in deep water. Overcast days are often better than bright sun, regardless of time of day.

How deep is Dillon Lake, and where do fish go in winter?

The main basin reaches 60 to 80 feet deep. In winter, walleye move to the deepest holes and bite slowly. Most anglers don't fish Dillon in winter because the bite is inconsistent and the weather is harsh. Spring and fall are the reliable seasons; summer is good for crappie and catfish if you don't mind the heat.