What You'll Find at Jordan Creek Park

Jordan Creek Park in Mentor sits on a small impoundment that holds walleye, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish. The park itself is straightforward—a public access point with a parking area, a boat launch, and bank fishing space along the impoundment. The water is shallow and weedy in places, which makes it good habitat for walleye in spring and fall and for smallmouth year-round. This is not a destination lake, but it is a solid local option when you want to fish close to home without driving an hour.

The impoundment is roughly 30 acres, which means you can cover most of it in a morning or afternoon. The creek that feeds it brings current and cooler water in spring, which concentrates fish near the inlet. Summer fishing can be slow because the water warms and the weeds get thick, but fall brings walleye back into shallower water as the lake cools down.

Key Takeaways

  • Jordan Creek Park offers public boat launch and bank fishing access to a small impoundment that holds walleye, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish.
  • Spring and fall are the most productive seasons, especially for walleye moving through shallow water near the creek inlet.
  • The park has a parking area and basic facilities, making it convenient for anglers who live in or near Mentor.
  • Summer fishing is slower because warm water and thick weeds push fish deeper, but smallmouth can still be caught around structure.

Spring Walleye Fishing at the Inlet

When the water temperature climbs into the 40s and 50s in April and May, walleye move shallow to feed. At Jordan Creek Park, the best water is near where the creek enters the impoundment. The current brings food and cooler water, and walleye stack up there before moving deeper as the lake warms. Fish the inlet area with small jigs tipped with minnows or soft plastics—a quarter-ounce jig is usually enough in this shallow water.

Early morning and late evening are most productive, but spring walleye will bite through midday if the sun is not too bright. If you are fishing from the bank, work the deeper edge of the inlet channel. If you launch a boat, you can cover more water and position yourself in the current seam where walleye hold. The bite usually peaks in May as the water warms into the upper 50s.

Smallmouth Bass Around Structure and Weeds

Smallmouth are present year-round at Jordan Creek Park, but they are easiest to catch in spring and fall when they move into shallower water. Look for them around fallen trees, dock pilings, and the edges of weed beds. A 4-inch soft plastic on a light jig head or a small crankbait will draw strikes. Smallmouth here are not huge—most fish run 12 to 16 inches—but they are aggressive and fun to catch on light tackle.

Summer smallmouth move deeper and tighter to cover, so you need to fish slower and more deliberately. Drop-shotting along the deeper weed edges or pitching into thick vegetation can work, but the bite is not as consistent as spring or fall. Fall fishing picks up again as water temperature drops and smallmouth move back into shallower structure.

Summer Fishing and Seasonal Slowdowns

Summer at Jordan Creek Park is the slowest season. Water temperature climbs into the 70s and 80s, and the impoundment fills with aquatic vegetation. Walleye move to the deepest holes and are hard to locate. Smallmouth retreat to deeper structure and shade. Channel catfish can still be caught at night with cut bait or chicken liver, especially near the deeper holes, but daytime fishing is tough.

If you fish in summer, focus on early morning before the sun heats the water, or fish after dark. The deeper holes on the impoundment hold fish, but they are small targets in a 30-acre lake. Many local anglers skip summer at Jordan Creek and fish other waters until fall.

Fall Walleye and the Second Peak

September and October bring the second-best walleye bite of the year. As water temperature drops back into the 50s and 60s, walleye move shallow again to feed before winter. The same inlet area that produces in spring is productive in fall, and you can also find fish along the shallow flats on the south side of the impoundment. Jigs and minnows work well, as do small crankbaits and spinners.

Fall fishing can last from mid-September through October, depending on how quickly the water cools. The bite is usually best in the morning and evening, but fall walleye will feed through the day if the weather is overcast. This is a good time to bring a friend or take a younger angler—the fish are cooperative and the weather is comfortable.

Bank Fishing and Boat Launch Details

Jordan Creek Park has a public boat launch suitable for small boats and kayaks. The launch is basic—a concrete ramp with a small parking area—but it is maintained and free to use. Bank fishing is possible along the impoundment, though access is limited to the park grounds. The best bank fishing is near the inlet where the creek enters, and along the south shore where there is some open water between the weeds.

The park has a parking lot, picnic tables, and a restroom facility. There is no bait shop at the park, so bring your own tackle and bait or stop at a local shop in Mentor before you arrive. The park is open during daylight hours, so plan your fishing accordingly. Parking is free.

What Tackle and Bait to Bring

For walleye, pack a light spinning rod with 6- to 8-pound monofilament or braided line. Bring a selection of quarter-ounce to half-ounce jigs in white, chartreuse, and black. Live minnows—shiners or chubs—are the best bait, but soft plastics like 3-inch shads work too. A few small crankbaits in the 2- to 3-inch range can help you cover water and find active fish.

For smallmouth, a medium-light spinning rod with 8-pound line is ideal. Soft plastics in natural colors (green pumpkin, watermelon, black) work well on jig heads. A small topwater plug or crankbait can be fun in spring and fall. For catfish, bring heavier tackle—a medium rod with 12- to 15-pound line—and cut bait, chicken liver, or stink bait. A simple three-way rig with a sinker and a short leader to a circle hook is standard for catfish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Jordan Creek Park, or can I fish from the bank?

You can fish from the bank, especially near the inlet and along the south shore. A boat lets you cover more water and reach deeper holes, but bank fishing is productive in spring and fall when walleye move shallow. The park has a boat launch if you want to bring a small boat or kayak.

What is the best time of year to fish Jordan Creek Park?

Spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) are most productive. Water temperature in the 40s to 60s brings walleye shallow and makes smallmouth aggressive. Summer is slow because fish move deep and weeds thicken. Winter fishing is possible but less common at this small impoundment.

Are there size limits or special rules at Jordan Creek Park?

Ohio fishing regulations apply. Check the current Ohio Department of Natural Resources fishing guide for walleye, smallmouth, and catfish size and bag limits before you fish. Regulations can change year to year, so verify before you go.

Can I fish at night at Jordan Creek Park?

The park closes at dusk, so night fishing is not permitted. Plan your trips for daylight hours. Summer catfish anglers often fish in the evening just before closing time, which can be productive.

Is there a fee to launch a boat or park at Jordan Creek Park?

No. The boat launch and parking are free and open to the public. The park is maintained by the City of Mentor and does not charge a launch or day-use fee.