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State park lake

Cowan Lake

Clinton County, Ohio

Cowan Lake is in Clinton County in southwest Ohio. It has three boat ramps, a marina and a 10 horsepower limit.

1234N0.5 mi
Air temp in Cuba, OH Loading current temperature…
Red pins match the numbered boat launches below. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Surface area700 acres
Max depth—
Shoreline—
Boat motors10 hp

Species

Fishery rating out of 5.

Saugeye●●●○○

Points, riprap and the dam area. Jigs in cold water, crankbaits in summer.

Crappie●●●○○

Brush piles, docks and standing timber. Minnows or small jigs.

Largemouth Bass●●●○○

15 inch minimum

Channel Catfish●●●○○

Cut bait and nightcrawlers on flats and creek mouths in the evening.

Bluegill●●●○○

Weed beds and shallow flats in late spring.

Boat launches

5 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.

  • 1South Shore MarinaMarina
    Boat and canoe rentals, fishing suppliesDirections ↗
  • 2East End RampRamp
    Launch with dock or marina, Beechwood Road, Wilmington. Motor limit: 10 HP. (937) 382-1096.Directions ↗
  • 3West End RampRamp
    Public boat launch, at S.R. 730's sharp turn, take a right, Wilmington. Motor limit: 10 HP. (937) 382-1096.Directions ↗
  • 4Campground North SideRamp
    Public boat launch, 1756 Osburn Road, Wilmington. Motor limit: 10 HP. (937) 382-1096.Directions ↗
  • More public accessPublic
    See the ODNR or lake website for all ramps and feesDirections ↗

Size & creel limits

Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.

SpeciesMin sizeDaily limit
Largemouth Bass
Listed as Cowan
15 in5
Smallmouth Bass
Listed as Cowan
15 in5
Spotted Bass
Listed as Cowan
15 in5

Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife ↗

Verified October 2026. Rules change, so confirm current limits with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife before you fish.

Bait & tackle nearby

Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.

Search more bait shops near Cowan Lake ↗

Local tips

  • Bass must be 15 inches to keep, 5 a day.
  • The north end has a youth fishing pond.
  • South Shore Marina sells fishing supplies.

View on interactive map

Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.

More Ohio lakes

Seneca Lake Alum Creek Lake Buckeye Lake Salt Fork Lake Hoover Reservoir West Branch Reservoir (Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir) Caesar Creek Lake Tappan Lake All Ohio lakes →

Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.