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Wildlife area lake

Lake Rupert

Vinton County, Ohio

Lake Rupert is in Vinton County about 1 mile north of Hamden on State Route 683. It was built in 1969 for water supply and recreation and lies in the Wellston Wildlife Area.

N1 mi
Air temp in Hamden, OH Loading current temperature…
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Surface area327 acres
Max depth24 ft
Shoreline9 mi
Boat motorsUnlimited, but no wake speed

Species

Fishery rating out of 5.

Saugeye●●●○○

Stocked by ODNR

Largemouth Bass●●●○○

Slot limit applies

Crappie●●●○○

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

Channel Catfish●●●○○

Stocked by ODNR

Boat launches

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

  • Lake Rupert accessPublic
    Along State Route 683 north of HamdenDirections ↗
  • 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
Release bass 12 to 15 in; listed as Lake Rupert (Wellston City Reservoir)
None between 12 and 15 in5
Smallmouth Bass
Release bass 12 to 15 in; listed as Lake Rupert (Wellston City Reservoir)
None between 12 and 15 in5
Spotted Bass
Release bass 12 to 15 in; listed as Lake Rupert (Wellston City Reservoir)
None between 12 and 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.

  • Mike's Bait N TackleNearby
    1272 Pennsylvania Ave, Wellston, OH 45692Directions ↗
Search more bait shops near Lake Rupert ↗

Local tips

  • Motor boats must run at no wake speed.
  • Bass between 12 and 15 inches must be released.
  • The lake is up to 24 feet deep, so check the dam end for the deepest water.

View on interactive map

Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches; blue pins are bait shops nearby.

More Ohio lakes

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