photo courtesy of Cecil Gray
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Spencer Lake Wildlife Area

4.4
·373 reviews·Spencer, United States

A serene wildlife area offering abundant fishing, birdwatching, and peaceful walking paths around a massive lake.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings & late afternoons

Prime fishing hours

CrowdLow
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photo courtesy of Cecil Gray

Spencer Lake Wildlife Area

Best Time

Early mornings & late afternoons

Prime fishing hours

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene wildlife area offering abundant fishing, birdwatching, and peaceful walking paths around a massive lake.

4.4
(373 reviews)

"This place was awesome. Massive lakes. Tons of spots for fishing. Well worth the trip!"

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TIP

🎣 Pack for Comfort

Bring your own chairs and trash bags, as benches and bins are scarce. Stay hydrated and protected from the sun!

🚤 Boat Motor Restrictions

Boats are allowed, but motors must be used at a slow pace (trolling motors only). Enjoy the tranquility.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 373 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Abundant Fishing Spots

Abundant Fishing Spots

Throughout the lake

Cast your line into massive lakes teeming with smallmouth bass. Less crowded than other spots, making it a prime fishing destination.

Diverse Birdwatching

Diverse Birdwatching

Lake shores and walking paths

Spot ospreys, pheasants, and kingfishers in this tranquil setting. A paradise for bird enthusiasts.

Peaceful Walking Trails

Peaceful Walking Trails

Between entrances and along the lake

Enjoy level, paved paths offering serene views of the lake and surrounding nature. Perfect for a leisurely stroll.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Fishing

Avoid the midday sun for better fishing success and comfort. Early mornings and late afternoons are prime times. Remember to pack essentials like chairs and trash bags, as amenities are limited.

Embrace the Outdoors

Spencer Lake Wildlife Area is a haven for nature lovers. While fishing is popular, don't miss the diverse birdlife and peaceful walking paths. Pets are welcome on a leash.

Best Times

When
Early mornings & late afternoons
Why
Prime fishing hours
Crowd
Low
When
Spring & Fall
Why
Pleasant weather for exploring
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

It was so much fun 💔#goodbyetesterday #elevationworship #christiantiktok #churchcamp #fyp #praise #spencerlakechristiancamp
@user7536180655744
21.8K likes • 84K views

🎣 Pack for Comfort

Bring your own chairs and trash bags, as benches and bins are scarce. Stay hydrated and protected from the sun! Reddit

🚤 Boat Motor Restrictions

Boats are allowed, but motors must be used at a slow pace (trolling motors only). Enjoy the tranquility. Reddit

reddit.com

Public hunting land

Spencer Lake in Medina County.

reddit.com

[deleted by user]

Coe Lake or Wallace lake in Berea, Judge lake and Ranger lake in Strongsville and (it's a hike) Spencer Lake State Park in Medina county

🐾 Pet-Friendly Fun

Well-behaved pets on a leash are welcome, making it a great spot for furry friends to enjoy the outdoors. Reddit

🏹 Archery Range Access

The archery range is available and also open for seasonal hunting. Check local regulations for details. Reddit

reddit.com

Archery ranges near cleveland

Any archers in Cleveland? Time to get back into the game. Haven't shot my compound bows in 3 years. I'm getting them up to date, bought new arrows, and excited to get back into it. However, last time, I just shot at my backyard (had a huge yard) with a big target. Now I've…

Tips

from all over the internet

🎣 Pack for Comfort

Bring your own chairs and trash bags, as benches and bins are scarce. Stay hydrated and protected from the sun! Reddit

🚤 Boat Motor Restrictions

Boats are allowed, but motors must be used at a slow pace (trolling motors only). Enjoy the tranquility. Reddit

🐾 Pet-Friendly Fun

Well-behaved pets on a leash are welcome, making it a great spot for furry friends to enjoy the outdoors. Reddit

🏹 Archery Range Access

The archery range is available and also open for seasonal hunting. Check local regulations for details. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(373 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Spencer Lake Wildlife Area for its abundant fishing opportunities, particularly for smallmouth bass, and its peaceful, less crowded atmosphere. The natural beauty, diverse birdlife, and pleasant walking paths are also highlights. Some note the limited amenities, advising visitors to bring their own chairs and trash bags.

"Had a blast and definitely got burned
Only caught 1 bass in 4 hours (granted we went at the heat of the day though). Haven't been here in over 20 years and still looks great!"

Elizabeth Ardiri

"First time going here. This place was awesome. Massive lakes. Can take boats and kayaks but can only run the motors on them at a slow pace. Tons of spots for fishing. Places in my area are always super over fished. Not this place. Will forsure make this my designated fishing spot. It's 45 minutes from where I live but well worth the trip! Can't wait to get back. Small mouth bass all over this massive lake."

Joshua Klinger

"Great place to have a picnic. Beautiful flowers, numerous birds and many people were fishing."

Brigid H.

What People Like

Abundant fishing spots
Peaceful and tranquil
Diverse birdlife

What People Dislike

Limited amenities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Spencer Lake Wildlife Area is accessible by car. Specific directions can be found using GPS navigation. It's a popular spot for fishing and outdoor recreation, so plan your travel accordingly. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available, including handicap parking. Boat ramps are also conveniently located. Reddit

While specific directions vary by starting point, using a GPS with 'Spencer Lake Wildlife Area' as the destination is recommended. It's a 45-minute drive for some, indicating it's a bit of a journey but worth it. Reddit

Information on public transport access is limited. It's best to assume private vehicle transport is the most reliable way to reach the area. Reddit

While not explicitly detailed, the area is a popular destination for those in the wider Cleveland region, suggesting it's a manageable drive for a day trip. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no mention of an entrance fee in reviews or descriptions, suggesting it may be free to enter. However, it's always wise to check official park websites for the most current information. Reddit

Operating hours are not explicitly stated, but reviews suggest it's accessible throughout the day, with some visitors arriving late. It's likely open from dawn till dusk. Reddit

Yes, a valid fishing license is typically required to fish in Ohio waters, including Spencer Lake Wildlife Area. Check with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for license requirements and regulations. Reddit

Boat motors are restricted to slow speeds. Pets are allowed on a leash. Archery and seasonal hunting are permitted. Reddit

There's no indication that reservations are needed or possible for general access to the wildlife area. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Reddit

🎫 🎣 Fishing & Boating

Smallmouth bass are frequently mentioned as being abundant in the lake. It's a great spot for bass fishing. Reddit

Yes, there are nice boat ramps available for launching boats, canoes, and kayaks, providing access to both sides of the lake. Reddit

No, only trolling motors or slow-paced motors are permitted on boats. This helps maintain the peaceful atmosphere and protect the environment. Reddit

Yes, there are two docks available for fishing, offering convenient spots to cast your line. Reddit

Absolutely! The new bridge allows access to both sides of the lake, making it ideal for kayaking and canoeing adventures. Reddit

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

Amenities are basic, including a port-a-pot for restrooms at one entrance. Visitors are advised to bring their own chairs and trash bags. Reddit

Yes, there's a nice, level, paved walking path between the entrances, offering pleasant views of the lake and wildlife. Reddit

It's an excellent spot for birdwatching, with sightings of ospreys, pheasants, and belted kingfishers reported. The tranquil environment attracts diverse avian species. Reddit

Yes, it's a great place for a picnic, with beautiful flowers and a peaceful atmosphere. Just remember to bring your own supplies and pack out your trash. Reddit

Handicap parking is available, and the paved walking path is level, suggesting good accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The lake itself offers scenic views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The walking paths provide opportunities to capture wildlife and the natural landscape. Reddit

You can photograph various birds like ospreys and kingfishers, as well as smallmouth bass if you're lucky enough to spot them. The natural flora also makes for great shots. Reddit

The expansive lake and surrounding natural beauty make it a good location for landscape photography, particularly with the changing seasons. Reddit

The piers and docks offer unique perspectives of the lake. The dam area, if accessible, might also provide scenic overlooks. Reddit

Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. This also coincides with peak wildlife activity. Reddit

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