Grand Lake St. Marys

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News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 8, 2006

GRANTS TOTALING $266,000 TO HELP IMPROVE BOATING ACCESS
AT GRAND LAKE ST. MARYS

COLUMBUS, OH - Improvements are scheduled to begin later this year on the East Bank Marina public boat launch ramp at Grand Lake St. Marys in Auglaize County, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

A $133,000 Cooperative Boating Facility Grant from the ODNR Division of Watercraft and a $133,000 Fishing Access Grant from the ODNR Division of Wildlife will fund needed renovations to the popular launch ramp facility, as well as an expansion of the adjoining parking lot. Work is scheduled for completion by the start of the 2007 recreational season.

“These renovations will benefit the many boaters and anglers who frequent this launch ramp and, hopefully, will attract new users to the facility as well,” said Craig Morton, Grand Lake St. Marys State Park manager.

The state’s Cooperative Boating Facility Program is funded through the Ohio Waterways Safety Fund, which is comprised of a portion of the state motor vehicle fuel tax, watercraft registrations and titling fees, and monies from the U.S. Coast Guard. The grants improve public waterway access for the state’s estimated 3 million recreational boaters. Fishing Access Grants are funded through the Division of Wildlife’s Boater Angler Fund, which is also derived from a portion of the state motor vehicle fuel tax.

Grand Lake St. Marys is Ohio’s largest inland body of water with 13,500 acres open to boats of unlimited horsepower. The surrounding state park encompasses seven public boat launch ramps for easy access to the lake. Fishing is a year-round activity and anglers enjoy excellent catches of crappie, bass, bluegill and channel catfish.

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For additional news online, check out the ODNR Press Room at Ohiodnr.com

For Further Information Contact:
Craig Morton, Grand Lake St. Marys
(419) 394-3611

[205]

Ever been there Links, and is there any good fishing there? Always wondered :idea:

[Links r Us]

Yes, many times in the 60-70-80s when I was Bassin' until I hung my boat in my boathouse on Indian Lake in 1990 & got rid of the boat trailer & launchin' hassels in prep for retirement. St Mary's is a lot shallower than IL with 32 miles of shoreline & 13,500 acres in size --- I luve-ed Bassin' the Southside channels & backwaters for numbers, but IL always seemed to have the Hawgs a'-waitin' for me @ least!!!

Also it is noted for great year around Crappie fishin' & good size Perch when you can located the schools. The state has a Eye hatchery there & dumps the "2 eyes and a wiggle" excess into the lake ~ I think to mostly provide the over the dam river systems with Eyes from there to Lake Erie cuz shallow st mary's is a excellent food source for the fry till the lake warms up & it's time for the Eyes to jump the dam & get the 'H outta Dodge:yikes:

later Gator --
da old fart!

[Links r Us]

Oh & it's a windy sucker that lays in the flatlands of western Ohio about 30 West of Indian Lake where hill country starts. St Mary's main lake is roughly a rectangle 2 miles by 6 miles w/two small islands that don't due much to break the wind .. the old fart has lost a few props when I bottomed out in the waves on the main over there on windy days!!!:eek: :eek:

[THE CATKING]

I fished this ocean while I was a young lad..... There were pike in the lake back in those days, along with true stripers. I went probably 30 years without visiting that lake. A couple years ago there was an outing for gifted children and adults. I was AMAZED at how great the lake and it's facilities were kept. Very clean looking and nice......:) THE CATKING !!!