Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park

If you're a serious angler, Nimisila Reservoir is for you. It's known for its channel catfish and largemouth bass. Other fish in the lake include northern pike, walleye, bluegill, black and white crappie, yellow perch, brown bullhead and redear sunfish. With only electric boat motors permitted, the pace is slower and quieter, making for a good fishing experience even when the stringer remains empty.

Nimisila Reservoir is one of the 13 bodies of water that make up the Portage Lakes. At 825 acres, it's the largest body of water in the park district. Nimisila Reservoir was the last of the Portage Lakes to be created. The reservoir originally provided the ever-expanding water needs of Akron's industrial complex. Built in 1936 by the federal Works Progress Administration, the reservoir was created when an earthen dam 44 feet high and 2,350 feet long was built on Nimisila Creek. The reservoir has 16 miles of shoreline and four boat launches, with the deepest spot at around about 30 feet.