St. Joseph Wildlife Area consist of two lakes Lake Barton and Lake McKarns

County: William County

Size: 95 Acres

Shore line: see listing for lake s below

Species of Fish: Largemouth bass, crappie, trout, bluegill, northern pike, channell cats, perch

Map:

Description: These two lakes are named after outdoor writers and sportsmen Hobart "Hob" McKarns and Ted Barton, Both lakes were new purchases in 2008 for ODNR the the listing below for info . Maps are linked to the lake names in the heading

Barton Lake

LOCATION Barton Lake is located in Williams County on Co. Rd. J two miles west of SR 576, three miles southwest of Montpelier. The public boat ramp and parking are located on the southeast corner of the lake off of Co. Rd J. HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION The 19-acre lake is an abandoned stone quarry.  The St. Joseph River Wildlife Area includes Barton Lake and McKarns Lake. Both lakes are deep, steep-sided impoundments that are the remnants of a stone mining operation.  Both lakes are located in the MICHINDOH Glacial Aquifer, a sole source aquifer which supplies 50 percent or more of the drinking water for an area. This aquifer includes portions of eight counties in the tri-state area. FISHES OF INTEREST Barton Lake has populations of bluegill, black and white crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish and Northern pike.  The lake has a tendency to flood during periods of high water which allows fish from the St. Joseph River to enter the lake. METHODS OF FISHING AND BEST FISHING SITES Due to the sharp drop-offs near the shoreline, keying on the numerous points in the lake should provide the best areas to catch fish.  With very little shoreline cover, and the absence of vegetation, most fish are attracted to the points. Minnows are the preferred bait for crappies and an occasional bass.  Wax worms, red worms, and crickets are the best baits to catch bluegill.  Artificial lures that include crank baits, spinner baits, jig and pig, and larger live minnows should entice the Northern pike and bass.  Try tight-lining on the bottom with nightcrawlers for the channel catfish.

Lake McKarns

LOCATION 
McKarns Lake is located in Williams County on Co. Rd. J two miles west of SR 576, 3 miles southwest of Montpelier, Ohio. The public boat ramp and parking are located on the northwest corner of the lake off of Co. Rd. J.

HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
The 40-acre lake with depths of 75 feet is the result of an abandoned stone quarry.  The St. Joseph River Wildlife Area includes Lake Barton and Lake McKarns. Both lakes are deep, steep-sided impoundments that are the remnants of an old stone quarry.  Both lakes are located in the MICHINDOH  Glacial Aquifer, a sole source aquifer which supplies 50 percent or more of the drinking water for an area. This aquifer includes portions of eight counties in the tri-state area.

FISHES OF INTEREST
McKarns Lake has populations of bluegill, black and white crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and Northern pike.  The lake has a tendency to flood during periods of high water which allows fish from the St. Joseph River to enter the lake. The Division of Wildlife annually stocks catchable trout in this deep, cool water impoundment.

METHODS OF FISHING AND BEST FISHING SITES
The shoreline is steep dropping off rapidly just a few feet from the water's edge.  Fish tend to hang on the sides of the numerous points that protrude from the bank underwater.  Try fishing the drop off on each side of these points.  The lake has some shoreline cover and aquatic vegetation that will also attract fish. Minnows are the best bait to catch crappies, and largemouth bass also frequently bite on the minnows.  Wax worms, red worms, and crickets are effective baits to catch bluegills.  Artificial lures that include crank baits, spinner baits, jig and pig and larger live minnows should entice the Northern pike and largemouth bass.  Try tight lining with night crawlers for the channel catfish.