Buttonwood Park Lake and What Fish Live There
Buttonwood Park Lake is a 35-acre impoundment in Youngstown's Buttonwood Park, managed by the City of Youngstown Parks Department. The lake holds largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish. It is a shallow, weedy water that produces best in spring and fall when the weed growth is moderate and water temperatures favor active feeding.
The lake's shallow depth — averaging 8 to 12 feet with a maximum around 18 feet — means it warms quickly in summer and can become choked with aquatic vegetation by mid-July. That weed growth concentrates fish but also makes navigation difficult. Winter fishing is possible but limited by ice-out timing and reduced activity. Most anglers fish here March through November, with peak periods in April and May for bass and again in September and October.
Key Takeaways
- Buttonwood Park Lake holds largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish in a 35-acre shallow impoundment within city limits.
- Spring and fall are the most productive seasons; summer weed growth can make the lake difficult to navigate but concentrates fish in specific areas.
- A valid Ohio fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older, and no special permit is needed for this city-managed lake.
- Bank access is available from the park shoreline, but boat launch facilities are limited and launching a private boat requires confirmation with the Parks Department.
- Largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum size limit in Ohio; catfish and panfish have no minimum, but check current regulations before you fish.
How to Get to Buttonwood Park Lake
Buttonwood Park sits at 797 Glenwood Avenue in Youngstown, about 2 miles south of downtown. From Interstate 76, take Exit 226 onto Glenwood Avenue heading south; the park entrance is on your right. Parking is available in the main lot near the park office. The lake is accessible by foot from the parking area — a short walk to the shoreline.
The park is open dawn to dusk year-round. During winter months, access may be limited if snow or ice makes roads impassable, so call ahead during severe weather. The Youngstown Parks Department can be reached through the City of Youngstown's main line to confirm current conditions and any temporary closures.
Bank Fishing and What You Can Catch
Bank access is the primary way to fish Buttonwood Park Lake. The shoreline has several open areas where you can cast from the bank, particularly along the eastern and southern sides of the lake. Early morning and late afternoon are most productive, especially in spring and fall. Use light spinning tackle with small crankbaits, soft plastics, or live shiners for largemouth bass. Bluegill and crappie respond to small jigs, crickets, or worms under a bobber.
Channel catfish are present and can be caught on chicken liver, cut bait, or commercial catfish stink baits fished on the bottom. Catfish fishing is often better at night or in low-light conditions. The shallow, weedy nature of the lake means you will lose some tackle to vegetation, so bring extra line and lures. Wading is possible in some areas, but the bottom is soft and muddy — wear appropriate footwear and watch your footing.
Boat Access and Launch Options
Buttonwood Park Lake does not have a public boat launch facility. Private boat launching is sometimes permitted but requires advance permission from the Youngstown Parks Department. If you own a small boat or kayak, contact the Parks Department to ask about current launch policies and any associated fees or restrictions. Kayaking and small canoes are sometimes allowed, but policies can change seasonally.
Many anglers fish the lake successfully from the bank, so a boat is not necessary to have a productive day. If you do bring a boat, the shallow depth and weed growth mean a shallow-draft vessel or kayak is more practical than a deep-V hull. Trolling is generally not effective here due to the weed cover and depth.
Regulations and Licensing Requirements
Anyone 16 years old or older must have a valid Ohio fishing license to fish Buttonwood Park Lake. Licenses are sold online through the Ohio Division of Wildlife website, at sporting goods retailers, and at some bait and tackle shops. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license and is useful if you are visiting for a short trip.
Largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum size limit and a daily bag limit of five fish. Bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish have no minimum size limit in Ohio, but check the current Ohio fishing regulations before you go — rules can change year to year. The Ohio Division of Wildlife publishes a free regulation booklet that covers all species and special rules for specific waters. Buttonwood Park Lake has no special restrictions beyond statewide rules.
Best Times to Fish and What to Bring
Spring (March through May) is the most reliable season. Water temperatures climb into the 50s and 60s, bass move shallow to spawn, and bluegill and crappie are active. April and early May are peak weeks. Fall (September through October) is the second-best window — cooler water temperatures bring bass back to shallower feeding zones, and catfish bite well into October.
Summer fishing is possible but challenging. Weed growth thickens, water temperatures rise above 75 degrees, and fish move to deeper, cooler pockets. Early morning and dusk are essential in summer. Winter fishing is slow and unpredictable; ice-out timing varies, and fish are lethargic. Bring a headlamp if you fish early morning or evening, insect repellent for spring and summer, and a rain jacket. The park has no bait shop on-site, so purchase bait and tackle before you arrive.
Nearby Fishing Options and Alternatives
If Buttonwood Park Lake does not meet your needs, several other waters are within 30 minutes of Youngstown. Mill Creek Park Lake, also in Youngstown, is similar in size and species composition. Mosquito Lake State Park, about 20 minutes north, is a much larger impoundment (7,850 acres) with a public boat launch, better facilities, and a reputation for larger bass and walleye. Berlin Lake, about 25 minutes east, offers similar shallow-water fishing with more consistent weed management.
For a different experience, Pymatuning Lake on the Pennsylvania border (about 45 minutes north) is a 2,200-acre reservoir with excellent catfish and crappie fishing and full-service boat launches. Each of these waters has different regulations and seasons, so check Ohio Division of Wildlife rules before you fish anywhere else in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish Buttonwood Park Lake?
No. Bank access is the primary way to fish this lake, and many anglers catch fish regularly from the shoreline. A boat can help you reach deeper water or navigate around weed beds, but it is not required. If you want to launch a boat, contact the Youngstown Parks Department first to confirm current policies.
What is the best bait for catfish at Buttonwood Park?
Channel catfish respond well to chicken liver, cut shad or bluegill, and commercial stink baits. Fish these baits on the bottom using a simple three-way rig or a slip sinker setup. Catfish are most active at night or in low-light conditions, so early morning or dusk fishing often produces better results than midday.
Can I fish in winter?
Yes, but fishing is slow and unpredictable. The lake may freeze over, which limits access. If the lake is open water, fish are lethargic and bite less frequently. Spring and fall are much more productive. Call the Parks Department before you go in winter to confirm the lake is accessible.
Where do I buy an Ohio fishing license?
Licenses are sold online through the Ohio Division of Wildlife website, at sporting goods retailers like Dick's Sporting Goods, and at local bait and tackle shops. A one-day license is cheaper than a full-year license and is a good option for a single trip. You will need your Social Security number and a valid ID to purchase.
Are there size limits for bluegill and crappie?
No. Bluegill and crappie have no minimum size limit in Ohio. However, check the current Ohio fishing regulations before you fish — rules can change. The Ohio Division of Wildlife publishes a free regulation booklet that covers all species and is available online and at license vendors.