Overview
Charles Mill Lake is a 1,350-acre reservoir on the Black Fork of the Mohican River in Richland and Ashland counties. Built in 1935–36, it is a flood-control and recreation project managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District. Its Black Fork location places it between the wooded hills of Ashland County and the more open Richland County landscape, making it a long-standing regional weekend destination within the Muskingum system.
The reservoir has about 34 miles of shoreline and reaches roughly 24 feet deep. Broad shallow arms and the Black Fork channel give it a different physical character from deeper nearby Muskingum lakes such as Pleasant Hill or Leesville. Because the lake is relatively shallow, warming water, wind, and the old creek course can be more influential than the steep structure found at deeper valley reservoirs.
Fishing, camping, paddling, and quiet boating are central uses at Charles Mill. A 10-horsepower limit keeps the lake oriented toward lower-speed recreation for paddlers, family anglers, and campers pursuing crappie, bass, and panfish. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources supports fisheries and public access information, while MWCD ramps and facilities provide a practical base for day trips and overnight stays.
Water levels are referenced to NGVD29, with a normal full pool of 997 feet and a winter pool near 992 feet. The Corps manages the lake seasonally for storage and releases on the Black Fork. Checking current levels is especially useful when shallow launches or coves are exposed during drawdown, after heavy rain, or when wind has pushed water away from lee shores.
Current Conditions
Charles Mill Lake is currently 0.29 feet above full pool and has risen slightly over the past week.
- 7-day trendRisingLatest movement can differ from the seven-day trend.
- 7-day changeUp 0.02 ft
- 30-day changeDown 0.35 ft
- Drought conditionsNo Drought
- Active advisories2 active (Advisory)
About This Lake
Learn how this lake is managed, what affects its water level, and where Lake Insights gets its data.
Charles Mill Lake is a 1,350-acre reservoir on the Black Fork managed by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers / Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District.