River guide
River story
History, landscapes and river context
Fishing
Species, water and places to explore
Boating
Paddling, boating and access
Live data
Current USGS gauges along the river
LIVE ALUM CREEK DATA
Alum Creek levels, gauges and monitoring stations
Check the live river overview or open an individual USGS gauge for current streamflow, gauge height, trends and historical context.
EXPLORE THE RIVER
Follow Alum Creek
Follow Alum Creek south through Delaware County, Alum Creek Lake, Westerville and Columbus to the Three Creeks confluence.
Loading river map…
River path derived from U.S. Geological Survey NLDI hydrography.
FISHING
Fishing the river
Alum Creek Lake supports one of central Ohio’s broadest mixes of sport fish, while the creek below the dam provides a smaller flowing-water environment through the Columbus area.
Fish you may encounter
Smallmouth Bass
Largemouth Bass
White Bass
Saugeye
Walleye
Muskellunge
Channel Catfish
Black Crappie
Bluegill
Where the river changes
FISHING AREA
Northern Alum Creek Lake ↗No-wake coves, woody cover and quieter shoreline create a different fishing environment from the open southern lake.
FISHING AREA
Southern Alum Creek Lake ↗Broader open water supports boat fishing for bass, saugeye, walleye, muskie, crappie and other reservoir species.
FISHING AREA
Below Alum Creek Dam ↗The creek returns to flowing water below the reservoir, creating tailwater and urban-stream fishing opportunities.
FISHING AREA
Three CreeksThe lower creek reaches its confluence with Big Walnut and Blacklick creeks within a large public park corridor.
Before you fish
- Lake fishing conditions change substantially with season, depth and water temperature.
- Boat and shoreline fishing are both available at Alum Creek Lake.
- Check current Ohio fishing regulations before fishing.
BOATING & PADDLING
On the water
Alum Creek Lake is a major central Ohio boating destination, while quieter coves and the free-flowing creek provide paddling opportunities on a very different scale.
Southern Alum Creek Lake
The broad southern lake allows unlimited-horsepower boating and supports the reservoir’s busiest recreation.
Powerboating Waterskiing Fishing Kayaking Paddleboarding
Northern Alum Creek Lake
The northern lake is no-wake, with tree-lined shores, shale cliffs, coves and quieter paddling water.
Kayaking Canoeing Fishing Paddleboarding
Lower Alum Creek ↗
Below the reservoir, paddling shifts back to moving creek water through the Columbus region.
Kayaking Canoeing Fishing
Know before you go
- Observe posted no-wake and boating zones on Alum Creek Lake.
- The lower creek has changing flow, woody obstructions and urban hazards; scout unfamiliar reaches.
- Check current lake and river conditions before launching.
PARKS & ACCESS
Places to reach the river
New Galena Ramp ↗
Public lake ramp identified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Cheshire Ramp ↗
Major public access to the southern portion of Alum Creek Lake.
Alum Creek Marina Ramp ↗
Public boating access associated with the lake’s marina area.
Three Creeks Canoe Access ↗
Lower Alum Creek paddle access leading toward the Big Walnut Creek confluence.
Alum Creek State Park ↗
Large state-park recreation complex surrounding Alum Creek Lake.
Three Creeks
Large public park around the confluence of Alum, Big Walnut and Blacklick creeks.