Description
Rush Run Wildlife Area is located in southwest Ohio, 14 miles northwest of Middletown near the village of Somerville. Approximately half the area is in woods, mostly on the steep hillsides of Rush Run Creek Valley. The remainder is divided equally between openland consisting of cropland and permanent meadow and reverting fields with a mixture of grass and shrubs. This type of cover occurs mostly on the gently rolling uplands.
Rush Run Creek is an intermittent stream, named for its rapid water flow. In a four-mile stretch it descends 300 feet. A 54-acre lake is located on the headwaters of this stream.
The 54-acre lake was stocked in 1970 with largemouth bass, bluegills, crappies, and channel catfish. Fishing is likely to be productive around the numerous logs and brushy areas in the bays on the upper end of the lake. The best fishing during the early morning and late evening is usually in the shallower areas of the lake. During the day, fishing is best in the deeper water areas. There is a 10 horsepower motor restriction on this lake.
Facilities include parking lots, access roads, a Class C shotgun-only shooting range, latrines, a boat ramp, year-round dog training area, and several nature trails.
There are 5 primary parking areas:
1. Wildflower Praries and Fields (Rustic trails, secluded, pants recommended) - 1423 Northern Rd, Somerville, OH 45064
2. Medium Fishing Lake and Wildflowers Fields (Park headquarters, nice hiking path) - 1989 Northern Rd, Somerville, OH 45064
3. Large Lake (South Entrance - Dam) - Pogue Frazee Rd, Camden, OH 45311
4. Large Lake (Boat Ramp) - Pogue Frazee Rd, Camden, OH 45311
4. Shotgun Range - 1794 Pogue Frazee Rd, Camden, OH 45311
