Submitted photo A peaceful scene at the Salem City Lake, also known as the East Cold Run Reservoir, beckons fishermen to the shore or on the water beginning April 16. That’s when the season opens for the lake located on Gamble Road off of Teegarden Road.

SALEM — Pay for a day’s fishing, drop a line, catch a Walleye or two — all at the Salem City Lake, no state fishing license required, beginning April 16.

That’s the suggestion made by Salem Parks Commission Vice Chair Terry Hoopes in trying to “lure” people to use the lake this summer, a place where he has fond memories of days fishing with his father.

“Those were special times,” he said at a recent meeting.

The lake, known by many as the Salem Reservoir and officially named the East Cold Run Reservoir, is located at 6150 Gamble Road, just south off of Teegarden Road, and serves as a source of Salem drinking water through the city Utilities Department.

As a secondary use, the city Parks & Recreation Department oversees recreational usage of the lake and announced the 2019 season kicks off in a couple weeks. The hours are 7 a.m. until dusk, April through August, then 8 a.m. until dusk in September. The lake will remain open daily through Sept. 22.

The commission recently increased fees for the lake after many years at the same prices, but even the slightly higher fees remain a bargain, according to parks officials.

“We’re looking forward to a good season,” Parks Director Shane Franks said.

Franks showed off the new brochure for the lake with all the new prices and information last week, promoting the fact that canoes and kayaks are welcome on the water. That’s something that changed in just the last few years, but there’s still no swimming allowed.

“Passes are available. Contact the parks department or stop in and we’ll set you up with a pass,” Franks said.

The parks department office is located on Oak Street just east off of Southeast Boulevard. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and can be reached at 330-271-8913.

Daily fees are free for 12 and under, $5 per person for anyone 13 years and older and $4 for Golden Buckeye card holders. Season passes are $50 for an individual, $45 for a Golden Buckeye card holder and $75 for a family up to five members 13 and older with the same address or last name. A valid driver’s license is required to purchase a season pass. The boat launch fee for all boats, canoes and kayaks is $5 (free with a season pass).

Only electric motors are permitted for boats, with gas motors prohibited.

Daily equipment rentals are $5 per hour each for a boat, motor and battery, with a maximum rental fee of $60 per day for the boat, motor and battery. Boat rental includes oars, life jackets and an anchor. Battery charging for privately-owned batteries is $3 per battery. Life jackets, oars, cushions and anchors are $1 each and a fishing pole can be rented for $3. A seasonal stake permit is $50 for boats, canoes and kayaks.

The lake is in its second year for stocking Walleye as part of a three-year plan, with the stocking this year planned for fall. The brochure lists the fishing limits for Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Perch, Crappies and Bluegills. There’s no limit for Channel Catfish, Bullhead, Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. Fishing tournaments will be announced.

Parents’ Days are the first Sunday of the month. Parents who bring their children, 12 years old and under, to fish may fish for free themselves.

mgreier@salemnews.net