Kayaking Across Ohio: Lake Lecomte Fostoria Reservoir #5 and Veterans Memorial Fostoria Reservoir #6: Two Peas in a Pod

3 May 2015

Lakes #29 and #30 Lake Lecomte Fostoria Reservoir #5 and Veterans Memorial Reservoir Fostoria Reservoir #6, Hancock County

After spending the morning kayaking Findlay Reservoirs #1 and #2, I had two more upground reservoirs to knock off my BHAG list: Fostoria Reservoirs #5 and #6. They were pretty much what I had kayaked earlier in the day, just a different location. The reservoirs are located approximately 2.5 miles southwest of Fostoria. Since you can see each of these reservoirs from the top of the other, I am going to treat these reservoirs as a set. Both reservoirs obtain their water by pumping it from the East Branch Portage River, which runs along their east sides. Although Fostoria’s reservoirs are still commonly called by their numbers, in 1946 the four reservoirs then in existence were named for the first Fostoria veteran in each service to be killed in WWII. When Reservoir #5 was built in 1958, it was named for Charles E. Lecomte, the first Fostoria airman killed in WWII. Reservoir #6 built in 1991 was named Veterans Memorial in dedication to all veterans past, present, and future.

Fostoria Reservoir #5

Fostoria Reservoir #6

128-acre Fostoria Reservoir #5 has a 9.9 horsepower limit and an average depth of 28 feet. The boat ramp is located on the northwest corner of the reservoir off Hancock County Road 23, 3 miles north of State Route 224. There was enough wave action going on that I chose to wear my paddle pants.

Fostoria Reservoir #5 Boat Ramp

View From Boat Ramp

Paddle Pants Back On

It was a beautiful day but not much to do on Reservoir #5 except ride the waves. I chose to name this lake’s baby cat duck Charles Lecomte in honor of the army air corps flight officer who lost his life over Italy.

Beautiful Day on Reservoir #5

Riding the Waves

Baby Duck Charles Lecomte

160-acre Fostoria Reservoir #6 is located north of Reservoir #5 off State Route 12.

The boat ramp is located on the northern edge of the reservoir off of Washington Township Road 218.

Drop Off Boats at Top, Park Below

Fostoria Reservoir #6 Boat Ramp

Stairway to Heaven? Nope, Just Up to the Boat Ramp

Woo Hoo, Riding the Waves

This reservoir has a peninsula with towering electric towers on it, which gives you something other than waves to look at while paddling. The electric towers made me think of a low budget science fiction movie I saw in college, when I was working for the Cinema Studies Department. The 1958 movie was called Attack of the 50 Foot Woman and starred Allison Hayes as Nancy Fowler Archer. Nancy becomes super sized after contact with an alien. In the end, a sheriff trying to kill Nancy fires a riot gun which causes a nearby power line transformer to blow up, which in turn kills Nancy. There is nothing around the reservoir except for the very large electric towers, which makes them stand out even more. They are kind of alien looking. I guess that is why my mind wandered back over 25 years to that really bad science fiction movie. Or maybe I should blame it on the meditative nature of the waves. Any way, in honor of Nancy and all misunderstood 50 foot women every where I chose to name this lake's duck Nancy.

Heading West Toward Peninsula

Peninsula

Looking West Past Peninsula

Imagine a 50 Foot Woman Next to the Tower

Mama Duck With Baby Duck Nancy

Baby Duck Nancy Does Not Look Too Happy

After completing these reservoirs I lucked onto a find for dinner, Smokin' Buckeye BBQ Company located at 811 West Findlay Street, Carey. I had the best ribs that I have ever had in my life and my husband had what he claimed was the best beef brisket. If you are in the neighborhood, I suggest you skip the two reservoirs and head straight to Smokin' Buckeye instead.