Nettle Lake: My First Natural

2 May 2015

Lake #25        Nettle Lake, Williams County

Nettle Lake has the honor of being the most northwestern lake on my BHAG list and the first natural lake I have kayaked. Nettle Lake is barely in Ohio, hugging the Indiana and Michigan borders. While there are 110 natural lakes in Ohio, there are only 14 that are larger than 100 acres. Most of Ohio’s natural lakes have been altered to some degree over time by human activities. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, 115-acre Nettle Lake is special because it is basically the same as when it formed in the aftermath of the most recent ice age. Given this I expected Nettle Lake to be different some how, that I would notice a difference when I was paddling it. Nettle didn’t paddle any different than a man made lake and the only way it looked different was that there was no dam or spillway.

The majority of the shoreline around Nettle Lake is privately owned. A public boat ramp, parking lot, and port-a-john are located on the southwest corner of the lake, off of County Road 4.75. This area and the rest of the south end of the lake are bordered with numerous small houses. There is a private campground located along the eastern shore. The prettiest parts of the lake are the northern end where Nettle Creek feeds the lake and the northwestern part of the lake where Nettle Creek exits the lake.

Great Blue Heron at the Northern End of the Lake

Nettle Lake Boat Ramp 

Houses Along the Lake

Campground on the Eastern Shore

Several fishermen were out in boats while I was kayaking. The parking lot was about full. Nettle Lake does not have any horsepower restrictions, which seems a bit strange for such a small lake. I didn’t have any issues with other boats. It was a sunny day (I know I said sunny) so no skirt or paddle jacket needed, woo hoo. After I put in, I headed north away from the houses.

Heading North From Boat Ramp

House Free Northwestern Part of Lake

Campground on the East 

Heading North

There was a Great Blue Heron hanging out at the northern end of the lake. He was not too happy to have company. 

Great Blue Heron Takes Off

At the Northern Shore

of Nettle Lake

After scaring off the Great Blue Heron, I headed south along the western shore of the lake. I spotted several turtles out enjoying the sunshine.

Heading South Along the Western Shore 

First There Were Three Turtles

Then There Were Two Turtles 

This Turtle Was Not Afraid of Heights

He Didn't Jump In Until the Very Last Moment 

Cute Guy Hanging Out All Alone 

I tried paddling Nettle Creek where it exits the lake on the western shore but there were too many strainers.

Nettle Creek 

If You Look Closely You Can See a Great Blue Heron in the Background

This lake was special because it was the first natural lake I kayaked. I decided to name the lake's baby duck "Nattie" for natural.

Baby Duck Nattie

I stopped at Spokes Country Restaurant, 1001 S. State Street in Pioneer (southeast of the lake), for lunch after my paddle. I had a really good grilled cheese sandwich made with thick homemade bread and a piece of homemade coconut cream pie. I recommend eating here if you are in the neighborhood.  

A Great Place to Eat After Paddling

May all your roads end in water,

Mama Duck Mona