Ohio stocking lakes with thousands of muskellunge. Here's where to find them

Janson McNair, Canton Repository

Ohio anglers may notice some more crowded waters this fall.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife is releasing 20,000 muskellunge across inland lakes in the state throughout the season.

"The hatcheries stock 10- to 12-inch muskies in nine lakes each fall," the Division of Wildlife said in a news release. "Muskies are a predatory sport fish that grow quickly and create trophy fishing opportunities."

What is a muskellunge?

Muskellunge, also known as muskies, are long, slender fish with a large duckbill-shaped mouth and needle sharp teeth, the Division of Wildlife says. The fish have dark spots or wavy lines on their sides on a light background.

They can reach lengths of 50 inches or more, with a lot of their growth occurring rapidly during their first five years. If an angler records a muskellunge catch that measures 40 inches or more, they can receive a Fish Ohio award, which has featured a collectible pin in years past.

"The Fish Ohio program annually recognizes thousands of anglers who catch one of 25 species of a qualifying length," according to the release. "Since 1976, the program has awarded a Fish Ohio pin to any angler who qualifies."

Interactive Ohio fishing map: How to find places to fish in Ohio

A 48-inch muskie is released after being caught.
A 48-inch muskie is released after being caught.

Which lakes will have muskellunge stocked in Ohio?

Here are the nine lakes that will be stocked with muskellunge this season:

  • Alum Creek Lake

  • C.J. Brown Resovoir

  • Caesar Creek Lake

  • Clearfork Resovoir

  • Lake Milton

  • Leesville Lake

  • Piedmont Lake

  • Salt Fork Lake

  • West Branch Resovoir

Where can I find the biggest muskellunge in Ohio?

Here's a list of the top 10 areas in Ohio that recorded Fish Ohio eligible muskellunge in 2023:

  1. West Branch Reservoir (102 Fish Ohio entries)

  2. Leesville Lake (48)

  3. Piedmont Lake (42)

  4. Alum Creek Lake (24)

  5. Salt Fork Lake (18)

  6. Caesar Creek Lake (17)

  7. Mahoning River (17)

  8. Clearfork Reservoir (11)

  9. Lake Milton (11)

  10. Pymatuning Lake (8)

What's the state record for muskie in Ohio?

Ohio’s state record muskie weighed 55.1 pounds and measured 50.25 inches long. It was caught in Piedmont Lake in 1972.

How can I get a fishing license in Ohio?

Fishing licenses are required in Ohio for anglers age 16 and older. They can be purchased online or at participating license sales agents.

"An annual license is $25 and is valid for one year after purchase. A one-day fishing license costs $14 and may be redeemed for credit toward the purchase of a one-year fishing license," according to the news release.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Muskellunge fishing in Ohio should be plentiful in these lakes

Advertisement