Ohio Musky Fishing
The muskellunge is one of the largest freshwater gamefish in North America, reaching sizes in excess of 50 pounds. Though not common, these mighty fish can be found in many of Ohio's waterways and provide some of the most challenging fishing available in the state.
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Habits and Habitat
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The best muskellunge habitat is typically in lakes and bays with an abundance of aquatic vegetation and submerged wood cover. In rivers, muskellunge are drawn to long deep pools with lots of woody structure. Ohio muskellunge move into shallow soft-bottomed areas to spawn in April and May when the water temperature reaches the low 50s. They are often scattered throughout deeper water for the rest of the year. Muskellunge are ambush feeders and usually travel alone.
Lure Fishing
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Heavy rods and reels are recommended for muskie fishing; your tackle needs to be sturdy enough to bring a large fish away from cover. At least 20 pound line is essential, and wire leaders reduce the number of lures lost to muskies' sharp teeth. Large lures like crankbaits, spoons, spinnerbaits, spinners and jerkbaits are widely used to catch muskellunge in Ohio, and lures 6 to 8 inches long are regularly used. The best tactic is to cast as close as possible to likely ambush points like submerged logs, stumps, brush, boulders, and vegetation, then retrieve the lure with a quick erratic action. Strikes often occur close to the boat.
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Bait Fishing
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Still fishing with live bait is the method to use when you know muskellunge are in the area but they refuse to hit a fast-moving lure. Again, heavy tackle is a must. Live suckers or chubs are the best bait, and they should be fished under a bobber at whatever depth the situation calls for. Four feet below the surface is typical.
Lakes and Rivers
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Top muskie lakes in Ohio include Leesville Lake, Clear Fork Reservoir, Alum Creek Reservoir, Salt Fork Reservoir, Piedmont Lake, Lake Erie, and Lake Pymatuning. Grand River, Paint Creek, Sunfish Creek, Little Muskingum River, Salt Creek, Wills Creek, Rocky Fork Creek, and the Mahoning River are all productive muskie streams.
Regulations
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There is a daily limit of one muskellunge on Ohio waters, with no size restrictions. An Ohio fishing license is required to fish for muskellunge. These can be purchased at most bait shops and sporting goods stores across the state.
Tips
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Muskies exist in relatively low populations in most areas and are difficult to catch, which can make fishing for them frustrating. Slow fishing is the rule, and any day on which a muskellunge is caught is considered a success. Don't be discouraged by uneventful fishing; persistence often pays off, and with muskies, the wait is almost always worth it.
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References
- Photo Credit fishing lures image by itsallgood from Fotolia.com
