Getting The Most Out Of Walleye Fishing In Ohio

When you think about walleye fishing, Ohio may not be the first area of the country that comes to mind, even though Lake Erie is one of the largest producers of walleye in North America. However, it is not the only walleye fishing Ohio has to offer. There are several lakes throughout the Buckeye State where these phenomenally tasty, white flaky fish can be harvested in large quantities. Some areas have great shore fishing, while others are excellent for anglers who prefer boating.

For example, in regards to walleye fishing, Ohio's Mosquito Lake is now considered the top inland walleye lake in the state. Over 11 million fry were stocked in this lake in Trumbull County in 2003, and the population is thriving. Mosquito Lake covers over 6,000 acres and is a fairly shallow lake, meaning that it thaws quickly in the spring. What this means for walleye anglers is that they should get to the lake right after ice-out to fish the shallows while the walleye are spawning. While good walleye fishing can be had during the summer, these fish prefer cooler temperatures and will move into the deepest parts of the lake as the waters warm. In spring, shoot for shallow humps, flats covered in gravel, and points. Also, try fishing the pier on the causeway, as this is a magnet for the walleye due to food fish hanging around this area. Wading is also a popular way to fish at Mosquito Lake, especially in the evening or very early morning, when the feeding frenzy is in full swing for walleye.

In terms of walleye fishing, Ohio anglers also find great success at Pymatuning Lake in Ashtabula County. In the past, this massive lake was known for the sheer numbers of walleye that you could catch. Now, while your experience won't turn out the volume of fish that you would find on a day at Mosquito Lake, Pymatuning offers high quality fishing, with many specimen over the 15-inch mark. The reason this is so critical is that, with the explosion of the alewife shad population in the lake, it has been difficult to keep the stock of walleye consistent. Despite stocking the lake with 21 million fry, most of the fish taken in a study were in the 5-year age range or older. Of course, the good news is that this means the fish easily reached between 20-23 inches in length. However, it also means that there are new limitations being imposed on walleye fishing at this lake to help the population grow again.