LOCATION
Leesville Lake is located in southwestern Carroll County and is approximately two miles southeast of Sherrodsville on County Road 22 and five miles south of Carrollton on State Route 332.
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District was organized under state law in 1933 for the primary purposes of flood control, conservation, and recreation. The first waters to form the permanent lakes were impounded in 1938. In 1939, the flood control aspect became the responsibility of the United States Army Corps of Engineers as part of the Ohio-Mississippi Flood Control Program.
The Division of Wildlife is responsible for all hunting and fishing in the District’s 54,000 acres of land and water. There are 16,000 acres of Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District lakes with 365 miles of shoreline for the anglers to enjoy.
Leesville Lake was constructed across McGuire Creek in 1938 just below the north and south forks and is within one of the wooded hill regions of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District. This area surrounding Leesville Lake was enhanced by the extensive pine tree plantings that occurred. The 27 miles of shoreline offer scenic beauty that can best be enjoyed by boating since roads do not encircle this lake.
Water storage began in the late 1930s, but for some period, due to mechanical issues with the dam hydraulic systems, the lake level was kept below 16 feet. Public angling officially was permitted beginning in September 1940. The maximum depth of Leesville Lake is 40 feet and this lake contains 1,011 acres. Boats are allowed with a maximum of 10 horsepower.
FISHES OF INTEREST TO ANGLERS
Fish species that are found in Leesville Lake include muskellunge, saugeye, largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, black and white crappie, channel catfish, brown bullhead, Northern pike, pumpkinseed sunfish, and carp. Advanced fingerling muskellunge (9-11”) and fingerling saugeye (1”+) are stocked annually by the Ohio Division of Wildlife. Channel catfish yearlings (9”) are also stocked in odd-numbered years by the Division of Wildlife.
FISHING FORECAST
| Type of Fish |
|
Size |
Largest
(inches) |
| Channel Catfish |
Fair
|
Excellent
|
30.4
|
| Crappie |
Good
|
Excellent
|
11.3
|
| Largemouth Bass |
Excellent
|
Fair
|
21.1
|
| Muskellunge |
Excellent
|
Excellent
|
53.0
|
| Saugeye |
Fair
|
Good
|
27.9
|
Smallmouth Bass
|
Fair
|
Excellent
|
15.8
|
| Sunfish |
Good
|
Excellent
|
9.0
|
Fish Survey Report
| Type of Fish |
Percent Seeking |
Catch Rates |
Fishing Pressure |
| Catfish |
1%
|
Good
|
Low
|
| Crappie |
19%
|
Excellent
|
High
|
Largemouth Bass and
Smallmouth Bass |
30%
|
Fair
|
High
|
| Muskellunge |
31%
|
Good
|
High
|
| Saugeye |
2%
|
Fair
|
Average
|
| Sunfish |
7%
|
Excellent
|
High
|
Yellow Perch
|
1%
|
Good
|
High
|
Angler Survey Report
METHODS OF FISHING AND BEST FISHING SITES
Muskellunge are oftentimes caught on large crank baits that are cast during the spring and fall or trolled during the summer months. Spinner baits or jerk baits are good casting lures as well for this top predator. A wire leader or very high pound test monofilament leader is a must, since muskellunge have an array of sharp teeth that will cut fishing line instantly. Saugeye are taken by drifting, trolling, or casting. Nightcrawler harnesses, minnows, crank baits, and jigs are all effective for tempting saugeye. Largemouth bass and bluegill can be caught close to shore, especially during the spring and again in the fall. Spinner baits, surface lures, and plastic worms all are good choices for largemouth bass. Wax worms, maggots, or small worms are usually a good choice to attract bluegill and other sunfish species to bite. A small hook (# 10 or smaller) is the best bet for successful bluegill fishing. Yellow perch may be caught on worms or minnows. Channel catfish can be caught relatively close to shore from spring through fall. Shrimp, nightcrawlers, or chicken liver are preferred baits for channel catfish. A sliding sinker rig, using a swivel to keep the weight from hitting the hook (such as what would be used for fishing for bass with plastic worms) will work well. A # 4 hook is a preferred size to use for catfish.
FISH OHIO
Anglers who catch a big fish should enter their prize in the Fish Ohio angler recognition program. A fish qualifies for an award if it meets the minimum length requirement set for the Fish Ohio program.Applications are available online at FishOhio.org.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The nearest wildlife district office is located at 912 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron, Ohio 44319 (phone number: 330-644-2293). The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District is located at 1319 Third Street NW, Post Office Box 349, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663 (phone number: 330-343-6647).
A Leesville Lake Wildlife Area map is also available.
TURN IN A POACHER
Ohio’s TIP, “Turn In a Poacher,” program is helping to control poaching throughout the state. TIP is designed to involve the public in reporting wildlife violations. Citizens who observe wildlife violations should call the TIP toll-free hotline, 1-800-POACHER. |