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LOCATION
Mosquito Creek Lake is situated within Trumbull County approximately 1 mile west of State Route 5 in Cortland.
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
Mosquito Creek Lake was constructed in 1944 by the U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers when they dammed Mosquito Creek nine miles upstream from Niles. The primary purpose of this project was flood control, domestic water supply, and discharge regulation for industrial water supply and pollution dilution. This 7,241-acre lake is part of Mosquito Lake State Park. The maximum depth is 24 feet. Boats are allowed and there is no horsepower limitation. However, there is a "no wake" restriction which extends 300 feet from the shoreline. Also, north of the State Route 88 causeway, there is a 10 mile per hour speed limit for boaters. The fish populations in Mosquito Creek Lake are managed by the Ohio Division of Wildlife.
FISHES OF INTEREST TO ANGLERS
Fish species that are found in Mosquito Creek Lake include walleye, largemouth bass, Northern pike, bluegill, black and white crappie, white bass, yellow perch, flathead and channel catfish, and brown bullhead. Walleye are stocked annually by the Division of Wildlife. The walleye and crappie fishery at Mosquito Lake is generally as good as any inland fishery in Ohio.
FISHING FORECAST
| Type of Fish |
|
Size |
Largest
(inches) |
| Channel Catfish |
Excellent
|
Good
|
26.6
|
| Crappie |
Good
|
Excellent
|
12.7
|
| Largemouth Bass |
Fair
|
Good
|
19.1
|
| Northern Pike |
Excellent
|
Excellent
|
53.0
|
| Sunfish |
Poor
|
Good
|
8.5
|
| Walleye |
Excellent
|
Fair
|
26.6
|
| White Bass |
Excellent
|
Fair
|
14.6
|
Fish Survey Report
| Type of Fish |
Percent Seeking |
Catch Rates |
Fishing Pressure |
| Catfish |
4%
|
Poor
|
High
|
| Crappie |
12%
|
Fair
|
High
|
| Largemouth Bass |
14%
|
Good
|
High
|
| Sunfish |
1%
|
Poor
|
High
|
| Walleye |
44%
|
Good
|
High
|
| White Bass |
1%
|
Poor
|
Average
|
| Yellow Perch |
0%
|
Good
|
Low
|
Angler Survey Report
METHODS OF FISHING AND BEST FISHING SITES
Walleye are taken by drifting, trolling, or casting. Night crawler harnesses, minnows, crankbaits, and jigs are all effective for tempting walleye. Northern pike are most readily caught in March and April using large shiners, spoons, or crankbaits. Largemouth bass and bluegill can be captured 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 will usually entice the bluegill 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. White bass may be captured relatively close to shore from spring through fall. Shrimp, night crawlers, 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. Trotlines and floatlines may be used between the State Route 88 causeway and with Division of Wildlife refuge buoys to the north.
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 size 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). To get other maps or publications call toll free 1-800 WILDLIFE. Mosquito Lake State Park is located at 1439 State Route 305, Cortland, Ohio 44410 (phone number: 330-637-2856). A map of Mosquito Creek Lake Wildlife Area is available.
TURN IN A POACHER
Ohio’s TIP, “Turn In a Poacher,” program is helping to curtail 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.
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