COLUMBUS, Ohio (Sept. 16, 2024) — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is set to boost fishing experiences across the state by stocking nearly 20,000 muskellunge, or muskies, in nine inland lakes throughout 2024. Muskies, which can reach lengths of over 50 inches, are renowned for their challenging and rewarding fishing opportunities.
The Division of Wildlife, through its Kincaid and London state fish hatcheries, will release 10- to 12-inch muskies into lakes including Alum Creek Lake, C.J. Brown Reservoir, Caesar Creek Lake, Clearfork Reservoir, Lake Milton, Leesville Lake, Piedmont Lake, Salt Fork Lake, and West Branch Reservoir. These predatory fish grow quickly, offering ample chances for anglers to land trophy catches. Muskellunge are also frequently found in various Ohio river systems.
The ODNR’s efforts have already yielded impressive results. Trophy-sized muskellunge have been reported from all nine stocking locations. The Muskie Angler Log, established by the Division of Wildlife, collects public reports on muskie catches to aid in fishery management. Notably, muskies longer than 40 inches have been recorded in each of the nine lakes, with seven of these lakes producing muskies exceeding 50 inches. Ohio’s state record muskie, which weighed 55.1 pounds and measured 50.25 inches, was caught in Piedmont Lake in 1972.
Anglers who catch a muskellunge measuring 40 inches or more are eligible for a Fish Ohio award. This annual program recognizes anglers who land one of 25 qualifying sport fish species. In 2023, the top lakes for Fish Ohio muskie catches were:
- West Branch Reservoir (102 entries)
- Leesville Lake (48 entries)
- Piedmont Lake (42 entries)
- Alum Creek Lake (24 entries)
- Salt Fork Lake (18 entries)
- Caesar Creek Lake (17 entries)
- Mahoning River (17 entries)
- Clearfork Reservoir (11 entries)
- Lake Milton (11 entries)
- Pymatuning Lake (8 entries)
The Division of Wildlife operates six state fish hatcheries, managing fish populations and enhancing public fishing opportunities. In 2023, the agency stocked over 40 million fish into Ohio’s public waters. Funding for these initiatives comes from fishing license sales and the federal Sport Fish Restoration program, which is supported by excise taxes on fishing equipment, import duties, and gasoline taxes for small engines and motorboats.
Anglers aged 16 and older must have an Ohio fishing license to fish in state waters. An annual license costs $25 and is valid for one year, while a one-day license is available for $14 and can be credited toward the purchase of an annual license. Licenses and permits can be purchased online at wildohio.gov, through the HuntFish OH app, and at participating sales agents.
For more information on fish stocking and to view complete records, visit wildohio.gov and data.ohio.gov.
