It's well known that few states offer a muskie fishery as marvelous as Ohio's.

Ed Lewis, an Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODOW) fisheries biologist, says that the state's great muskie program is a joint effort between anglers and the fisheries departments.

"Some 97 percent of all fish caught in the state are returned to the water," Lewis said. "Ohio's anglers seem to take great pride in their fishery."

Every year, on average, there is one muskie stocked per surface-acre in Ohio's lakes. "We have developed an advanced muskie fingerling program that affords the fish extra time to grow before being stocked. All stocked muskies are between 8 and 12 inches long," Lewis noted. "This practice increases the survival rate by cutting down on potential predation, thus providing a better fishery for years to come."

Following: a roundup of Lewis' picks for the top five muskie lakes in the state this season.

Photo by Pete Maina

SALT FORK LAKE
Most Ohio anglers wouldn't be surprised to find that Salt Fork Lake in Guernsey County near Cambridge is on the list of Ohio's most productive muskie waters. Year after year, this lake has proved to be a sure bet for boating trophy fish in the upper ranges of the 40-inch class; you've even got a shot at fish over 50 inches here.

Salt Fork is a 2,952-acre impoundment in Wildlife District Four. It is managed by the ODOW, while the Ohio Department of Parks and Recreation manages the surrounding park.

There is no horsepower limit in effect on the lake, which may be accessed six miles east of Interstate 77 off U.S. Route 22. Bait, lures, tackle and info on lake conditions may be obtained from Salt Fork Outdoors, 72090 Old 21 Road, Kimbolton, OH 43749; (740) 439-4570.

Most successful spring muskie anglers target shallow flats associated with woody structure in four to 10 feet of water.

The "Two Fingers" area on the northwest side of the lake holds good numbers of muskies at this time of year. Small lures should either be cast or trolled slowly along the flats for optimal results.

"Little weed growth is associated with the lake," noted Lewis, "so focus your attention predominately on woody cover."

According to Lewis, the lake is more suited to trophy anglers because it produces more big muskies than numbers of fish. In fact, in 2003 Salt Fork led the state in 50-inch-plus fish and was a close second to West Branch in 2004.

WEST BRANCH LAKE
Already a known trophy fishery, and leading the state in 2004 with the most 50-inch-plus fish caught, West Branch merits some angler attention this 2005 season.

"My prediction is that West Branch will again provide Ohio anglers with great muskie fishing opportunities this year," said Lewis.

West Branch is a 2,650-acre lake in Portage County. It is in Wildlife District Three and provides boat-launching facilities five miles east of Ravenna on state Route 5. There are no restrictions on horsepower.

"Anglers should look for woody structure and changes in the bottom contour from shallow to deep," suggested Lewis. "The lake is not known for having an abundance of weed growth, but anglers should not be deterred by this. The fish will simply be found near downed trees, brush piles and similar cover instead."

Spring finds muskies basking in the warmth of shallow water on West Branch Lake, and its northern shorelines warm quickly.

Last year's angler returns show that 159 muskies were caught in West Branch, 28 of which were over 42 inches long. There were also two fish taken that measured over 50 inches.

LEESVILLE LAKE
Widely known and heavily fished, Leesville Lake is one of Ohio's premier muskie waters. Lewis reports that Leesville has historically been more of a numbers lake than a trophy fishery; however, 2004 showed both high numbers and big sizes on the returns.

Leesville is tucked into southern Carroll County in Wildlife District Three. Don't let the apparent small size of this 1,000-acre impoundment fool you -- it's loaded with awesome muskie-fishing opportunities. It can be accessed two miles southeast of Sherrodsville off state Route 212.