Though catch returns from Lake Milton are frequently less than from the previously mentioned lakes, the fishing pressure is conservative too.

Lake Milton has no motor restrictions. It may be accessed off state Route 534 at county Road 18 about 15 miles west of Youngstown.

For more information or to request a lake map, contact the ODOW's Wildlife District Three headquarters at (330) 644-2293.

PIEDMONT LAKE
Another excellent muskie fishery, 2,310-acre Piedmont Lake is in Belmont and Harrison counties in Wildlife District Four. This big lake is the home of the current state-record muskie, a 50 1/2-inch 55-pound, 3-ounce brute.

During the 1993, '94, '95, '97, '98 and 2000 fishing seasons, Piedmont produced the largest muskie caught in Ohio waters. Following a lull in recent years, Piedmont's 2005 muskie returns show that it has regained its ranking in the upper echelon of muskie fisheries. Huskie Muskie qualifiers are not uncommon on this body of water, and it typically produces at least one 50-inch-plus fish every year.

Piedmont is considered to be one of the most scenic lakes in Ohio, and with a 10-horsepower-motor restriction it is truly hospitable to serious muskie anglers.

Good spring fishing opportunities may be found around the dam area, Essex Bay and Marina Bay. Spring muskies are seldom found deeper than 15 feet of water. North shores and wood structure remain consistent hideaways for hungry fish.

Piedmont Lake is off U.S. Route 22 one mile northeast of Smyrna.

For more information on fishing Piedmont Lake, or to request a lake map, call the ODOW's Wildlife District Four office at (740) 594-2211.

* * *

Biologist Lewis and Don Weaver encourage anglers to send in a scale sample of every muskie they catch in Ohio waters. The ODOW provides pre-addressed, postage-paid envelopes at the boat launching facilities of most muskie lakes, or the envelopes may be requested by phoning Lewis directly at (419) 429-8371. Simply remove four to six scales from one side of the muskie and put them in the envelope. Fill out the information on the front of the envelope and drop it into the mail. This data helps fisheries biologists determine how well their stocking methods are working on each lake in the program.

Anglers who send in their first scale sample to the ODOW will receive an honorary membership for the remainder of the year the fish was caught.

Or anglers may simply fill out a membership application. Application forms may be obtained at most marinas and bait dealers in Ohio water areas that have a muskellunge fishery. These forms may also be obtained by writing the Ohio Division of Wildlife at one of the following district offices:

• 1500 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215
• 952 Lima Ave., Box A, Findlay, OH 45840
• 912 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron, OH 44319
• 360 East State St., Athens, OH 45701
• 1076 Old Springfield Pike, Box 576, Xenia, OH 45385


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