SALT FORK LAKE
If you’re looking to land a 50-inch muskie, Salt Fork Lake is a good place to start. In 2005, anglers landed four muskies that measured 50 inches plus, and two more were recorded through August 2006. While Salt Fork doesn’t have the state’s highest volume of muskies, August 2006 returns indicate that an incredible 37 percent of all fish caught on this lake were Huskie Muskie Club qualifiers.

Additionally, Salt Fork Lake in Guernsey County is expected to increase muskie yields this spring after completion of dam renovation and a return to normal water levels.

Biologist Heyob said next year will probably be the optimal year for fishing Salt Fork, and spring is a great time to hit the water there.

The best fishing may be found near the Old Stone House, the water treatment plant and Two Fingers areas. Also, anglers should fish around Cabin Bay and the Sugar Tree marina. Focus on areas approximately 4 to 10 feet deep. Woody structure is a plus.

Salt Fork Lake has no horsepower restrictions and features six launch ramps. The lake may be reached by following U.S. Route 22 six miles east of Interstate Route 77, or off county Road 35 running north and south between Cambridge and North Salem.

PIEDMONT LAKE
East of Salt Fork Lake on U.S. Route 22, Belmont County’s Piedmont Lake is home to some of the largest muskies ever caught in Ohio. The state-record fish, a 50 1/2-inch, 55-pound, 3-ounce monster, was reeled in on an April day in 1972.

In 2005, anglers pulled 176 muskies from the lake, and through August 2006, 82 fish had been caught, 10 of which were Huskie Muskie Club qualifiers.

Anglers should be aware that more than likely, the best opportunities to find muskies will be in shallow bays earlier in the season and around the dam area as the summer nears.

Piedmont Lake offers anglers approximately 2,273 acres of water and 37 miles of shoreline. There is a 10- horsepower limit at Piedmont. Boaters may choose from one of two public access points on the lake.

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

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

CLEAR FORK RESERVOIR
Clear Fork Reservoir, in Richland and Morrow counties, consistently provides a high yield of muskies and serves as the ODOW’s brood stock lake. Recently, however, the number of brood fish has been declining.

In 2005, the ODOW began using leftover fingerlings to double-stock the lake to increase those numbers. The agency continued the double-stocking procedure in 2006, according to Ed Lewis, a District Two fisheries biologist.

Muskie anglers may find success on the lake by targeting the area around the confluence of Clear Fork Creek. North Bay is always a great site for muskies, too.

Clear Fork has no motor restrictions, but the ODOW has mandated an 8 miles per hour rule that is strictly enforced.

Clear Fork Reservoir may be reached by taking state Route 97 northwest of Lexington.

For more information on Clear Fork Reservoir or to request a lake map, contact the ODOW’s Wildlife District Two office at (419) 424-5000.