The Route 88 causeway bisects the lake into northern and southern basins. The northern basin is shallower and darker, and generally warms up faster. In the northern basin, there are some extensive stumpfields that hold walleyes, too.

As good as the shallow-water bite can be early on, if things aren’t happening there, consider trolling deeper zones of the lake. I’ve had some excellent early-season fishing by pulling crankbaits on lead-core line. Firetiger is often a productive color pattern.

Jig-and-minnow combos, as well as leadhead jigs dressed with 3-inch twistertail bodies, are good offerings when working the shallows.

Wading anglers score best in the first hour or two after dark and again late in the evening.

On Mosquito Lake, two of the better public-access areas are south of the causeway on the eastern side of the lake, and also at the state park on the southwestern end of the lake.

There’s no horsepower limit on the lake, though there is a 15-mph speed limit north of the causeway. On the causeway is a fishing pier.

At the extreme north end of the lake is a propagation area, which is closed to fishing.

Bait and tackle can be found at Mecca, as well as near the state park.

There is no closed season for walleyes on Mosquito Lake. General inland walleye regulations apply.

C.J. BROWN RESERVOIR
Clark County’s 2,000-acre C.J. Brown Reservoir is likely the best walleye lake in the southwestern portion of the state. It receives extensive stockings of fingerling stage walleyes by the Ohio Division of Wildlife.

While the bulk of the adult walleye population is dominated by fish from 13 to 20 inches, ODOW sampling has revealed fish up to 12 pounds.

Perhaps the best option for late-winter walleye angling at C.J. Brown is at its tailwater area, which can be particularly productive following periods of higher discharge through the dam, which moves fish from the lake into the tailwater area.

In the lake, early-season walleye fishing is often best along riprap shorelines, such as the face of the dam. Because it’s located in the southern part of the state, C.J. Brown Reservoir may possibly be ice-free at this time.

This lake lies within Buck Creek State Park, and facilities are excellent. There is a marina in addition to numerous boat launches.

OTHER OPTIONS
Other waters worth your attention this spring include Pymatuning Lake on the Pennsylvania border in northeast Ohio, and Grand Lake St. Marys in northwestern Ohio. A good tailrace fishery exists there as well.

Maps of both C.J. Brown and Mosquito lakes may be copied off of www.dnr.state.oh.us the ODOW’s Web site at. Click on “Fishing,” and then “Find a place to fish.” There’s a link there for state lake maps.