Page 19 - Mid America Boating - March 2024 issue

60 lakes and reservoirs by the Division of Wildlife. These fast-growing fish thrive in Ohio’s
inland waters and can be caught year-round. Inland lake anglers caught Fish Ohio saugeye
most often in Indian Lake (Logan County), Buckeye Lake (Fairfield, Licking, and Perry
counties), and Alum Creek Lake (Delaware County).
Saugeye can be identified by the dark bars or vertical spots between the spines of the
first dorsal fin. They also have dark, oblong patches along their sides. They prey on gizzard
shad and small fish, so minnows and live bait are favored. Artificial lures like twister tails,
jigs, and crankbaits are also excellent choices. The largest reported saugeye catch in 2023
was 30 inches, a milestone reached on Seneca Lake.
Channel catfish: Channel catfish are found throughout Ohio in rivers, streams,
and lakes. These popular sport fish can reach large sizes and make great table fare. 19 [ MID-AMERICA BOATING ]
Inland lake anglers caught Fish Ohio channel catfish most often in Indian Lake (Logan
County), Mosquito Creek Lake (Trumbull County), and Hoover Reservoir (Delaware and
Franklin counties).
Channel catfish can be identified by the barbs near the mouth and spotting along the
sides. They range in color from blue, gray, or silver to black, and typically have a white
or cream-colored belly. They consume almost anything, from crayfish and insect larvae
to fish and mollusks, but feed mainly at night. Anglers have the most success fishing
for catfish at dusk and dawn or after dark. The largest reported channel catfish catch
in 2023 was 37 inches, a milestone that anglers reached on Rocky Fork Lake and West MARCH 2024
Branch Reservoir.
Crappie: Black crappie and white crappie are abundant in Ohio. A black crappie has Cleveland sailor serves aboard
irregular blotches or spots along its sides, while a white crappie is distinguished by more
uniform dark stripes. Top crappie lakes are Mosquito Creek Lake (Trumbull County), Hoover
Reservoir (Delaware and Franklin counties), and Alum Creek Lake (Delaware County). Navy guided-missle destroyer
Crappies are often found near structures like drop-offs, points, creek beds, brush piles,

and fallen trees. These feisty sport fish can be caught on light tackle. The largest reported USS Halsey in the Pacific
crappies from Ohio’s public waters last year were 18¼-inch trophies reeled in from Acton
Lake and Clear Fork Reservoir. Pacific Ocean (2024): U.S. Navy Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Darian Cowles, from

The ODNR Division of Wildlife has many resources available to assist anglers, including Cleveland, prepares chicken wings in the galley aboard the Arleigh Burke-class
lake maps, fishing tips by species, and fishing forecasts. Many of these resources are guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97), Jan. 13, 2024. Halsey, part of Carrier
available at your fingertips with the HuntFish OH mobile app. Fishing regulations and Strike Group Nine, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet
an interactive fishing map can be located with ease from any mobile device. Get started area of operations. An integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet operates naval

fishing with the Wild Ohio Harvest Community, which provides online learning modules, forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to

in-person classes, recipes, and more. execute the U.S. Navy’s role across the full spectrum of military operations – from
For more information on fishing tips and forecasts, go to wildohio.gov. Remember to combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. U.S. 3rd Fleet
purchase an Ohio license before fishing in public waters. An Ohio resident license is works together with our allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation, the
$25. It is valid for one year from its purchase date and is required of all anglers ages 16 rule of law, and other principles that underpin security for the Indo-Pacific region.

and older. MAB
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ismael Martinez

Lake Erie is Ohio’s

Most Precious Resource

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defense, education, outreach and innovative sustainable technology.

Help LEF protect Lake Erie against:

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