Compete with Ohio’s Best Anglers at Mosquito Lake

Located in Trumbull County, Mosquito Lake is a hidden gem for anglers seeking a memorable fishing experience in Ohio. In 2023, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife awarded an impressive 10,166 Fish Ohio pins to successful anglers with qualifying catches, many of which came from Mosquito Creek Lake. These trophy fish joined the ranks of over 410,000 catches recognized since the inception of the Fish Ohio program in 1976. Now, Mosquito Creek Lake has been noted by the ODNR as one of the top three lakes in the state for several fish in this program.

Records from Fish Ohio show that largemouth bass, channel catfish, and crappie are three of the most popular sport fish at inland lakes across the Buckeye State. Mosquito Creek Lake is one of the top three lakes in the state of Ohio to catch these fish on the Fish Ohio list! Largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, and saugeye are some of the most sought-after sport fish found in this lake.

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass, known for their aggressive nature, can grow to impressive sizes in Ohio's lakes and reservoirs, including Mosquito Creek Lake. Anglers in 2023 encountered some trophy largemouth bass exceeding 26 inches. These formidable predators are easily recognizable by the dark stripe running down their sides and a mouth that extends beyond the rear edge of the eye. With a taste for frogs, crayfish, large insects, and other fish, largemouth bass can be enticed by artificial lure presentations that mimic their preferred prey items.

Channel Catfish

Channel catfish, another popular sport fish at Mosquito Creek Lake, can be found throughout Ohio's rivers, streams, and lakes. Anglers frequenting Mosquito Creek Lake have reported numerous successful catches of Fish Ohio channel catfish. With their distinctive barbs near the mouth and spotting along the sides, these catfish exhibit a range of colors from blue, gray, or silver to black. Channel catfish have a versatile diet, consuming everything from crayfish and insect larvae to fish and mollusks. Anglers often have the most success fishing for catfish at dusk, dawn, or during the cover of darkness.

Crappie

Crappie, both black and white, thrive abundantly in Ohio and especially in Mosquito Creek Lake. These feisty sport fish can be found near structures such as drop-offs, points, creek beds, brush piles, and fallen trees. Anglers at Mosquito Creek Lake have enjoyed reeling in impressive crappie specimens, with the largest reported catches from Ohio's public waters reaching an impressive 18¼ inches. Black crappie can be identified by their irregular blotches or spots along the sides, while white crappie displays more uniform dark stripes.

A largemouth bass longer than 20 inches, a channel catfish longer than 26 inches, or a crappie longer than 13 inches qualify for Fish Ohio status.

For those planning a fishing excursion to Mosquito Lake, it is important to visit fishohio.gov to learn more about the Fish Ohio program, including how to apply for the 2024 Fish Ohio pin.

Plus, the lake has the Mosquito Lake State Park Campgrounds right on the property or plenty of hotel options nearby like the Best Western Park Hotel and the Residence Inn Niles if you want to plan a road trip around your fishing trip!