Information About Ice Fishing in Mosquito Lake, Ohio
Mosquito Lake, part of Mosquito Lake State Park in Cortland, Ohio, is a vast area, offering camping, boating and an array of other recreational activities. The lake, with about 4,000 acres of water, is also one of the state's fishing hotbeds. Mosquito Lake is rich in walleye, northern pike, panfish and bass. Mosquito Lake offers some of the state's best fishing in the winter--especially for walleye, northern pike and panfish. Fishing Mosquito Lake through the ice comes with following Ohio fishing guidelines and knowing which applications and baits are choice during winter months.
Walleye Fishing
Pulling walleye through the ice can make for an exciting outing on Mosquito Lake. Walleye tend to feed in varied patterns. The fish will sometimes bite out of what seems like pure boredom. Other times, it is obvious they are extremely hungry and active. During the winter, walleye are significantly less aggressive than during the warm season. On Mosquito Lake, a variety of baits are used to coax walleye out of their winter hiding spots. With live minnow jigs (about 1/8 oz. preferred) being the preferred fare during the winter, walleye will also bite on artificial lures like hex wobblers, ice rapalas and small spoons.
Northern Pike
The Mosquito Lake northern pike population is fairly active in the winter. The key to finding big and hungry pike is to locate bay areas where there are weeds in the summer. In these areas of about 5 to 15 feet of water, small bait fish like to feed on underwater vegetation that begins to grow before the thaw. Pike bite on a variety of bait such as spoons, suckers, chubs and shad. A 6- to 10-inch hole (12 inches is the Ohio maximum) in the ice is recommended for pike. Tip-ups and standard jigging poles are the preferred methods for solid northern pike ice fishing on Mosquito Lake.
Panfish
Jigging for panfish through the Mosquito Lake ice can also be fun, especially for kids. The lake is rich in feisty panfish, most notably sizable crappie and bluegill. Mosquito Lake panfish are best caught with jigs rigged with meal worms, mousies and small minnows.
Tip-Up and Rod Limits
Ohio state gaming laws limit each angler to two hand-held rods and six tip-ups at one time. Paying attention to these regulations is crucial to good fishing and respecting state and park rules. Some state parks have their own regulations that can change with weather and fish population conditions. It is, therefore, important to know on-site rules that may differ from overall state laws.
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Fishing and gaming in Ohio are regulated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Ice fishing on Mosquito Lake requires a valid Ohio fishing license. Licenses can be purchased online or by mailing in the proper licensing fee.
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
State Parks Department
2045 Morse Road, Building C
Columbus, OH 43229-6693
www.dnr.state.oh.us
Tags: Mosquito Lake, northern pike, Department Natural, Department Natural Resources, Natural Resources