Valley anglers won’t have to travel far to find a challenge. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife is stocking nearly 20,000 muskellunge, also known as muskies, in nine inland lakes including Lake Milton.

Muskies, prized for their size and fighting spirit, can grow to over 50 inches in length. The Division of Wildlife raises these apex predators at the Kincaid and London state fish hatcheries, releasing 10- to 12-inch fish into targeted lakes each fall.

“Muskellunge are a popular sport fish that grow quickly, offering anglers the chance to land trophy catches,” said [Name of ODNR Division of Wildlife spokesperson], a spokesperson for the agency.

The stocked lakes also include Alum Creek Lake, C.J. Brown Reservoir, Caesar Creek Lake, Clearfork Reservoir, Leesville Lake, Piedmont Lake, Salt Fork Lake, and West Branch Reservoir.

While these are the primary locations for muskie fishing, anglers can also encounter them in some Ohio river systems.  

The Division of Wildlife manages the fishery through a Muskie Angler Log, which collects public reports on muskie catches. This data helps the agency assess the health of the population. Notably, all nine stocked lakes have produced fish exceeding 40 inches, with seven boasting muskies over 50 inches. The state record, a 55.1-pound, 50.25-inch behemoth, was caught in Piedmont Lake in 1972.

Anglers who land a muskellunge 40 inches or longer can participate in the Fish Ohio program, which recognizes catches of specific sport fish species exceeding qualifying lengths. Since 1976, the program has awarded pins to qualifying anglers.

The news release also highlights the importance of fishing licenses in supporting these efforts. Licenses are required for anglers 16 and older, with annual licenses costing $25 and one-day options available for $14. Sales of licenses, along with federal funding from the Sport Fish Restoration Program, contribute to fish hatchery operations and conservation efforts.