You don't have to travel out of the Mahoning Valley to do some high power fishing. 

Mosquito Creek Lake in Trumbull County is a prime destination for anglers seeking trophy-sized crappie and largemouth bass, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife.

The lake ranked second in the state for largemouth bass catches qualifying for the Fish Ohio program in 2024 and first for crappie.

The Fish Ohio program recognizes anglers who catch fish meeting specific length requirements for 26 species. A crappie measuring 13 inches or more and a largemouth bass longer than 20 inches qualify for the program.

Statewide, the division awarded 10,284 Fish Ohio pins to anglers in 2024 and 903 Master Angler pins, which are given to those who catch qualifying fish of four different species in a single year.

"Largemouth bass are aggressive predators that can grow to large sizes in Ohio’s lakes and reservoirs, making them a popular sport fish," the division said in a release. "Crappies are often found near structures like drop-offs, points, creek beds, brush piles, and fallen trees."

Other top lakes for largemouth bass include Nimisila Reservoir in Summit County and Mogadore Reservoir in Portage County. Buckeye Lake in Fairfield, Licking and Perry counties and Alum Creek Lake in Delaware County also ranked high for crappie catches.

Lake Erie led the state in overall Fish Ohio submissions, particularly for walleye. Anglers caught 980 Fish Ohio-qualifying walleye, measuring at least 28 inches, in Lake Erie last year. Two 34-inch walleye, the largest reported, were caught in April.

The Fish Ohio program began in 1976, and more than 420,000 catches have been recognized since.

Information on the Fish Ohio program, including qualifying lengths and application details, is available at fishohio.gov.

Anglers are reminded to purchase an Ohio fishing license before fishing in public waters. A resident license is $25 and is valid for one year from the date of purchase.