Muskie Fishing at Caesars Creek State Park in Ohio

Muskie Fishing at Caesars Creek State Park in Ohio

fishing image by Dozet from Fotolia.com

The Buckeye State of Ohio has many state parks, lakes and rivers, including Caesar Creek State Park. Caesar Creek Lake is in the park and home to one of Ohio's more popular sport fish, the muskellunge. Muskellunge, or "muskies," are related to pike and are sometimes referred to as blue pike or the Ohio muskie. If you are fishing in Ohio, make sure to have a valid Ohio fishing license.

Bait or Tackle

Canoe, drift, and fish for a perfect afternoon.
fishing 1 image by Sorin Alb from Fotolia.com

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources reports large baits and tackle are the way to go for muskies, according to its "Muskie Fishing in Ohio" publication. Heavy bass casting set-ups are appropriate for muskies. The Ohio DNR also suggests using a wire leader off the casting rig. You can keep your catch or go catch and release at the lake. The DNR asks you to keep the hook time to a minimum if catch-and-release fishing to help ensure the health of the fisheries.

Techniques

Ohio has many beautiful and scenic locales.
jack"s hollow bridge image by Thomas Sprader from Fotolia.com

The Ohio DNR reports summer being the best time to troll for muskies. According to the DNR report, troll the deeper waters during the hot summer months as the muskies will head for cooler water during these times. Troll around submerged logs and patches of aquatic vegetation, where the oxygen content is higher and muskies gather. Because muskies require a good deal of fight and time to wear down prior to landing them, the DNR suggest placing your net in the water when you are sure the fish has played itself out. Check the end of your line at routine intervals to see whether the bait has been stripped by other fish.

Daily Limits and Rules

Two buddies enjoying a day on the water.
fishing image by Ben Bolton from Fotolia.com

You are allowed to keep one muskie per day with no size limit at Caesar Creek Lake and State Park, according to the Ohio DNR and Fish and Game. Caesar Creek Lake is governed by the Ohio state regulations for fishing. You should check with park rangers or game wardens if there are any lake specific rules or bans in effect prior to fishing the lake.

Article Written By Eric Cedric

A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.

Write for Trails.com
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