Ohio’s muskellunge population is thriving in stocked reservoirs due to abundant food and fish retention, leading to record catches.

Ohio’s muskellunge, a powerful freshwater predator, is thriving in stocked reservoirs like Caesars Creek and C.J. Brown, where the ODNR has introduced fingerlings since 1998 and 2018. Despite limited natural reproduction, abundant gizzard shad and fish retention have led to trophy catches, including a 54-inch fish and a 45-inch catch by a child. Anglers are advised to use heavy gear and large lures, with the state’s voluntary “muskie log” tracking catches and offering Fish Ohio recognition for fish 40 inches or longer.