Reservoir changing for the better

Mosquito Creek Reservoir continued to show signs in 2009 that it is changing, and its metamorphosis is much to the liking of the anglers who fish there.

Dammed during World War II, Mosquito Creek flooded the swamps and woods north of Warren and west of Cortland to form the 7,000-acre reservoir that has become a mecca for anglers interested in walleyes, crappies and largemouth bass. Championed by former U.S. Rep. Mike Kirwan, the impoundment was built to help regulate the flow of the Mahoning River, largely for the benefit of the Youngstown-area steel industry.

The water inundated farms, roads, bridges and tens of thousands of tree stumps left when the U.S. Corps of Engineers cleared the land. Fishing quickly became a major attraction after the war, as the lake’s cover and structure provided habitat for the growing populations of game species.

Kirwan, it has been reported, even saw to the initial stocking of the lake when he arranged for a U.S. military plane to buzz the new reservoir and dump tens of thousands of fingerlings in response to supporters who thought the new lake might rival Canada’s wilderness as a fishing destination.

Over the ensuing years, walleye stocking has been generous at Mosquito. Ohio Division of Wildlife annually returns millions of fry produced with the assistance of the division’s netting teams each spring.

For much of its history, Mosquito has been a fishery where walleye anglers drifted jigs and trolled spinners and crankbaits across open water flats and humps. Historically, bass anglers fared well when they worked the shoreline’s flooded trees and willows, and crappie fishers filled buckets and baskets with slabs plucked from the same shallow cover.

All of that is changing.

The reason is Mosquito has seen a remarkable surge in aquatic vegetation. Though it has for many years featured isolated beds of coontail and lily pads, the reservoir now is ringed with greenery. From the dam to the wildlife preserve’s buoy line, thick grass grows from the bank out to depths of 7 feet and more.

Some speculate the weed growth is a result of clearing water, a byproduct of zebra mussels transported to Mosquito in the plumbing systems of boats that were recently on Lake Erie.

Whatever the reason for their existence, the weeds have contributed to better walleye fishing throughout the year and have prompted savvy anglers to change their tactics.

While open-water drifters and trollers still catch lots of walleyes, more and more fishermen are finding fish — and big ones at that — patrolling the grass beds and attacking jigs and rattling crankbaits pulled across and adjacent to the edges.

The weeds also have pulled the bass off the shoreline. Bank beaters continue to score in the early spring, but by May, the longer days and warming water have pushed the weeds up and the bass out. They feast on shad and perch that seek shelter in the thick growths.

Aquatic vegetation is nature’s nursery. Weed beds provide habitat and food for newly hatched fish of all species and are perfect hunting grounds for predators such as bass and walleyes.

Anglers learn to love weeds, but love is not a universal sentiment among all of lakes’ users when vegetation takes root. Many like to see their waterways uncluttered by weeds, preferring the sterile look of open water and a “clean” bottom.

Mosquito is in the midst of a vigorous period of fish growth and fishing success thanks to the lush new habitat. Here’s hoping the weeds continue to flourish — and are not eradicated by those who prefer their lakes to be weed-free.

jack@innismaggiore.com