Leesville Lake, OH

Leesville Lake is located in southwestern Carroll County and is approximately two miles southeast of Sherrodsville on County Road 22 and five miles south of Carrollton on State Route 332. It was constructed across McGuire creek in 1938 just below the north and south forks and is within one of the wooded hill regions of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District. The District was organized under state law in 1933 for the primary purposes of flood control, conservation, and recreation. The Division of Wildlife is responsible for all hunting and fishing in the District’s 54,000 acres of land and water. There are 16,000 acres of District lakes with 365 miles of shoreline for the anglers to enjoy.This area surrounding Leesville Lake was enhanced by the extensive pine tree plantings that occurred. The 27 miles of shoreline offer scenic beauty that can best be enjoyed by boating since roads do not encircle this lake. The maximum depth of Leesville Lake is 40 feet and this lake contains 1,011 acres. Boats are allowed with a maximum of 10 horsepower.Fish species that are found in Leesville Lake include muskellunge, saugeye, largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, black and white crappie, channel catfish, brown bullhead, Northern pike, pumpkinseed sunfish and carp. Advanced fingerling muskellunge (9-11â€) and fingerling saugeye (1â€+) are stocked annually by the Ohio Division of Wildlife. Channel catfish yearlings (9â€) are also stocked in odd-numbered years by the Division of Wildlife. Muskellunge are oftentimes caught on large crank baits that are cast during the spring and fall or trolled during the summer months. Spinner baits or jerk baits are good casting lures as well for this top predator. A wire leader or very high pound test monofilament leader is a must, since muskellunge have an array of sharp teeth that will cut fishing line instantly. Saugeye are taken by drifting, trolling, or casting. Nightcrawler harnesses, minnows, crank baits, and jigs are all effective for tempting saugeye. Largemouth bass and bluegill can be caught close to shore, especially during the spring and again in the fall. Spinner baits, surface lures, and plastic worms all are good choices for largemouth bass. Wax worms, maggots, or small worms are usually a good choice to attract bluegill and other sunfish species to bite. A small hook (# 10 or smaller) is the best bet for successful bluegill fishing. Yellow perch may be caught on worms or minnows. Channel catfish can be caught relatively close to shore from spring through fall. Shrimp, nightcrawlers, or chicken liver are preferred baits for channel catfish. A sliding sinker rig, using a swivel to keep the weight from hitting the hook (such as what would be used for fishing for bass with plastic worms) will work well. A # 4 hook is a preferred size to use for catfish.