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Why Take Scale Samples!

Scale Samples and the Future of Muskie Fishing in Ohio.

The Division of Wildlife stocks almost 100% of Ohio muskies, and utilizes the Muskie Program to monitor the age, size and numbers of fish. The project is supported by anglers by sending in scale samples from the fish they catch in Ohio waters. The scale tells a lot about the fish and how well the stocked populations are thriving. Information gathered by these surveys helps determine which lakes may benefit more from limited stocking resources, so the overall success of Muskie proliferation in Ohio is dependent upon angler participation.  Scale samples are easily acquired from any fish-- kept or released. The chart below indicates the region from which scales may be harvested without injuring the fish.

Taking a scale sample is simple. Simply grip a scale with needle-nose pliers in the sample area depicted above. Lay the pliers on the fish and slip the needle nose under the scale. An average sample consists of 4-6 scales. Place them into an envelope and mail to the Ohio Division of Wildlife.

ENVELOPE

There are lakes and streams where many of the muskies caught, never get reported to the ODW. The easiest way to report your fish is with a scale sample placed in an envelope.   You can find the envelopes at most bait shops or marinas near lakes where muskies have been stocked. Many of the Muskie Fishing Clubs in Ohio can furnish envelopes to their    members and local bait shops. You can write to Division of Wildlife, District Two 952   Lima Ave., Findlay, Ohio 45840-9917. The envelopes are at no charge and the postage is free. Just fill out the information, collect 4 to 6 scales from your fish and send it in.
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OHMC MUSKIE RETURNS:
As a critical part of muskie management, the sizes of caught and kept fish are reported. These data can be implemented by the angler to identify yearly cycles and trends.

2005 Angler Scale Sample List:
Click here to view the list of anglers who turned in the scale samples for the year 2005.  

Click on the link below to view. Please allow for extended download time.
Returns for 1999

Returns for 2000

Returns for 2001

4-30-2001 5-31-2001 6-31-2001

7-31-2001 8-31-2001 9-30-2001

10-31-2001 11-30-2001 12-31-2001

Returns for 2002

4-30-2002 5-30-2002 6-30-2002

7-31-2002  8-31-2002  9-30-2002

10-31-2002 11-30-2002 12-31-2002

Returns for 2003

4-30-2003 5-31-2003 6-30-2003

7-31-2003 8-31-2003 9-30-2003

10-30-2003 11-30-2003 12-31-2003

Returns for 2004

4-30-2004	7-31-2004	10-31-2004
5-31-2004	8-31-2004	11-30-2004
6-30-2004	9-30-2004	12-31-2004

Returns for 2005

5-31-2005	8-31-2005	11-31-2005
6-31-2005	9-30-2005	12-31-2005
7-31-2005	10-31-2005

Returns for 2006

Returns for 2007

Aug 2007	Sept 2007

Ohio Muskie Stockings
One of the secrets for successful  Muskie fishing is to know the lakes and there past stockings.  So click on the baby muskie and view the stockings for Ohio Lakes.
           Click On The Muskie!

If you would like to read a  paper prepared by the Ohio Division of Natural Resources on size limits, we have a reprint posted.  This document is from 1988. Reprint

*Some of the Scale Return Files will be in a .PDF format.  If you do not have Adobe Reader to view the files, it is free to down-load.