It is no secret that Trumbull County in Northeast Ohio has some of the best fishing in the state. Almost every fisherman can find something to their liking, whether it's creeks, rivers, parks, or hidden gems. Communities in the region place a high emphasis on protecting and maintaining their natural resources. As a result, locals and visitors can take advantage of all the area has to offer.

Mosquito Lake State Park

Mosquito Lake State Park in Cortland, OH is famous for its top-notch walleye, crappie, and bass fishing. The lake is the second-largest inland lake in Ohio, offering more than 7200 acres of water and nearly 42 miles of shoreline for fishing, boating, and recreating.

Pymatuning Creek

If adventure, wild beauty, and solitude are what you are looking for, the eastern portion of the county is home to Ohio’s newest designated “wild and scenic river,” Pymatuning Creek. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources – Scenic River Program made the official designation in the fall of 2018. Leisurely paddle on the meandering creek to experience some great northern pike and yellow perch fishing and you’ll see why it’s called “wild and scenic.”

Mahoning River

Another often overlooked resource, which was the lifeblood of the city of Warren, OH, and the steel industry, is the Mahoning River. The Mahoning, which slices through the southern half of the county, has become a tremendous fishery in recent years and has access points in many communities including Newton Falls, Niles, Girard, and Warren. Fishers can even put in at parks like Newton Falls City Park, Packard Park, and Burbank Park! Kept somewhat of a secret by the locals and a few knowing anglers, the 23 county miles of river are home to countless species of sport fish from huge muskies to according to the Ohio Division of Wildlife, “impressive smallmouth bass fishing.”

Fish Species You’ll Find in Trumbull County

Fishing spots like Mosquito Lake are known to be some of Ohio’s premier fishing destinations, and they’re well-stocked with a variety of prized species:

• Walleye – Regularly stocked by the Ohio Division of Wildlife; best caught by casting jigs, drifting, or trolling crankbaits and minnows.
• Crappie (Black & White) – Excellent in spring and early summer around submerged structure or brush piles 
• Northern Pike – Arrive in early spring for aggressive feed; target shallow weed lines using spoons or large live minnows 
• Largemouth Bass – Normally a spring and summer fish, fishers can use surface, weedless or op-water lures to catch these guys. Look for logs, stumps and late-spring weeds or even lily pads as that the bass will be near. Mosquito Lake is the best fishing spot in Ohio for this fish!
• Flathead Catfish – Thrives in deeper areas; best fished with nightcrawlers, lamprey, or live bait after dark 
• Panfish (Bluegill, Perch, Sunfish) – Abundant around shallow bays, ideal for light tackle and bait like waxworms, mealworms, or maggots 

Tips from Local Bait Shops

For local expertise and gear, swing by either Lakeside Sport Shop in Cortland or Causeway Bait & Tackle near the Mecca side of Mosquito Lake.

• Lakeside Sport Shop (Cortland) – This well-stocked local favorite carries live bait (minnows, leeches, worms), frozen bait (chicken liver, shad), plus rods, reels, and snacks to fuel a full day on the water.
• Causeway Bait & Tackle (Cortland/Mecca area) – Known for helpful staff and quick service, they offer everything from live bait to tackle accessories, perfect for last-minute anglers preparing to hit the lake.
• Mosquito Lake Marina & Boat Rental (Mecca Township) –
  Located right on the water, this full-service marina is a great spot for anglers looking to gear up and get out quickly. In addition to kayak and pontoon rentals, the marina offers live bait, fishing tackle, drinks, and snacks—plus insider tips from staff who know the lake well.

And many other stops including Pikie Bay, Burgh Bait and Tackle, and Buckeye Worm Farm Newton Falls! Ask the teams there about seasonal fishing strategies, like targeting fast-moving northern pike in early spring or waiting for walleye until later in the season, and you’ll come away better prepared.

Why Mosquito Lake Stands Out

As the second-largest inland lake in Ohio, Mosquito Lake delivers miles of shoreline, diverse habitat zones, and access from Cortland and Mecca. Whether you’re casting from shore, launching a boat, or cruising the causeway, there’s always something biting. The lake’s size, structure, and management efforts by ODNR make it a consistently top-tier destination for anglers.

More about what wilderness adventures you can get up to in Trumbull County Ohio can be found here: