Mosquito Creek Lake
2961 Warren Meadville Road
Cortland, OH  44410-9321
(330) 637-1961
Daily Lake & Recreation Information:
(330) 358-0162

v       Lake and Dam Statistics

v       Vicinity Map

v       Recreation

v       Current Events

v       Facilities & Activities

v       Links of Interest

v       Shoreline Management

Authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1938, Mosquito Creek Lake is one of 16 flood control projects in the Pittsburgh District.  The project provides flood protection for the Mahoning River Valley as well as the Beaver and upper Ohio Rivers.

Since its completion in 1944, Mosquito Creek Lake has prevented flood damages estimated to be in excess of $196 million.  Mosquito has the capability to store the equivalent run-off of 29 inches of precipitation from its 97 square mile drainage area.  When compared to the saving which have resulted, the construction cost of just over $4 million appears small.

Mosquito Creek Lake also stores water and releases it downstream during dry periods to improve water quality and quantity for domestic and industrial use, recreation, esthetics and aquatic life.

A feature unique to Mosquito Creek Lake is its use of an uncontrolled natural spillway.  The natural spillway is located at the upper end of the lake in a low-lying reach of the Mosquito Creek – Grand River Divide.  The elevation of the spillway at the point of divide is such that if an impoundment of flood waters should fill the lake, to an elevation of 904 feet above sea level, the southerly outflow of the lake would be reversed.  The outflow would then be discharged through the natural spillway into a tributary of the Grand River which flows north into Lake Erie.

Lake & Dam Statistics

Vicinity Map

Recreation
Amidst the panorama of rural countryside and the suburban settings of northeastern Ohio lies Mosquito Creek Lake.  Mosquito Creek Lake is one of the most popular sites for outdoor recreation in the area, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites you to come and discover the wide range of recreational opportunities available for your enjoyment at the lake.

The lake and most of its surrounding lands are leased by the Corps of Engineers to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources as Mosquito Lake State Park.  However, you will find that both the Corps and Ohio Department of Natural Resources provide numerous, well-maintained facilities at the lake to enhance your recreational experience.  Mosquito Creek Lake is the second largest inland lake in Ohio with Grand Lake St. Mary’s being the largest.

Almost all the Corps land at the northern end of the lake (north of the Route 88 causeway) is leased to the Ohio Division of Wildlife for fish and wildlife management purposes.  The wildlife management area is located in this area and is a haven for migratory birds.   Red-tailed, marsh and other hawks are common summer sights over the cleared meadows and woodlots.  Among the rare and unusual birds observed are nesting bald eagles and osprey.  One of Ohio’s rarer species of reptiles, the massasauga rattlesnake, also occurs in the area.

The entire waterfowl management area is closed to the public except during field days when special tours are provided.  However, observation from parking areas and roadways is encouraged.  Outside of the management area controlled waterfowl and game hunts are provided in the area by permit only.

Renowned for its excellent walleye fishing, anglers will also find crappie, bass, northern pike and catfish plentiful in Mosquito's waters.  Many fishermen likewise enjoy trying their angling skills in the lake's challenging tail waters below the dam.  Fishing through the ice during winter's freeze is very popular with fishermen, and Mosquito Creek's icy waters have yielded many fine catches of walleye and panfish.

The lake affords boating enthusiasts the opportunity to pursue their varied interests.  Boats of all types can be found on the lake ranging from sail boats and small fishing boats to runabouts and cruisers of unlimited horsepower.  The smooth waters of the lake are also ideal for waterskiing.  Boaters will find launching ramps with ample parking available at several sites on the lake as well as a marina with mooring facilities and a launching ramp in the state park.

Mosquito Lake State Park has a spacious campground with 234 campsites equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, grills and sanitary facilities including a dump station and showers. The park also boasts a swimming beach, self-guided nature trail, several picnic areas and an amphitheater for the public's enjoyment.  Pets are permitted in designated areas.

The Corps maintains five recreation areas in the vicinity of the dam.  These include picnic areas with tables and grills, parking and easy access to the lake's shoreline or tailwaters area for fishing and sightseeing, as well as a nature trail.  Old Route 305 provides a three lane boat launch ramp.  Also in this area is a "watchable wildlife" site that can be accessed near the nature trail.  Accessible restrooms for persons with disabilities are available at the Lakeview Recreation Area and the Tailwater Recreation Area.  A fishing access area for the physically challenged is also available at the Lakeview Recreation Area.

Recreation does not stop with the onset of winter at Mosquito Creek Lake.  In addition to ice fishing, the cold weather enthusiast will find cross-country skiing in the state park and snowmobile trails located along the lake's shoreline.

Current Events
Tour the Tower
The Mosquito Creek Lake Manager invites you for a tour of the Operations Tower.  You’ll hear about the construction, the challenges, and see the inside of the Control Tower!  Call the Park Manager’s Office at (330) 637-1961 to find out when the next tour will be offered.

Facilities & Activities

Commonly visited commercial establishments in the area include:
Ye Old Farm Campground – (330) 638-0937; Pikie Bay Campground – (330) 637-2512; Dockside Marina – (330) 637-7686;
Causeway Sports Shop – (330) 637-7076 and Mosquito Lake Marina – (330) 637-2075

Links of Interest

v     Mosquito Creek Lake’s Corps Lake Visitor's Gateway
v     And for the kids, the Freddie the Fish Coloring Book!