Fishing Report For West Branch Lake, OH

By Rick Seaman

January 20, 2025

Popular Fish Species Reports
West Branch Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Boat Rentals
Marinas
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing License
Map
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Fishing Report West Branch Lake, OH

Fishing Reports

Popular Fish Species West Branch Lake, OH

Largemouth Bass

Current Report: Fair To Good
Outlook: Good

There are plenty of catchable bass in West Branch Lake, ranging in size from barely catchable to 3 pounds, with reports of an occasional, larger one showing up. Vibrating jigs work well around vegetation as well as along rip-rap shorelines. Around rocks and rip rap I like mid-range crankbaits, like the Rapala DT-6, in virtually any color pattern.

Muskie

Current Report: Good To Very Good
Outlook: Very Good

Muskie in the 32" to 36" range are not uncommon on West Branch Lake. Locals report that there are plenty of these feisty creatures throughout the lake, and they are quite aggressive when feeding. Trolling is a preferred method here, especially across points, the edges of flats, and along the edge of the river channel. The Mepps Musky Killer Tandem Bucktail, in larger sizes, are a popular lure for trolling. Topwater, crankbaits and jerkbaits also work well when muskie are shallow.

Channel Catfish

Current Report: Fair To Good
Outlook: Good To Very Good

According to reports by local catfish enthusiasts, nightcrawlers and cut bait are both popular for catching channel cats at West Branch Lake. Fishing for channel catfish is often productive around any kind of shallow structure. Submerged road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig setup.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, yellow perch, muskie, northern pike, sauger and saugeye at West Branch Lake in Ohio.

Just southeast of Cleveland, lies West Branch Lake. This is a 2,300-acre lake with 40 miles of wooded shoreline. It offers excellent fishing for muskie, walleye, crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. Several boat ramps make easy access for fishing boats, kayaks and canoes.

Primary fish species to catch

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

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Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

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Marinas

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Fishing License

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Map - Fishing & Access

Rick Seaman is a fishing enthusiast with over five decades of fishing experience, a retired tournament fisherman, author of numerous published articles on fishing, and co-author of the book "Bass Fishing - It's not WHAT you throw, It's WHERE you throw it".