• Lake Levels
• Carp Spawning
• Wetlands – A Place for Peace and Nature
• The Fisheries of Lake Mohawk – Facts, Myths, and More.
• Interesting 2012 Ohio Shorelines Article on Lake Mohawk

Lake levels remain in overflow conditions as of May 27, 2026 (play video below). The photo above is taken from the dam looking to the east.

Carp

Large carp are taking advantage of the dam flow conditions and shorline structure to lay eggs and spawn (see video below) along the entire rip rap shoreline. Carp are undesireable from a lake management standpoint as they destroy beneficial habitat for a healthy sports fisheries as well as disturb lake sediements which contributes to blue-green (cyanobacteria) algae blooms as phosphorus is mixed into the water column. Controlled bow-fishing is one of the most effective ways to selectively control carp especially during this time of year when they are spawning near the surface as illustrated in these videos.

The Wetlands – A Place for Peace & Nature

The Fisheries of Lake Mohawk

The health of the fisheries at Lake Mohawk has been a subject of debate and concern for as long as I can remember which dates back to 2008. Even today there are concerns about the health of the fisheries with some people posting on NextDoor that the lake is “dying”. Nothing could be further from the truth but I do understand how misinformation can lead to rumors and the spreading of additional misinformation. In summary, here are the facts about the fisheries of Lake Mohawk based on my many years of observation:

Lake Mohawk is a multi-use lake meaning that the lake is utilized by a very diverse group of property owners consisting of fishermen, skiers, wake boats, jet skis,etc.. A prime fishing lake consists of a lake that has 15-25% aquatic plant cover. That equates to about 125 surface acres of aquatic plant cover for Lake Mohawk. Achieving that amount of aquatic plant growth without interfering with other water activities is very challenging especially in a relatively shallow lake with a highly developed shoreline. In addition, Lake Mohawk uses a winter drawdown method to prevent ice damage to docks, seawalls, etc.. That drawdown procedure essentially freezes out much of the aquatic plant growth that would normally become permanently established in prime spring spawning areas known as the littoral zone. Lake Mohawk has more morphological characteristics of a reservoir than it does with a natural lake.

The overall lake management approach at Lake Mohawk is to encourage native low growing species of aquatic plants while controlling exotic taller species of plants such as watermilfoil. Minimal use of aquatic herbicides is advised for a variety of reasons. In addition to benefiting the fisheries of Lake Mohawk, aquatic plants also help stabilize lake sediments and assist in the natural suppression of cyanobacteria (blue-green) algae blooms.

Each spring there are reports of “fish kills” as some individuals grow concerned over seeing dead crappie accumulate along some wind blown shorelines. Due to the stress of winter combined with spring spawning activities, many fish become weakened and diseased. Sores that some people report on the fish are the result of spawning injuries and various spring parasites and fungal infections.

Artificial Reef Structure

One of the most beneficial and effective methods of improving the fisheries at Lake Mohawk IMHO, is to supplement natural aquatic plant growth with artificial reef structure in a planned and well coordinated manner. This reef structure could easily be installed under docks, in deeper water locations (not to exceed 12 feet) and other designated areas as selected by the Lake Restoration and Protection Committee. Using integrated methods (combination of both natural and artificial) of improving fish habitat is ideal for lakes that have limited natural structure like Lake Mohawk.

Interesting Ohio Shorelines Article on Lake Mohawk

Click for full article

May 20, 2026 Lake Assessment

This weeks assessment of Lake Mohawk and surrounding watershed revealed several new and interesting observations which included seeing an albino deer in the wetland area of bays 9/10, identifying a freshwater clam commonly known as the Asian clam on the West Beach shoreline, and noting water clarity differences that varied from turbid in the southern portions of the lake to significantly clearer in the northern portions of the lake. A significant source of soil runoff into the lake from the Main Beach drainage area during a significant rain event was also observed. Paul Mickley initiated his selective nuisance aquatic plant control of watermilfoil in the back of bay 3 and throughout bays 6 and 7. Watermilfoil is an exotic aquatic plant that has a high potential to spread throughout the lake if left unchecked. This plant however does provide some benefits to the overall ecology of the lake as discussed on my lake ecology page.

Albino Deer – While I have heard many stories of an albino deer at Lake Mohawk, I have never seen it until Wednesday May 20th standing in the middle of the wetland area of bays 9/10. Simply a rare site that was truly a joy to observe.

Water Clarity (transparency) – is perhaps one of the most influential aspects of water quality that impacts the overall aquatic ecology of Lake Mohawk. Water clarity can be influenced by both organic and inorganic substances ranging from phytoplankton, zooplankton, etc. (microscopic plants and animals) (organic) to soil particles containing nitrogen, phosphorus, etc. (inorganic). Early water clarity at Lake Mohawk often determines what type of lake season the lake will have in terms of being dominated by either submersed aquatic plants OR by phytoplankton such as blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). Heavy spring precipitation that causes a rapid rise in lake levels from the winter drawdown of about 42 inches brings with it reduced water clarity and associated increased depth. Drawdown inhibits the establishment of rooted aquatic plants to about 3-4 feet all around the perimeter of the lake with the exception of the exotic summer aquatic plant known as Brittle naiad (Najas minor). Brittle naiad germinates from overwintering seeds and is very common in lakes that use drawdown during winter months. Shading from low water clarity prohibits many species of native aquatic plants from becoming established at deeper depths of the lake. This leads to increases in phytoplankton that further inhibits the establishment of aquatic plants that are not only desirable for a healthy fisheries but also as a natural control for algal blooms. (nutrient competition and sediment stabilization)

Soil Runoff – One major factor that can affect water clarity and ultimately water fertility comes from runoff within the watershed. Direct runoff from the watershed not only reduces water clarity, it also brings with it many nutrients such as phosphorus which contribute to summer blue green algae blooms. Water depth over time is also reduced which can negatively impact the lake in a variety of ways. The runoff shown in these photos is coming from some source within the eastern side of Lake Mohawk’s watershed. It could be temporary runoff from a nearby construction project or other source yet to be identified.

Paul Mickley is in the process of selectively controlling areas of watermilfoil especially in southern portions of the lake. This control process will be ongoing throughout the season in a manner which minimizes negative impacts and actually promotes the growth of native aquatic plant species.

My lake assessment on May 15, 2026 revealed the following.

1. The lake is at full pool with water levels well controlled. The lake looks both healthy and in excellent condition. The lake for the third season in a row is not dominated by a spring aquatic plant commonly known as Curlyleaf pondweed (CLP). Prior to 2023, CLP would often consist of 50 to 70 surface acres of the lake that would peak in May and have a natural die off (senescence) period by mid to late June if not treated earlier in the season. Years of control measures along with the dredging project and high water levels the past three years prevented the formation of seeds (turions) which would overwinter and grow under ice only to emerge in the spring where it would begin it’s lifecycle again. The ecology of CLP is an interesting topic especially at Lake Mohawk where fish structure for a healthy fisheries is limited. In summary, CLP can be both beneficial and a nuisance as an exotic aquatic plant species.

2. All three Lake Mohawk beaches are in pristine condition. Paul Mickley and crew do an excellent job at maintaining these beaches. Not only are the beaches extremely well maintained, the restrooms associated with Main Beach and West Beach are extremely clean also.

3. Water clarity varies from bay to bay and generally has the most transparency in the northern basin of the lake which is normal and typical given the morphology (shape/depth) and inputs into the lake. Bay 9/10 (barefoot bay) often has the least clarity which is affected by suspended soil particles due to it’s shallow depth. Click for Depth Map . Bays 6, 7, and 8 are also affected by soil particle suspension both from the lake sediments and inputs into the lake from those respective areas.
4. Bay 9/10 wetland area. Bay 9/10 has a beautiful and beneficial small wetland area in the back of the bay which is home to many waterfowl and migratory birds. In addition to being a beneficial habitat, the wetland plant community acts an excellent natural filter to incoming potential pollutants and runoff.

5. Watermilfoil – (Myriophyllum sp.) An aquatic plant with the common name watermilfoil is making it’s presence known in several locations around the lake. Areas particularly affected at this point include the back cove area of bay 3 and along sporadic areas around the shoreline of bays 6 and 7. This rooted aquatic plant most likely overwintered and survived winter drawdown by being located in depths where the roots were not subject to freezing temperatures.

Limited growth of watermilfoil can be beneficia for the fisheries and the lake ecology however, milfoil can quickly spread to other parts of the lake by plant fragmentation. There were years in the past when this plant became very dominant (abundant) around much of the entire lake. Fortunately there are ways to manage this plant through judicial and targeted use of aquatic pesticides. There are times in our northern lakes that watermilfoil is naturally controlled by a weevil appropriately named the milfoil weevil (Euhrychiopsis lecontei). This natural biological controI is a slow process as it takes time for the weevil population to increase enough to control the plants adequately. Generally, the best method of control is with the application of a systemic herbicide early in the season which controls both all parts of the plant including the roots, stem, and leaves.

Abundant spring precipitation has resulted in Lake Mohawk reaching full pool early in the season affecting many biological aspects of the lake. Managing water levels at Lake Mohawk is extremely challenging considering the fact that Lake Mohawk uses a “drawdown” winter method of lake management to prevent damage to docking structures and shoreline retaining walls. Drawdown also is a selective natural method of aquatic plant control. Allowing too much water out in the spring followed by summer drought conditions results in an abundance of nuisance aquatic vegetation and docking issues in shallow portions of the lake. Paul Mickley does an excellent job at managing water depth throughout the season.

Water clarity was good with a healthy balance of spring planktonic algae which benefits the overall aquatic ecology of the lake. Relatively few aquatic plants were observed around the entire perimeter of the lake with the exception of the marina. Watermilfoil fragments were observed accumulating in the marina due to prevailing southwest winds. The origin of the plant fragments have yet to be determined. Watermilfoil while beneficial to the fisheries to some degree can quickly spread to other portions of the lake and become a nuisance. Management of watermilfoil will be ongoing throughout the season.

An electrofishing survey of the fisheries was being conducted by Jones Fish and Lake Management on the day of my lake assessment. While generally not recommended during the spring spawning season of bass and crappie, this survey was initiated due to concerns over the health of the fisheries. Spring crappie “die off” is often alarming to many people even though it is a natural part of the crappie life cycle. Spawning stress, overwintering, natural aging, etc., often results in a relatively minor die off. I will post the results of the electrofishing study here when it is available.

by Jeff Gray M.S. Aquatic Biologist