Updated

July 23, 2025

Lake Mohawk Malvern, Ohio

"Ohio's Best Kept Secret"

Current Lake Assessment

as of

July 17, 2025

Photo 7/17/25 (Main Beach)

Lake Conditions overall are looking good as of July 17th.  There is however

significant differences between the water clarity in the bays and the main

body of the lake.  This is most likely due to the fact that the July 4th boating

activity within the lake stirred up significant amounts of lake sediments. 

Suspension of lake sediments not only suspends soil particles,

it also suspends the nutrients within that sediment.

Bays 9/10 also known as barefoot bay is often brownish in color while other

bays often have a brownish green color.  The green color comes from the

microscopic algae that are present in the water that are thriving because

of the increased phosphorus availability.

It is well documented that boat motors can and do affect overall water

quality especially high horsepower motors and watercraft such as

wake boats.  Many lakes impose "No Wake" restrictions in shallow

areas of the lake in order to prevent/reduce water quality issues.  Blue-green

algae blooms thrive on excess nutrients that often come from the

lake sediments themselves as well as outside sources. 

For more information on the affects of boat motors on water quality,

Please click the link below.

https://pelicanlakemn.org/Education/Lake_Learning/boat_motors_and_water_quality.htm

Lake levels are at summer pool with minimal aquatic plant growth around the lake.

Most of the aquatic plants that were observed were confined to the bottom

of the lake and were comprised primarily of Naiad species. 

Brittle naiad in particular has been a seasonal aquatic plant at Lake Mohawk

for more than 50 years.  Brittle naiad is common in lakes that drawdown and/or

have wide fluctuations in water level between summer and winter.  Seeds

are formed in the fall where they then overwinter in the exposed sediments and

germinate in the summer when water levels are back to summer pool. 

Naiad growth is beneficial in a number of ways that include

sediment stabilization and nutrient competition both of which helps naturally

minimize blue green algae.  Naiad also provides fish habitat for a healthy fisheries.

We are at the start of the blue-green algae season (chart below) which as the

chart indicates starts in June and subsides at the end of October.  There was some

clumping of blue-green algae cells observed in the lake with minimal

accumulation of surface scum around the lake at this time.  It is important

to remember that blue-green algae is a natural part of the seasonal succession of

phytoplankton and will be controlled as necessary.  Safe practices

during summer months in any lake involves not drinking untreated lake water and

rinsing off when you are done recreating in the lake.   

Large Softshell Turtle Enjoying the Sun in Bay 11

June 26, 2025

June 7th, 2025

Amazing how fast the weather can change in Ohio

from cold and rainy to hot and humid.

Paul Mickley and his crew have done an excellent job in preparing the beaches

and surrounding areas for the summer lake season.

Take a look at the amazing carpentry and engineering work that Paul and

his crew put into the newly constructed sun/weather protection structures

on Main Beach which include all new picnic benches.

Paul as you may know has taken over the lake management duties after a

two year training apprenticeship on the lake during the 2023 and 2024 lake seasons.

 Paul has an excellent understanding of how to balance the aquatic ecology

of Lake Mohawk with the needs of the L.M.P.O.A. community. 

I have been retained as a lake consultant to work with Paul for the 2025 lake season.

I will be making weekly inspections of the lake and will be working closely with Paul

to insure that Lake Mohawk remains a healthy viable resource for all members to enjoy.

May 14th, 2025

May 21, 2025

Main Beach

May 21, 2025

Main Beach

A Little History

This is my 17th consecutive lake season working with Lake Mohawk.  I

also worked with Lake Mohawk back in 1988 when

Geno Miller was President of the L.M.P.O.A..  It was Lake Mohawk's

25th Anniversary and was celebrated with Dick Goddard as the guest

of honor with skydivers putting on a show while landing on the Main Beach.

Taking Geno Miller for a ride on my then new airboat was certainly

a memorable experience for me as was the privilege of working with a

500 acre lake association like the L.M.P.O.A..

1988 Letter of Reference & Geno Obituary

(Click Above Link)

As an aquatic biologist/limnologist since 1982, I have learned many things about lakes

 through actual experiences that were never taught in a classroom. Each body of water

is so very unique whether it be a natural lake or a man made lake like Lake Mohawk.

There are many variables that affect a lake in terms of water quality that

ultimately affects water uses and recreational activities such as fishing, boating,

skiing, etc..  Of interest to every member of the L.M.P.O.A. is how water

quality may affect their property values which is a very good reason

to remain involved in the protection of Lake Mohawk in one way or another.  

Without going into detail or writing a book on the subject, one of the easiest and

most straight forward methods of evaluating Lake Mohawk from

an ecological perspective is to go to the marina with additional stops

at West Beach, South Beach, and the Main Beach.

 May 1, 2025

(Notice no accumulation of plant fragments at this time)

West Beach May 1, 2025

The marina is full of clues about Lake Mohawk in that it is a collecting point

for plant fragments, algae, dead fish, and pollen driven by prevailing southwest winds.

When prevailing winds shift and come from the north or northeast,

West Beach and/or South Beach become the ideal locations to collect clues about

what aquatic plant species are dominating the lake at any given time.

Water clarity, plant fragments, and shoreline conditions all tell a story about the lake and has some predictive value on what lies ahead in terms near term water quality conditions. 

Weather patterns can and do make a significant difference

throughout the season especially how it may affect blue-green algae blooms.  

  May 1,2025

drive around assessment of Lake Mohawk revealed the following:

1)  There are very few signs of early aquatic plants in the lake such as the typical

Curlyleaf pondweed (CLP) also known as Mayweed.

2) The water clarity is being reduced and dominated by a spring algal/diatom bloom.

(Note: Not a Blue-Green Algae Bloom)

3) There has been some spring natural die off of crappie most visible in the

back of Bay 3 docking area.  More die off may occur as the season progresses

and the spawning activity increases.  Stress and natural aging all contribute

to the natural die off of some crappie each season. 

May 1, 2025

Bay 3 Docking Area

4) Interesting to note is the difference in water clarity and color between

Bay 11 and Beacon Lake.  It is difficult to tell from this photo

however when you first start to drive over the hill going south, you

will clearly see that Lake Mohawk is greener in color indicating the

different water conditions between the two lakes.

What it all Means at this Point

(May 1, 2025)

Each of my 17 years at Lake Mohawk has been different in some unique manner however

2025 is starting out to look like a lot like last season with very few early aquatic plants.

Precipitation has been such that the lake level is near full AND is experiencing reduced

water clarity (spring algal/diatom) which further naturally inhibits aquatic plant growth.

Reduced aquatic plant growth favors phytoplankton (microscopic algae) which further

reduces plant growth and the cycle continues. There is often an inverse relationship between

phytoplankton (algae) and aquatic plant growth.  Aquatic plant growth naturally competes

for nutrients such as phosphorus AND stabilizes sediments which also reduces

available phosphorus.   (more on the subject below)  

Spring weather and water levels at Lake Mohawk often determines which direction the lake

will go in terms of being dominated by aquatic plants OR phytoplankton (algae).  Once

the lake becomes dominated with algae, it often shades out the growth of rooted aquatic plants.

The fisheries will be affected by the lack of natural structure that Curlyleaf pondweed

offers early in the season.  It may appear that weed control is being applied when in fact

it is not.   IF the season continues without rooted aquatic plants becoming established

in sufficient amounts, mid through late season blue-green algae blooms may

be an issue. 

My recommendation at this time is to do nothing.  Do not perform any type of aquatic plant

control until there is evidence of rooted aquatic plants becoming established around the lake

AND they are a true nuisance to an isolated area or to a particular lakefront property owner.

    CLP populations usually peak by mid to late May.  If we do not observe CLP by then, you will not see it become established within the lake for the 2025 season.

Monitoring water clarity through simple secchi disc measurements throughout the season

remains important.  Allowing aquatic plants to thrive in the lake will help reduce blue-green algae blooms therefore only control aquatic plants when absolutely necessary.   Being prepared for blue-green algae blooms remains important especially for the months of July, August and September.  Have sufficient copper sulfate in inventory to address any immediate needs before a bloom gets out of control.  Timely detection and treatment is important when it comes to controlling blooms. 

Questions, concerns, comments, and/or photo submissions are always welcome.

GraysAquatic@gmail.com

330.412.4139 (cell)

Donna, Ken, & Mike's Fishing Reports

Ken (Donna's Fishing Guest)

Caught May 30, 2024 in Bay9/10

One of the best indicators of the health of the fisheries at Lake Mohawk

comes from Donna VanSickle's fishing reports.

i

Grays' Aquatic Services

Serving the

Lake Mohawk Property Owners Association

2009-2024

"Anyone who can solve the problems of water will be worthy of two Nobel prizes

one for peace and one for science"

John F. Kennedy - 1962

Lake Management Strategy and Mission Statement

(Click link or scroll down)

The Relationship between Aquatic Plants and Water Clarity

(Click link or scroll down)

How the Ecology of Lake Mohawk Affects

All Property Owners of the L.M.P.O.A

(Click link or scroll down)

Lake Mohawk Depth Map

(Pre-Dredging)

Note: Please contact me with any questions or concerns about the lake at anytime.

Email - GraysAquatic@gmail.com

Cell - 330.412.4139

Web - www.GraysAquatic.com

"Ohio's Best Kept Secret"

Est. 1963

Lake Mohawk

(Photo by Kevin Myszka)

Meet Dave Lange

 Director of Lake Management

About Dave Link

 https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/2020/10/11/carroll-county-man-entering-ohio-veterans-hall-fame/5933079002/

Sunset at Lake Mohawk

Submitted by Donna Vansickle

FYI - Donna's Pontoon Boat

Donna, Ken, & Mike's Fishing Reports

Click above Link or Photo below.

Ken with healthy looking bass caught on April 9th, 2024

Gary - Donna's Fishing Buddy

ICE Fishing

with

Donna VanSickle & Mike Rooney

Donna Vansickle & Mike Rooney

Donna's Fishing Partners Kathy, Ken, and Gary!

Gary -  2021

Beautiful 13" Crappie

By

Donna & Friends

Lake Management Strategy and Mission Statement

 By working with "Mother Nature", you can enhance the recreational value of freshwater aquatic ecosystems such as Lake Mohawk.   Selective and judicial use of aquatic herbicides which promotes natural competition from native low growing aquatic plants is part of an integrated approach to improving property values, sport fisheries, as well as recreational usage from skiers, pleasure boaters, etc..  Studying and controlling the sources of phosphorus will also naturally reduce or eliminate the threat of toxic blue-green (cyanobacteria) algae blooms.   The Lake Management Committee , consisting of dedicated members of the L.M.P.O.A. from a variety of backgrounds is vital to the success of any lake management program.  Your support for this group of people is truly appreciated. 

My mission at Lake Mohawk is to serve, share knowledge, and answer all questions about the aquatic ecosystem that is the focal point of this beautiful lake community.  It is my desire to further enhance the existing fisheries while minimizing any negative impacts this may have on recreational boating, etc..   Above all, I am here to serve the greater good of the Lake Mohawk Property Owners Association and will at anytime be available to answer questions or to respond to concerns or observations regarding lake conditions.  E-mail: GraysAquatic@gmail.com or Cell: 330.412.4139

Myriophyllum sp. (heterophyllum) (left)          Potamogetan crispus (right)

The normal predominant May aquatic plant has been Curlyleaf pondweed (CLP) (Potamogetan crispus) (right) for the past 13 years.

Due to a variety of environmental changes in lake sediment type due to dredging and early species competition from CLP

Myriophyllum sp. (Water milfoil) has become the dominant aquatic plant species for 2022.

twoleaf watermilfoil, Myriophyllum heterophyllum (Haloragales: Haloragaceae) - 5273020 (invasive.org)

NOTE: Curlyleaf pondweed naturally dies off in mid-June

Provides early nesting, protection, and food base for a healthy fisheries.

This plant is intentionally selectively managed/controlled.

The Relationship between Aquatic Plants & Water Clarity

I believe it is important to have a basic

understanding of the important role of submersed aquatic plants as it relates to water clarity.

While many of us may know about the importance of aquatic plants to fish populations, it is

lesser known about how aquatic plants help maintain water clarity and purity.

Besides providing food and habitat for fish, aquatic plants stabilize lake sediments that are

high in phosphorus.  Phosphorus that is mixed up from wind, wave, and other recreational

watercraft traffic "feed" undesirable algal blooms that reduce water clarity.  In addition,

aquatic plants utilize and compete for available phosphorus making it less available to

the tiny planktonic algae.  There is also some evidence that aquatic plants

secrete inhibitory chemicals that reduce algal blooms.

Our lake management goal at Lake Mohawk is to balance the needs and wants of a

variety of recreational users and property owners throughout the season without jeopardizing

the long term health of the lake.  Using aquatic plants as much as possible to

reduce the intensity of algal blooms, reduces the need for ecologically undesirable algaecides.

Throughout the 2017 lake season, nuisance levels of aquatic plants will be selectively

controlled in specific areas where it most interferes with recreational use of the lake. 

How the Ecology of Lake Mohawk Affects

All Property Owners of the L.M.P.O.A.

Lake Mohawk Depth Map

(Pre-Dredging)

(Click to Enlarge in PDF Format)

Fall Sunset at Lake Mohawk

Photo

by

Donna Vansickle

Visitors to this page

Website Stats

Email - GraysAquatic@gmail.com

 Web - www.GraysAquatic.com

Cell - 330.412.4139

Copyright 2025

Grays' Aquatic Services

Jeff Gray M.S

Applied Aquatic Biologist

Limnologist