ASHLAND — Ohio’s public lakes and reservoirs are excellent places to fish for hybrid-striped bass, crappie, black bass, and catfish, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
Summer is a great time to grab a fishing pole and head to the nearest body of water
Ohio has plentiful public fishing opportunities with Lake Erie, the Ohio River, thousands of inland lakes, reservoirs, and ponds, as well as miles of streams.
At $25 for a resident one-year license, fishing is an inexpensive outdoor recreational activity that is accessible for all.
Youth under the age of 16 can fish for free, and all Ohio residents can fish without purchasing a license during Free Fishing Days on Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21. All size and daily limits apply during these two days.
The Division of Wildlife has numerous resources available to assist anglers, including lake maps, fishing tips by species, and fishing forecasts. Many of these resources are available right at your fingertips with the HuntFish OH mobile app.
Fishing regulations and an interactive fishing map can be accessed from any mobile device. For more information on fishing tips and forecasts, go to wildohio.gov. Be sure to check the current Ohio Fishing Regulations for details before casting a line.
There are several locations in central Ohio that are great places to catch a Fish Ohio! qualifying trophy. The Fish Ohio program celebrates amazing catches of 26 species of fish, and there are specific fish length requirements based on species to be considered a qualifying catch.
Those who reel in a qualifying catch receive a commemorative Fish Ohio pin for their first entry, and a Master Angler pin for catching four different qualifying species in the same year. This year, the pin features a channel catfish.
Follow the Division of Wildlife on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for instant news stories, outdoor recreation ideas, local wildlife information, and incredible wildlife images and videos. Visit the Wild Ohio Harvest page at wildohio.gov for information on getting started fishing, upcoming events, and delicious recipes.
Here are a few species in north central Ohio that anglers may want to pursue:
Clear Fork Reservoir
Clear Fork Reservoir (Ashland and Richland counties) – Clear Fork Reservoir is one of the best locations in the state for largemouth bass. Explore the shallow western end and target bass hiding among fallen trees and stumps.
In spring, cast along the eastern end near the dam for larger fish. Division of Wildlife sampling surveys consistently show an abundance of bass longer than 20 inches. The reservoir features a multi-lane concrete boat launch ramp as well as a full-service marina.
This is an unlimited horsepower lake with an 8 mph speed limit. The daily limit for bass is five, with a minimum length requirement of 12 inches.
Pleasant Hill Reservoir
Pleasant Hill Reservoir (Ashland and Richland counties) – Pleasant Hill Reservoir continues to be the best crappie producer in northwestern Ohio, with many crappie longer than the minimum length requirement of 9 inches. The daily limit is 30 crappie.
Fishing along the rocky ledge on the southern shore and small coves along the southern neck of the reservoir often leads to full coolers. Cast near trees or logs submerged in the water where crappie seek cover.
The northern end of the reservoir has abundant cover and is often popular in the summer. Pleasant Hill has a boat launch with courtesy docks as well as an accessible fishing dock.
This lake is an unlimited horsepower lake that attracts many boating enthusiasts. Try fishing in the upper end of the reservoir when it gets crowded elsewhere.
Chippewa Lake
Chippewa Lake (Medina County) – Chippewa Lake is one of Ohio’s largest natural kettle lakes, emblematic of northeastern Ohio’s glaciated region. Anglers often catch large and tasty saugeye across the still waters of Chippewa Lake.
First stocked in 2016, the lake is now annually stocked with around 34,000 saugeye fingerlings. Division of Wildlife netting assessments show good survival of these stocked fish, with some reaching 26 inches long and many ranging from 16 to 22 inches.
This historic natural lake gives saugeye anglers a unique opportunity in a scenic, accessible location with ample shoreline access. The daily limit is six fish of any size.