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Fishing in Ohio

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Want trophy-size catches? These Ohio spots deliver

About Ohio fishing

Ohio fishing is anchored by Lake Erie’s world-class walleye fishery. Bass, catfish, crappie, and steelhead populate inland lakes and rivers, making Ohio a diverse freshwater fishing destination.

Ohio fishing license

Fishing in Ohio requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Licenses include resident and non-resident, annual, short-term, and combination options, available online or from licensed vendors.

In Ohio, no fishing license is required for anglers under 16. Residents 66 and older qualify for a discounted license. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

Get license

Top fish species caught in Ohio

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Biggest catches in Ohio

Explore your local leaderboard—see the top catches in the app.

State records of caught fish in Ohio

SpeciesWeightChannel catfish37.6 lbsWalleye16.2 lbsLargemouth bass13.1 lbsSmallmouth bass9.5 lbsBlack crappie4.5 lbsBluegill3.3 lbs

Latest Ohio fishing reports

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Flathead catfish

Auglaize River

22 in · 4 lb 6 oz

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Channel catfish

Bresler Reservoir

20 in · 2 lb 3 oz

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Largemouth bass

Prairie Run

length · weight

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Largemouth bass

Prairie Run

length · weight

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Channel catfish

Toussaint River

length · weight

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Smooth softshell turtle

Swift Run Lake

length · weight

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Largemouth bass

Hudson Springs Lake

18 in · 4 lb

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Bluegill

Tam O’Shanter Pond

length · weight

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Channel catfish

Moore Pond

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Channel catfish

Moore Pond

length · weight

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Fishing regulations in Ohio

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in Ohio can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Below you will see fishing regulations for catching Largemouth bass as of August 21st, 2026. To view regulations for a different fish species, please click on your preferred species in the drop-down.

Largemouth bass

Seasons

Open

Bag limit

5

Min size

12"

Measurement

Total Length

Aggregate

5
Restrictions & requirements
Additional information
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass regulations for Lake ErieMarch 1 - April 30: bag limit = 5; min size = 14-inchesMay 1 - June 24: bag limit = 1; min size = 18-inchesJune 25 - April 30: bag limit = 5; min size = 14 inchesLargemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass regulations for the Ohio River - Western Unit (Ohio/Kentucky) Regulations. These regulations apply only to boat anglers when fishing in Ohio waters, shoreline anglers when fishing on the Ohio shoreline, and all anglers in Ohio embayments and tributaries within the Western Unit.bag limit = 6; min size = 12 inchesKentucky regulations apply to boat anglers fishing beyond the 1792 low water mark, identified at wildohio.gov. WildOhio.gov.Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass regulations for the Ohio River - Eastern Unit (Ohio/West Virginia) Regulations. These regulations must be followed when fishing on or within a quarter mile of the Ohio River on its embayments and tributaries to the first riffle or dam in the Eastern Unit.bag limit = 6; min size = 12 inchesWest Virginia regulations apply to boat anglers fishing the main stem of the Ohio River, shore anglers fishing the West Virginia shoreline, and boat and shore anglers fishing West Virginia embayments and tributaries within the Eastern Unit.Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass regulations for Pymatuning Lake:bag limit = 5; min size = 12-inchesAdditional site-specific regulations for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass in inland lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and streams:Action: bag limit = 4 fish split daily limit; 2 fish less than 15-inches and 2 fish 15-inches or longerAdams: bag limit = 5; min size = 15-inchesAll American Electric Power Company waters, including AEP ReCreation Lands: bag limit = 3 fish split daily limit; 2 fish less than 14-inches and 1 fish 20-inches or longerAppalachian Hills Wildlife Area: bag limit = 3 fish split daily limit; 2 fish less than 14-inches and 1 fish 20-inches or longerBelmont: bag limit = 3 fish split daily limit; 2 fish less than 14-inches and 1 fish 20-inches or longerBlue Rock: bag limit = 5; min size = 15-inchesBurr Oak: bag limit = 5; none may be taken between 12 and 15-inchesCaldwell: bag limit = 5; min size = 15-inchesCowan: bag limit = 5; min size = 15-inchesDale Walborn: bag limit = 5; min size = 15-inchesDow: bag limit = 5; none may be taken between 12 and 15-inchesFindley: bag limit = 4 fish split daily limit; 2 fish less than 15-inches and 2 fish 15-inches or longerFox: bag limit = 5; none may be taken between 12 and 15-inchesGreenfield: bag limit = 5; min size = 15-inchesGuilford: bag limit = 3 fish split daily limit; 2 fish less than 14-inches and 1 fish 20-inches or longerHammertown (Jackson City Reservoir): bag limit = 5; none may be taken between 12 and 15-inchesHancock County Wetlands: bag limit = 5; min size = 15-inchesHargus: bag limit = 4 fish split daily limit; 2 fish less than 15-inches and 2 fish 15-inches or longerHighlandtown: bag limit = 4 fish split daily limit; 2 fish less than 15-inches and 2 fish 15-inches or longerJesse Owens: bag limit = 3 fish split daily limit; 2 fish less than 14-inches and 1 fish 20-inches or longerKilldeer Plains ponds: bag limit = 3 fish split daily limit; 2 fish less than 14-inches and 1 fish 20-inches or longerKiser: bag limit = 3 fish split daily limit; 2 fish less than 14-inches and 1 fish 20-inches or longerKnox: bag limit = 5; min size = 18-inchesLa Su An: special limits are postedLake Rupert (Wellston City Reservoir): bag limit = 5; none may be taken between 12 and 15-inchesLake Snowden: bag limit = 4 fish split daily limit; 2 fish less than 15-inches and 2 fish 15-inches or longerLong: bag limit = 3 fish split daily limit; 2 fish less than 14-inches and 1 fish 20-inches or longerNew Lyme: bag limit = 4 fish split daily limit; 2 fish less than 15-inches and 2 fish 15-inches or longerNo. 30 and No. 33: bag limit = 3 fish split daily limit; 2 fish less than 14-inches and 1 fish 20-inches or longerOhio-Erie Canal: bag limit = 5; min size = 15-inchesOxbow: bag limit = 3 fish split daily limit; 2 fish less than 14-inches and 1 fish 20-inches or longerPaint Creek: bag limit = 4 fish split daily limit; 2 fish less than 15-inches and 2 fish 15-inches or longerPine: bag limit = 5; min size = 15-inchesResthaven Pond No. 8: bag limit = 5; min size = 15-inchesRoss: bag limit = 5; min size = 15-inchesRush Runs: bag limit = 5; min size = 15-inchesSalt Fork: bag limit = 4 fish split daily limit; 2 fish less than 15-inches and 2 fish 15-inches or longerSeneca: bag limit = 5; min size = 15-inchesSilver Creek: bag limit = 4 fish split daily limit; 2 fish less than 15-inches and 2 fish 15-inches or longerSlope Creek (Barnesville No. 3): bag limit = 5; none may be taken between 12 and 15-inchesSpencer: bag limit = 3 fish split daily limit; 2 fish less than 14-inches and 1 fish 20-inches or longerSt. Joseph Wildlife Area: bag limit = 3 fish split daily limit; 2 fish less than 14-inches and 1 fish 20-inches or longerTurkey Creek: bag limit = 5; none may be taken between 12 and 15-inchesTycoon: bag limit = 3 fish split daily limit; 2 fish less than 14-inches and 1 fish 20-inches or longerUpper Sandusky No. 2: bag limit = 4 fish split daily limit; 2 fish less than 15-inches and 2 fish 15-inches or longerWellington Reservoir South: bag limit = 5; min size = 15-inchesWingfoot: bag limit = 3 fish split daily limit; 2 fish less than 14-inches and 1 fish 20-inches or longerWolf Run: bag limit = 3 fish split daily limit; 2 fish less than 14-inches and 1 fish 20-inches or longerZepernick: bag limit = 5; min size = 15-inches
Edibility
Very good Catch, Clean, Cook Largemouth Bass by BlueGabe
Synonyms

Micropterus nigricans

Regulations for

39°57′44.1″N 83°00′2.3″W
Regulations in the map

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FAQ about Ohio fishing

📜 What are the fishing regulations in Ohio, United States?
Fishing regulations in Ohio, United States vary by location, species, and season. Rules may include size limits, bag limits, licensing requirements, and protected areas. Because regulations are managed locally and can change throughout the year, it's important to check the latest official guidance before fishing.

To stay up to date and avoid guesswork, use the to explore local rules, discover popular waters, and see what other anglers are catching across United States.
🐟 What are the best fish species to catch in Ohio, United States?
Some of the most popular species anglers target in Ohio, United States include Largemouth bass, Bluegill, and Smallmouth bass. The best species often depend on season, water type, and location within the country.

For more detailed, real-time insights, the shows which species are being caught near you and what baits are working best across United States.
🌊 Where are the top fishing spots in Ohio, United States?
Some of the most popular fishing spots in Ohio, United States include Lake Erie, Great Miami River, and Nimisila Reservoir. Anglers across the country fish a wide range of waters, with opportunities varying by region and season.

With the , you can explore local hotspots anywhere in United States, see recent catches, and find out what's working near you.