FISHING IN OHIO
Ohio is bordered on the north by Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes. In addition to Lake Erie, Ohio has numerous smaller lakes and rivers in the state, all home to many different species of fish. Much of Ohio's waters are managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
FIND FISHING SPOTS NEAR YOU
TOP FISHING SPOTS IN OHIO
MAUMEE BAY STATE PARK
FINDLEY LAKE
PORTAGE LAKES STATE PARK
GET AN OHIO FISHING LICENSE
COMMON CATCHES IN OHIO
WALLEYE
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
Walleye have needle-like teeth, bite well when the waters are cold, and make excellent table fare.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6.5 and 7 feet long medium-action graphite rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8 or 10 pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Jigs, Plastic Baits, Crankbaits, Bottom Bouncers |
SMALLMOUTH BASS
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
There is no doubt that the smallmouth bass rivals the largemouth in popularity.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-7.5 foot rod built for light line |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8-pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Jerkbaits, Crankbaits, Jigs, Spinnerbait, Hook and a Worm (the best) |
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6.5 foot medium or medium-heavy action graphite spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8-pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Spinnerbaits, Crankbaits, Frog & Toad Fishing Baits, Soft Plastic Baits, Topwater Fishing Baits |
MUSKELLUNGE
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
It was once believed that there were at least four species of muskellunge, but these varieties are now considered to be one species
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 8-foot, extra-heavy-power rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 80-pound-test braid fishing line |
| Lure | Small Jigs, Spoons, Spinnerbait, Jerkbait |
LAKE TROUT
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The lake trout has considerable value both as a sport fish and a food fish.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 9 foot medium-action spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 4-6 pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Small weightless lures and spinners, Night Crawlers, Minnows, Salmon |
COMMON CARP
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The common carp is able to tolerate many conditions and bottom types, making it an ideal species for pond culture.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 9-12 foot medium action spinning rod |
| Reel | 40's, 50's, or 60's spinning reel |
| Line | 20-30 pound test superbraid line in water with light rocks, 50-65 pound monofilament or superbraid line in rocky waters |
| Lure | #4 Sized Hook, Sweet Corn, Small Plastic Grub or Worm |
LAKES & PONDS
Learn about the structures in lakes and ponds. Learn where to find fish, tips and more.
STREAMS & RIVERS
River & stream fishing means knowing where the water is moving, and how fish behave in it.
