Ohio is blessed with an abundance of great fishing lakes, from big waters like Lake Erie to smaller gems scattered around the state. No matter what kind of fish you’re after, Ohio has a lake that will suit your needs. Here are 17 of the best fishing lakes in Ohio:
What are the 17 best fishing lakes in Ohio?
Lake Erie
Lake Erie is one of the best fishing lakes in Ohio because it has a large surface area and offers a variety of fish species. Additionally, it is accessible from many different parts of Ohio, and its conditions can change rapidly, making for an unpredictable yet exciting angling experience. Those unfamiliar with the area may choose to take advantage of guide services that can provide valuable insight into the local conditions and help them succeed on their fishing trip.
Pymatuning Lake
Pymatuning Lake is considered one of the best fishing lakes in Ohio due to its abundance of water and fish. It has a variety of species, including muskie, walleye, bass, yellow perch, and Crappie. The largemouth and smallmouth bass are viral targets. The Pymatuning Lake Association also holds an annual walleye tournament.
Its convenient location in northeast Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia make it an excellent spot for anglers who want to experience all three states while they fish. Furthermore, many nearby resorts and restaurants provide easy access to food once the fishing day is complete.
Alum Creek Lake
Alum Creek Lake is one of the best fishing lakes in Ohio due to its large size, accessibility, and variety of species available. Anglers can find success targeting muskie, saugeye, and largemouth bass at the lake’s rocky points in the southern basin or channel catfish near the north end. There are also good populations of panfish, including bluegill and Crappie.
Grand Lake St. Marys
Grand Lake St. Marys is one of the best fishing lakes in Ohio due to its many boat ramps and shoreline access points, as well as its channels, rocky edges, and shorelines with lots of brush. It offers a variety of fish habitats in which anglers can catch walleye, largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, suckers perch, and bluegill. Additionally, there are nearby towns, such as St. Marys and Celina, where visitors can stay while they fish at Grand Lake St. Marys.
Piedmont Lake
Piedmont Lake is widely regarded as one of the best fishing lakes in Ohio due to its variety of habitats, accessible shoreline access points, and 10hp motor limit, which helps prevent overfishing. Its rocky shoreline and downed trees provide an ideal habitat for Crappie and other larger fish, such as Smallmouth Bass, making it beginner-friendly yet still offering plenty of challenge. With over 40 miles of shoreline, Piedmont Lake provides ample opportunity for all levels of anglers.
Mosquito Lake
Mosquito Lake is considered one of the best fishing lakes in Ohio due to the wide variety of fish available. The Ohio Division of Wildlife regularly stocks the lake with different types of fish, making it an ideal spot for anglers seeking a variety of catches. Fishers can also choose between shore and boat fishing and take advantage of other recreational activities in the state park.
East Harbor State Park
East Harbor State Park is renowned for its large population of walleyes and smallmouth bass, making it one of the best fishing spots in Ohio. Fishing during the spring and summer months is ideal at the park, as there are plenty of boat docks and areas to cast a line. This makes East Harbor State Park an ideal spot for anglers looking to catch some big fish.
Hoover Reservoir
Hoover Reservoir is one of the best fishing lakes in Ohio for a variety of reasons:
- It’s stocked with trout, bass, perch, and other fish species that make for great catches.
- The lake is located in Central Ohio, making it easily accessible to anglers from around the state.
- Hoover Reservoir is a large body of water, meaning there’s plenty of room for everyone to fish.
Anglers can catch largemouth and smallmouth bass as well as channel catfish, white bass, Crappie, and blue catfish. Additionally, trout can be caught at Hoover Reservoir due to its proximity to Columbus and Westerville. Fishing stories from Hoover Reservoir are often shared on Fish and Tales, making it a popular destination for anglers looking for a good catch.
Rocky River
The Rocky River is one of the best fishing waters in Ohio and is known for its trout, bass, perch, and catfish. The river is located in the northeastern state and is a popular destination for recreational and commercial fishermen.
Rocky River is one of the best fishing lakes in Ohio due to its year-round availability of steelhead trout and smallmouth bass. It offers excellent opportunities for anglers looking to catch either species.
Findlay Reservoir
Findlay Reservoir is located in Findlay, Ohio, and is an excellent spot for fishing. The reservoir is stocked with trout, bass, perch, and other fish. There is also a boat ramp and a fishing pier. Anglers can find an abundance of trout, bass, perch, and other species in the waters. The lake also offers a variety of activities, such as swimming, boating, windsurfing, and more, making it an ideal destination for a day on the water.
Clear Fork River
The Clear Fork River is one of the best fishing lakes in Ohio due to its year-round warm waters and availability for private and public fishing. Anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish, such as brown trout, carp, bass, bluegill, and even a muskie on occasion. The river is also home to a number of different species of fish, making it a great place to try your hand at fly fishing.
Ohio River
The Ohio River is one of the best for fishing in Ohio for a variety of reasons:
- It is home to a large number of fish species, including trout, bass, perch, and catfish.
- The river is relatively clean and clear, making it ideal for fishing.
- The Ohio River is located in a beautiful setting, with plenty of trees and other vegetation.
Leesville Lake
Leesville Lake is widely regarded as one of the best fishing lakes in Ohio due to its wide selection of fish, including muskie, bass, catfish, perch, and Crappie. The lake offers convenience and comfort to anglers with its campground and cabin rentals. Boaters can also find ample amenities on-site such as boat rentals, fishing gear rentals, and food offerings.
Caesar Creek Lake
Caesar Creek Lake is one of the best fishing lakes in Ohio due to its diverse range of habitats, including wetlands and forests. This makes it an excellent spot for anglers to find a variety of fish species, such as largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, Crappie, and walleye.
Beaty Landing
Beaty Landing is renowned as one of the best fishing lakes in Ohio due to its plentiful supply of steelhead trout. The Ohio Division of Wildlife stocks Beaty Landing with 100,000 steelheads annually, which migrate upstream during fall and spring. This makes it an ideal spot to catch a variety of fish, from trout to bass and perch.
Chagrin River
The Chagrin River is located in northeastern Ohio and is a tributary of Lake Erie. The river is approximately 40 miles long and flows through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The Chagrin River is a popular destination for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The river is home to various fish, including trout, bass, perch, and catfish.
Salt Fork Lake
Salt Fork Lake is one of the best fishing lakes in Ohio for trout, bass, and perch. The lake is located in Guernsey County and covers 3,592 acres. There is a public boat launch and a fishing pier. The lake is open to fishing all year.
The lake offers a peaceful atmosphere filled with plenty of nature, making it an ideal fishing spot. Additionally, many ramps around the lake make it easy to launch boats and access different areas. There are also two marinas on the lake that help contribute to its thriving fishing ecosystem.
FAQs
What are the most popular fishing spots in Ohio?
Fishermen in Ohio should look into popular fishing spots such as Blue Creek, the Coshocton River, and the Clear Fork River. Additionally, Byrd Dam and Lock and Dam 21 are two hot spots to hit on the Ohio River for Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Northern Pike, and Bluegill. For more information about these fishing locations or others in the area, anglers should contact local sources.
What are the best times to fish in Ohio?
The best times to fish in Ohio vary depending on the type of fish you’re hoping to catch. For trout, the best time is early morning or late evening when the water is cooler. Bass are most active in the early morning or late evening as well, but can also be caught during the day. Perch are generally easiest to catch during the daytime hours.
What is the catch limit for fish in Ohio?
The catch limit depends on the fish species and the lake. The daily bag limit for largemouth bass is five fish per person in Ohio. For smallmouth bass, the catch limit is four fish per person.
What type of license do I need to fish in Ohio?
If you’re planning on doing any fishing in Ohio, you’ll need to make sure you have the proper license. Depending on what type of fish you’re hoping to catch, there are different licenses available. For trout, for example, you’ll need a trout license in addition to your regular fishing license. You can get a one-day or annual fishing license, which will allow you to fish in any public waters in Ohio.
What are the best conditions for fishing in Ohio?
The best conditions for fishing in Ohio depend on the type of fish you’re hoping to catch. For trout, bass, and perch, cool weather is generally best. For optimal results, the lakeside temperature should be between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Sunny days are also ideal, as the fish will be more active in warm weather. For catfish, however, hot weather is best.
What is the best time of year to fish in Ohio?
Ohio anglers have identified winter as the best time of year to fish in the state. During this period, many take to popular fishing spots such as Lake Erie, Indian Lake, and the Portage Lake chain in search of Yellow Perch. Ice fishing is also a common technique used during this season as it provides an extra layer of safety for fishers and increases chances for successful catches.
