OHIO
Eective MARCH 1, 2024
to FEBRUARY 28, 2025
FISHING REGULATIONS
2024-25
OHIO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION
OF
WILDLIFE
wildohio.gov
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
This program receives Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service. Under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act
of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972. The U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits
discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability.
If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program,
activity, or facility, or if you need more information, please write to:
Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Civil Rights • Department of the Interior
1849 C Street, NW • Washington, D.C. 20240
PUBLICATION 5084
(
R1223
)
Total Printed: 500,000 Unit Cost: $0.118 Pub Date: 12/23
WILDLIFE DISTRICT ONE
1500 Dublin Road
Columbus, OH 43215
WILDLIFE DISTRICT TWO
952 Lima Avenue
Findlay, OH 45840
WILDLIFE DISTRICT THREE
912 Portage Lakes Drive
Akron, OH 44319
WILDLIFE DISTRICT FOUR
360 E. State Street
Athens, OH 45701
WILDLIFE DISTRICT FIVE
1076 Old Springfield Pike
Xenia, OH 45385
DIVISION
OF
WILDLIFE
DISTRICT OFFICES
GOVERNOR, STATE OF OHIO
MIKE DEWINE
DIRECTOR, OHIO DEPARTMENT
OF NATURAL RESOURCES
MARY C. MERTZ
CHIEF, DIVISION OF WILDLIFE
KENDRA S. WECKER
FISHING REGULATION CHANGES
Changes from the previous regulations booklet are listed in red text.
█
Nonresident students who are actively enrolled full-time in an Ohio
college or university qualify for a resident license if they live in Ohio at
the time of purchase.
█
Site-specic regulations for crappie and brook trout have been updated.
See pages 10 and 11.
OHIO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION
OF
WILDLIFE
VISIT US ON THE WEB
WILDOHIO.GOV
FOR GENERAL INFORMATION
1-800-WILDLIFE
(1-800-945-3543)
LAKE ERIE FISHING FORECAST
1-888-HOOKFISH
(1-888-466-5347)
TO REPORT WILDLIFE VIOLATIONS
1-800-POACHER
(1-800-762-2437)
**
AVAILABLE 24 HOURS
**
The Division of Wildlife’s mission is to
conserve and improve sh and wildlife
resources and their habitats for sustainable
use and appreciation by all.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
facebook.com
/ohiodivisionofwildlife
linkedin.com
/company/ohio-division-of-wildlife
instagram.com
/your_wild_ohio
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LICENSE INFORMATION
4
STATEWIDE REGULATIONS
6
LAKE ERIE REGULATIONS
6
OHIO RIVER REGULATIONS
8
SITE-SPECIFIC WATERS
10
FROG & TURTLE REGULATIONS
13
BANKLINES, SETLINES, FLOATLINES, & TROTLINES
14
GENERAL INFORMATION
16
FISH OHIO
18
STATE WILDLIFE OFFICERS
20
FISHING REGULATION CHANGES
Changes from the previous regulations booklet are listed in red text.
█
Nonresident students who are actively enrolled full-time in an Ohio
college or university qualify for a resident license if they live in Ohio at
the time of purchase.
█
Site-specic regulations for crappie and brook trout have been updated.
See pages 10 and 11.
2024-25 OHIO
FISHING REGULATIONS
ON THE COVER: White crappie caught by Asher, age 13,
at Alum Creek Lake while shing with his grandfather.
photo by JOHN UHRICK
THIS SUMMARY is intended for the convenience of anglers and IS NOT INTENDED to cover all laws
and regulations. THIS SUMMARY is not intended for use as evidence or as a defense in a criminal
or civil case. Because of possible changes, this summary may not be an accurate reection of the
Ohio Revised Code and Ohio Administrative Code, which contains the details of these regula-
tions. Copies of the actual laws are available for review at each Division of Wildlife district oce
and online at wildohio.gov.
On June 15 and 16, 2024, all Ohio residents
are invited to experience Ohio’s fantastic
public fishing opportunities without
purchasing a license. All size and daily
limits apply during these two days.
OHIO FREE FISHING DAYS
LICENSE INFORMATION
LICENSE INFORMATION
LICENSES COST
Youth
LICENSES
Persons under 16 years of age are not required to purchase a fishing license.
Resident Youth Lifetime License $430.56
Resident
LICENSES
Resident 1-Day License $14.00
Resident 1-Year Upgraded from a 1-Day License *
(see below)
$12.00
Resident 1-Year License $25.00
Resident 3-Year License $72.11
Resident 5-Year License $120.18
Resident 10-Year License $240.36
Resident Lifetime License $599.04
Resident
Senior
LICENSES
Resident 1-Year License $10.00
Resident 3-Year License $27.04
Resident 5-Year License $45.07
Resident Lifetime License $84.24
Nonresident
LICENSES
Nonresident 1-Day License $14.00
Nonresident 1-Year License Upgraded from a 1-Day *
(see below)
$37.44
Nonresident 3-Day License $25.00
Nonresident 1-Year License $50.96
Card and
Duplicate
Resident Ohio Conservation Card $4.00
Duplicate License - Free reprints are available at wildohio.gov
$4.00
*
A one-day fishing license may be applied as credit toward the purchase of an annual license.
CATEGORIES
Resident Youth
For
Ohio residents
under age 16 at the time of purchase.
Resident
For Ohio residents age 16-65 at the time of purchase.
Resident Senior
For Ohio residents age 66 and older born on or after January 1, 1938.
Nonresident
For all
non
residents 16 years old and older at the time of purchase.
FISHING LICENSES ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL AUTHORIZED
LICENSE SALES AGENTS, ON THE HUNTFISH OH MOBILE APP, AND AT WILDOHIO.GOV.
THE OHIO CONSERVATION CARD
The Ohio Conservation Card (a durable plastic card) is included with the purchase of
a lifetime license. The card may also be purchased for $4.00 with a multiyear license.
4
2024-25
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
█
A shing license is required to engage in
shing in Ohio waters.
█
A shing license is required to take frogs
or turtles on public and private property.
█
Persons shing in privately owned ponds,
lakes, or reservoirs that are open to pub-
lic shing through an agreement or lease
with the Ohio Division of Wildlife are re-
quired to have a shing license.
█
Persons must have their license in
their
possession while shing and must show
the
license to anyone on request. Licenses
may
be displayed using a mobile device.
█
Members of the U.S. Armed Forces on ac-
tive duty stationed in Ohio, but not on
leave or furlough, are required to pur-
chase a resident license.
LICENSE EXEMPTIONS
A FISHING LICENSE IS NOT REQUIRED
OF PERSONS WHO ARE:
█
Less than 16 years of age. This includes
frogs and turtles;
█
Persons shing in privately owned ponds,
lakes, or reservoirs to and from which sh
do not migrate are not required to have a
license to take sh;
█
Giving assistance to an angler who has
been issued the free mobility impaired
or blind shing license, provided the two
persons together are using only one line;
█
Fishing, or taking frogs or turtles, on land
and water which they or their parents
own, except where the land is in or bor-
ders on state parks or state-owned lakes;
█
Fishing, or taking frogs or turtles, on land
and water where they or their parents are
tenants on which they reside, and from
which they derive the majority of their
income from agricultural production on
that land (except state-owned lakes);
█
Members of the U.S. Armed Forces on ac-
tive duty while on leave or furlough;
█
On June 15 and 16, 2024, all Ohio resi-
dents may sh without a license as part of
Free Fishing Days.
█
See page 16 for information on free licenses.
LICENSE PURCHASING
█
A
n Ohio resident is a person who has re-
sided in the state of Ohio for the past six
consecutive months. All others are con
-
sidered nonresidents and must purchase
a nonresident license. Nonresident stu
-
dents who are actively enrolled full-time
in an Ohio college or university qualify for
a resident license if they live in Ohio at the
time of purchase
█
Licenses purchased on wildohio.gov will
be emailed to the customer upon comple-
tion of the transaction. Licenses are not re-
quired to be printed as long as the image
of the license may be displayed on a mo-
bile device and presented upon request.
█
Operator assistance for license sales is
available by calling 1-866-703-1928 be-
tween 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. A $5.50 fee will
be added to the cost of the license.
█
One-year shing licenses are valid for 365
days from the date of purchase. One-year
and multiyear shing licenses are valid
from the date of purchase until the expi-
ration date printed on the license.
█
Lifetime licenses and multiyear licenses
may be purchased at wildohio.gov, pro-
vided an Ohio driver license or state
identication is associated with the cus-
tomer’s account. Lifetime license buyers
may also visit an Ohio Division of Wildlife
oce or mail in a paper application. Proof
of age and residency are required at the
time of purchase. A multiyear license may
also be
purchased at an agent location
(restrictions apply). Visit wildohio.gov for
more information about lifetime or multi
-
year licenses.
LICENSE INFORMATION
Governor Mike DeWine shing with his
grandchildren on Acton Lake during the
2023 Governor’s Inland Fish Ohio Day.
5
2024-25
These regulations apply to all public waters in Ohio where site-specic regulations are not
implemented. Exceptions to these regulations include locations listed for Lake Erie and its
tributaries (below), the Ohio River (pages 8-9), and Site-Specic Waters (page 10-12).
STATEWIDE REGULATIONS
SPECIES DAILY LIMIT MIN. SIZE
Blue & Flathead Catfish (under 35 inches) No limit None
Blue & Flathead Catfish (35 inches or larger) 1 of each (statewide) 35 inches
Channel Catfish (under 28 inches) No limit None
Channel Catfish (28 inches or larger) 1 (statewide) 28 inches
Largemouth, Smallmouth, & Spotted Bass 5 (singly or in combination) 12 inches
Muskellunge 1 None
Striped, Hybrid-Striped, & White Bass 30 (singly or in combination)
No more than 4
over 15 inches
Trout* 5 (singly or in combination) None
Walleye, Sauger, & Saugeye 6 (singly or in combination) None
Yellow Perch 30 None
*Brook trout may not be taken or possessed from the Ashtabula, Chagrin, Conneaut, and Grand rivers and their tributaries.
These regulations apply to the Lake Erie Sport Fishing District as described here: Lake Erie
and areas immediately upstream in creeks, rivers, and tributaries. The following regulations for
walleye, sauger, saugeye, yellow perch, black bass (largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted), and
white bass apply to the waters of Lake Erie, its embayments including Maumee Bay, Sandusky
Bay, East Harbor, Middle Harbor, and West Harbor, and from where Lake Erie tributaries enter
the lake upstream to the following end points:
█
Arcola, Wheeler, Cowles, and Indian
creeks: U.S. Route 20 bridges;
█
Ashtabula River: E. 24th Street bridge;
█
Black River: State Route 611 bridge;
█
Conneaut Creek: Main Street bridge
(downtown to Conneaut);
█
Euclid Creek and Chagrin River: State
Route 283 bridges;
STATEWIDE REGULATIONS
LAKE ERIE REGULATIONS
█
Rocky River: Detroit Road bridge;
█
Sandusky River: Waterworks dam in Tin;
█
Maumee River: First dam upstream (Grand
Rapids, Ohio);
█
Vermilion River: State Route 2 bridge;
█
Grand River: State Route 535 bridge;
█
Cuyahoga River: Harvard Road bridge.
LAKE ERIE REGULATIONS
Download the free
HuntFish OH app
The free app makes buying licenses easy and
convenient. You can also nd boat ramps, wild-
life areas, and more; utilize the weather widget
for sunrise and sunset times and area forecasts;
reference shing and hunting regulations; and
set notications to provide alerts on upcoming
seasons, license renewal, events, and more.
6
HURON PIER
LIGHTHOUSE
FAIRPORT
HARBOR
LIGHTHOUSE
MI
WEST
ZONE
CENTRAL
ZONE
EAST
ZONE
LAKE ERIE
OHIO
PA
US/CANADA BORDER
OHIO BORDER
LAKE ERIE ZONE BORDERS
81
o
20’
82
o
30’
LAKE ERIE REGULATIONS
All statewide regulations apply to Ohio waters of Lake Erie EXCEPT for those listed below.
SPECIES DATES DAILY LIMIT MIN. SIZE
Largemouth,
Smallmouth,
& Spotted Bass
March 1 - April 30, 2024 5 (singly or in combination) 14 inches
May 1 - June 21, 2024 1 (singly or in combination) 18 inches
June 22, 2024 - April 30, 2025 5 (singly or in combination) 14 inches
Walleye, Saugeye,
& Sauger
March 1, 2024 - Feb. 28, 2025 6 (singly or in combination) 15 inches
Striped, Hybrid, &
White Bass
Open year-round None None
Yellow Perch
March 1 - April 30, 2024
West Zone: 30
None
Central Zone: 10
East Zone: 30
May 1, 2024 - Feb. 28, 2025 to be announced late April
LAKE ERIE REGULATIONS FOR TROUT AND SALMON
Lake Erie proper and the entire length of all Lake Erie creeks, rivers, and tributaries.
SPECIES DATES DAILY LIMIT MIN. SIZE
Trout* & Salmon
May 16 - Aug. 31, 2024 5 (singly or in combination)
12 inches
Sept. 1, 2024 - May 15, 2025 2 (singly or in combination)
*Brook trout may not be taken or possessed from the Ashtabula,
Chagrin, Conneaut, and Grand rivers and their tributaries.
EXCEPTION TO ABOVE REGULATIONS
For the waters of Cold Creek upstream of State Route 2 (Erie County).
SPECIES DAILY LIMIT MIN. SIZE
Trout & Salmon 5 (singly or in combination) None
YELLOW PERCH
LAKE ERIE ZONE MAP
7
2024-25
The following Ohio River fishing regulations are the result of agreements between the fish
and wildlife agencies of Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia. Some regulations differ between
the Ohio–Kentucky border (Western Unit) and the Ohio–West Virginia border (Eastern Unit).
Anglers must abide by each state’s specified regulations for information not specified below.
UNIFIED OHIO AND KENTUCKY REGULATIONS
The following are the ONLY unified regulations in this agreement and 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 Western Unit.
SPECIES DAILY LIMIT MIN. SIZE
Black & White Crappie 30 (singly or in combination) None
Muskellunge 2 30 inches
Striped, Hybrid-Striped, & White Bass 30 (no more than 4 over 15 inches) None
Walleye, Sauger, & Saugeye 6 (singly or in combination) 14 inches
OHIO REGULATIONS
These Ohio 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.
SPECIES DAILY LIMIT MIN. SIZE
Largemouth, Smallmouth, & Spotted Bass 6 (singly or in combination) 12 inches
KENTUCKY REGULATIONS
Kentucky regulations apply to boat anglers shing beyond
the 1792 low water mark, identied at wildohio.gov.
OHIO RIVER REGULATIONS
OHIO RIVER AGREEMENT REGULATIONS
WESTERN UNIT • OHIO/KENTUCKY
The western unit consists of Lawrence County west of South Point, and Scioto, Adams,
Brown, Clermont, and Hamilton counties. Ohio and Kentucky will honor the other state’s
fishing licenses along their common borders on the main stem and from the banks of the
Ohio River, excluding embayments and tributaries.
OHIO RIVER REGULATIONS
█
It is illegal to snag fish in the Ohio
waters of the Ohio River for any
species during any time of the year.
█
A maximum of three lines are permitted
statewide, including the counties that
comprise the Ohio River fishing units.
The length of a sh is measured as a straight line from
the utmost end of the snout with the mouth closed
to the utmost end of the caudal (tail) n when the tail
n is compressed so that the upper and lower lobes
touch or overlap.
MEASURE THE FISH WITH MOUTH CLOSED AND TAIL FIN COMPRESSED TO DETERMINE TOTAL LENGTH.
HOW TO MEASURE A FISH
8
2024-25
Hancock
Brooke
Ohio
Marshall
Wetzel
Tyler
Wood
Pleasants
Wayne
Cabell
Jackson
Mason
Lewis
Greenup
Boyd
Lawrence
Pendleton
Kenton
Boone
Campbell
Bracken
Mason
OHIO RIVER REGULATIONS
LEGEND
█
Ohio counties
█
West Virginia counties
█
Kentucky counties
OHIO RIVER AGREEMENT REGULATIONS
EASTERN UNIT • OHIO/WEST VIRGINIA
The eastern unit consists of Lawrence County east of South Point, and Gallia, Meigs, Ath-
ens, Washington, Monroe, Belmont, Jefferson, and Columbiana counties. West Virginia
and Ohio will honor the other state’s fishing licenses along their common borders on the
main stem of the Ohio River, including its banks and embayments, and tributaries to the
landmark location listed in Publication 404, Waterfowl Hunting and Fishing on the Ohio
River (found at wildohio.gov), or call 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543). Boundaries for
areas not listed in this publication extend to the first riffle. This agreement applies to West
Virginia and Ohio residents only.
UNIFIED OHIO AND WEST VIRGINIA REGULATIONS
The following are the ONLY unified regulations in this agreement and 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.
SPECIES DAILY LIMIT MIN. SIZE
Largemouth, Smallmouth, & Spotted Bass 6 (singly or in combination) 12 inches
Muskellunge 2 30 inches
Striped, Hybrid-Striped, & White Bass 30 (no more than 4 over 15 inches) None
OHIO REGULATIONS
These Ohio regulations apply only to shore anglers when fishing on the Ohio
shoreline and all anglers in Ohio embayments and tributaries within the Eastern Unit.
SPECIES DAILY LIMIT MIN. SIZE
Black & White Crappie 30 (singly or in combination) None
Walleye, Sauger, & Saugeye 6 (singly or in combination) None
WEST VIRGINIA REGULATIONS
West Virginia regulations apply to boat anglers shing the main
stem of the Ohio River, shore anglers shing the West Virginia
shoreline, and boat and shore anglers shing West Virginia
embayments and tributaries within the Eastern Unit.
█
Western Unit
█
Eastern Unit
OHIO RIVER UNIT MAP
9
2024-25
SPECIES LOCATION
DAILY LIMIT
MIN. SIZE
Largemouth,
Smallmouth,
& Spotted
Bass
• La Su An Special limits are posted
• Knox 5 18 inches
• Adams • Blue Rock • Caldwell • Cowan
• Dale Walborn • Greenfield • Ohio-Erie Canal
• Hancock County Wetlands • Pine • Resthaven
Pond No. 8 • Ross • Rush Creek Lake • Rush
Run Lake • Seneca • Wellington Reservoir South
• Zepernick
5 15 inches
• Acton • Findley • Hargus • Highlandtown • Lake
Snowden • New Lyme • Paint Creek Lake • Salt
Fork • Silver Creek Lake • Upper Sandusky No. 2
4 fish split
daily limit
2 fish less than 15
inches, & 2 fish
15 inches or longer
• Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area • Belmont
• Guilford • Jesse Owens State Park & Wildlife Area
• Killdeer Plains ponds No. 30 and No. 33
• Kiser • Long • Oxbow • Spencer • St. Joseph
Wildlife Area • Tycoon • Wingfoot • Wolf Run
3 fish split
daily limit
2 fish less than 14
inches, & 1 fish 20
inches or longer
• Burr Oak • Dow • Fox • Hammertown (Jackson
City Reservoir) • Lake Rupert (Wellston City
Reservoir) • Slope Creek (Barnesville No. 3)
• Turkey Creek
5
None may be
taken between
12 & 15 inches
Black &
White
Crappie
• Alum Creek Lake • Buckeye • Caesar Creek Lake
• Deer Creek Lake (Fayette and Pickaway counties)
• Delaware (including the Olentangy River upstream
to the Waldo dam, and Whetstone Creek upstream
to State Route 229) • Dillon • East Fork • Ferguson
• Grand Lake St. Marys • Hoover • Indian
• Lake Milton • Loramie • Mahoning River between
Berlin Lake and Lake Milton • Metzger • Mosquito
• O’Shaughnessy • Paint Creek Lake • Piedmont
• Pleasant Hill • Portage Lakes: East, North,
Turkeyfoot, and West • Rocky Fork • Salt Fork
• Seneca • Tappan • Veterans Memorial
30 9 inches
• Killdeer Plains • Oxbow
• St. Joseph River Wildlife Area
10 None
Sunfish
(all species)
• Killdeer Plains • Oxbow
• St. Joseph River Wildlife Area
10 None
• Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area
• Jesse Owens State Park and Wildlife Area
20
(singly or in
combination)
None
SITE-SPECIFIC WATERS
SITE-SPECIFIC REGULATIONS
INLAND LAKES, RESERVOIRS, RIVERS, AND STREAMS
These regulations apply to the waters listed under the LOCATION column.
10
2024-25
SPECIES DAILY LIMIT MIN. SIZE
Black & White Crappie 20 (singly or in combination) 9 inches
Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass 5 (singly or in combination) 12 inches
Muskellunge 2 30 inches
Walleye 6 15 inches
All other fish No Limit None
PYMATUNING LAKE REGULATIONS
OHIO
–
PENNSYLVANIA
Either an Ohio or Pennsylvania shing license may be used when shing from a boat; how-
ever, a Pennsylvania shing license is required to take sh, frogs, or turtles from the shore of
the Pennsylvania side or from any island. Fish may be taken only by angling, except carp and
suckers which may be taken with longbow and arrow, or spears. Special regulations apply
to frogs, turtles, tadpoles, minnows, and ice shing — see the Pennsylvania regulations for
specic information.
Pymatuning Lake anglers shing in either
Ohio or Pennsylvania waters may use up to three
shing lines, whether fastened to a pole, a rod and reel, or hand-held. Anglers may use up to
three hooks on each line.
SPECIES LOCATION
DAILY LIMIT
MIN. SIZE
Trout
• Clear Creek from the first Fairfield County Road 69
bridge (east of the junction of County Roads 26 and
69) to the U.S. Route 33 bridge in Hocking County
• Clear Fork of the Mohican River in Ashland County
2 None
• Mad River and its tributaries • Clear Fork of the
Mohican River in Richland County
2 12 inches
Brook Trout
• Ashtabula, Chagrin, Grand, and Conneaut rivers
and their tributaries
Possession is prohibited
Walleye,
Saugeye,
& Sauger
• Acton • Alum Creek Lake • Atwood • Berlin
• Buckeye • C.J. Brown • Caesar Creek Lake
• Ferguson • Findlay No. 1 & No. 2 • Indian
• Lake Milton, including the Mahoning River
connecting Berlin Lake and Lake Milton
• Metzger • Piedmont • Pleasant Hill
• Rocky Fork • Seneca • Tappan • West Branch
6 15 inches
SITE-SPECIFIC WATERS
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO GIVE YOUR NAME  JUST GIVE THE FACTS
IF YOU OBSERVE A WILDLIFE VIOLATION
1-800-POACHER
(1-800-762-2437)
OR WILDOHIO.GOV
TURN IN A POACHER
AVAILABLE 24/7
11
2024-25
NO FISHING WITH A LINE WITH
MORE THAN A SINGLE HOOK.
The line may not have a hook larger than ½
inch from shank to point, or lure having more
than a single hook larger than ½ inch from
shank to point. Double and treble hooks are
prohibited. These regulations apply to the
following areas:
█
The Maumee River from the Grand Rapids
Providence Dam to a line in the Maumee
Bay from Little Cedar Point to Turtle Island;
█
The Sandusky River from the Waterworks
Dam in Tiffin to a line running ¼ mile east
of and parallel to the full length of the
Norfolk Southern railroad bridge in San-
dusky Bay;
█
The Portage River from State Route 19 to
the dam at Elmore;
█
The Mahoning River from the dam at Ber-
lin Reservoir to Lake Milton.
FISHING IS ALLOWED ONLY
FROM SUNRISE TO SUNSET IN
THE FOLLOWING AREAS:
█
The Maumee River from the Ohio Turn-
pike bridge to the Old Waterville inter-
urban bridge at the end of Forst Road in
Wood County, and from the State Route
295 bridge to the Grand Rapids Provi-
dence Dam;
█
The Sandusky River from the Waterworks
Dam in Tiffin to the northern tip of Brady’s
Island in Fremont;
█
The Portage River from State Route 19
to the dam at Elmore;
█
The Mahoning River from the dam at
Berlin Reservoir to Lake Milton.
SITE-SPECIFIC WATERS
SITE-SPECIFIC REGULATIONS
MAHONING, MAUMEE, PORTAGE, & SANDUSKY RIVERS
The following regulations are in eect from March 1 through April 30, 2024.
FISH TAGS
Anglers may encounter sh from Lake
Erie, the Ohio River, or any of Ohio’s res
-
ervoirs which are tagged to improve the
Division of Wildlife’s knowledge and man
-
agement of the state’s sheries. The sh
may be kept but please remove the tag,
rinse with water, and store the tag at room
temperature. Call the number printed on
the tag or visit wildohio.gov to report
when and where the sh was caught.
Tagged Lake Erie walleye will have up
to two external tags and one internal
transmitter. Please remove the tags and
transmitter. Call (419) 625-8062 to report
tagged Lake Erie walleye. A $100 reward
is oered for information on the external
tag and transmitter in the event that you
catch and keep a tagged walleye.
STATE
ENDANGERED
FISH SPECIES
The sh listed below are protected in all
Ohio waters and if caught must be imme
-
diately released back into its originating
waterbody. Possession of these sh is
prohibited: alligator gar, bigeye shiner,
blacknose shiner, brook trout*, cisco (or
lake herring), gilt darter, goldeye, Iowa
darter, lake sturgeon, longhead darter,
longnose sucker, mountain brook lam
-
prey, northern brook lamprey, northern
madtom, Ohio lamprey, pirate perch, pop
-
eye shiner, pugnose minnow, shoal chub,
shortnose gar, shovelnose sturgeon, spot
-
ted darter, spotted gar, tonguetied min-
now, and western banded killish.
*Taking or possessing brook trout is
prohibited in the Ashtabula, Chagrin,
Conneaut, and Grand rivers and their
tributaries.
12
2024-25
Reptiles and amphibians may not be taken by shooting, except green frogs and bullfrogs
which may be taken with archery equipment.
FROG & TURTLE REGULATIONS
FROG & TURTLE REGULATIONS
11
inches
TURTLE SEASON
Turtle season is open July 1, 2024 to De-
cember 31, 2024. Only snapping and soft-
shell turtles may be legally taken. Snapping
turtles and softshell turtles must have a
straight-line carapace length of 11 inches
or greater to be taken, and there is no daily
limit. A turtle trap must be marked with the
name and address or customer identification
number of the owner or user. All traps must
be checked once every 24 hours.
It is illegal to take, collect, or possess the
eggs of snapping turtles or softshell turtles
from Ohio lands or waters. See wildohio.gov
for additional regulations.
Snapping turtles and softshell turtles may
be taken by any method except:
█
By shooting;
█
Turtle traps having mesh measuring less
than 4 inches on a side, unless such traps
are provided with an escape ring of at
least 6 inches in diameter leading out of
the trap and held open at all times;
█
Turtle traps placed in water having wings
or leads;
█
A foothold or body-gripping trap;
█
Deleterious or stupefying substances;
█
Chemicals;
█
Smoke;
█
Explosives.
PLEASE REPORT YOUR
TURTLE HARVEST AT
WILDOHIO.GOV OR
SCAN THE QR CODE.
FROG SEASON
Frog season is open from 6 p.m. on June 14,
2024 (the second Friday in June) through
April 30, 2025. Only bullfrogs and green frogs
may be taken. No more than 15 (singly or in
combination) may be taken or possessed in
any one day.
Bullfrogs and green frogs may be taken
by any method except:
█
By shooting, except with archery
equipment;
█
A foothold or body-gripping trap;
█
Deleterious or stupefying substances;
█
Chemicals;
█
Smoke;
█
Explosives.
SPECIES DATES DAILY LIMIT MIN. SIZE
Bullfrog &
Green Frog
June 14, 2024 - April 30, 2025 15 (singly or in combination) None
Snapping Turtle &
Softshell Turtle
July 1 - December 31, 2024 None 11 inches
HOW TO MEASURE
A STRAIGHT-LINE
CARAPACE
LENGTH
13
2024-25
BANKLINES OR SETLINES
A bankline or setline is a shing line attached
to the bank. Banklines or setlines may be
used to catch turtles and fish. The name and
address or customer identification number
of the user must be attached to each line.
The maximum is 50 lines, each having a sin-
gle hook (not a treble hook). The lines must
be attached to the shore above water, but
not to a boat, dam, dock, pier, pole, rod, or
wall. No more than six banklines or setlines
may be used in Ohio’s public waters less than
700 surface acres in size. All lines must be
checked once every 24 hours. All lines must
be removed after completion of use.
TROTLINES
A trotline is a shing line having suspended from it, at frequent intervals, vertical lines with
baited hooks attached. Trotlines must be marked with the name and address or customer
identification number of the user. Trotlines must be anchored. A trotline may not be made of
wire or cable. A trotline may not be capable of being removed from the water by pulling on
the shore end of the line.
No more than three trotlines are permitted in any one body of water in the Inland Fishing Dis-
trict. No more than 50 hooks per trotline are permitted. Trotlines may not be used within 1,000
feet downstream of any dam. All trotlines must be checked once every 24 hours.
A special trotline license is required in the Lake Erie Fishing District. This license may be ob-
tained at the Sandusky Fisheries Research Unit, 305 East Shoreline Drive, Sandusky, Ohio
44870 (phone: 419-625-8062).
Trotlines may be used only in:
█
Streams;
█
Mosquito Lake north of the causeway and
south of a line of buoys designating the
wildlife refuge;
█
Charles Mill Lake north of State Route 430;
█
Clendening Lake east of State Route 799;
█
Seneca Lake south of State Route 147;
█
Tappan Lake above the gas line causeway
and State Route 646;
█
Atwood Lake north and east of State Route
542 North at Dellroy;
█
Piedmont Lake in sections 11 and 12 of
Kirkwood Township;
TROTLINES, BANKLINES,
SETLINES, AND FLOATLINES
█
Wills Creek Lake, except in the area directly
in front of the Muskingum Watershed
Conservancy District boat landing;
█
Berlin Lake south and west of State Route 225;
█
The inland part of Sandusky Bay
commonly called Muddy Creek Bay;
█
The area of Grand Lake St. Marys bounded
on the west by Prairie Creek, on the east
by Big Chickasaw Creek, and on the north
by a line of buoys extending east to west
between Big Chickasaw and Prairie creeks.
Trotlines may not be set in channels or
across the mouths of channels or streams
in Grand Lake St. Marys.
FISHING LINE REGULATIONS
14
2024-25
FLOATLINES
These regulations only apply to waters where a shing license is required. A oatline is a sh-
ing line suspended in the water under a oat. Floats may not be made of glass or other shat-
terable material.
Floats must bear the name and address or customer identification number of
the user. Floats must be freely adrift and be attended by the user at all times. A floatline may
only have one single hook (not a treble hook). It is unlawful to set, use, or maintain more than six
floatlines in all public waters of the state of Ohio less than 700 surface acres in size.
Floatline or jug fishing is permitted in:
█
All streams;
█
Sandusky Bay west of the Conrail Railroad
bridge;
█
Berlin Lake south & west of State Route 225;
█
Mosquito Lake north of the causeway
and south of a line of buoys designating
the waterfowl refuge;
█
Charles Mill Lake north of State Route 430;
█
Clendening Lake east of State Route 799;
█
Tappan Lake above the gas line causeway
and State Route 646;
█
Seneca Lake south of State Route 147;
█
Atwood Lake north and east of State
Route
542 north at Dellroy;
█
Piedmont Lake in Sections 11 and 12 of
Kirkwood Township;
█
Wills Creek Lake, except in the area
directly
in front of the Muskingum
Watershed Conservancy District boat
landing;
█
All other public waters, except where
prohibited by the owner in authority.
FISHING LINE REGULATIONS
FISH FOR YOUR HEALTH
The Ohio Department of Health recommends limiting sh consumption to one meal
per week, unless a specic advisory is listed for a water body or type of sh.
Ohio anglers typically eat two or fewer meals per month of wild-
caught shes. The greatest amount of sh eaten in Ohio come
from Lake Erie, where both sport and commercial sheries op-
erate. Current Lake Erie advisories indicate that it is safe to eat
one meal per week of walleye, and two meals per week of yellow
perch. The Ohio Department of Health lists current guidance on
safe consumption of wild-caught sh in Ohio for specic waters
and shes at odh.ohio.gov/ohshadvisory.
WILD OHIO MAGAZINE
ORDER ONLINE TO GET SIX ISSUES FOR ONLY $5
Go to wildohio.gov
to sign up online,
or visit any store that
sells hunting licenses
and sign up to have the
magazine mailed to you.
█
All fish may be taken by hand except bull-
heads, catfish, trout and salmon species
statewide, and walleye and sauger in the
Maumee and Sandusky rivers.
FREE LICENSE
█
Ohio residents born on or before December
31, 1937 may obtain a free license at any li
-
cense outlet, or online at wildohio.gov.
█
The following Ohio residents are also eli-
gible for a free license, but must submit a
formal application, which is available by
calling 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543):
●
Persons who are mobility impaired
and require the assistance of another
person to cast and retrieve
●
Holders of veteran license plates
displaying the international wheelchair
symbol
●
Certain veterans who are permanently
disabled
●
Residents of state and county
institutions
●
Former prisoners of war.
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
REQUIREMENT
Any customer who applies for a license is re-
quired to provide their Social Security Num-
ber (SSN). Federal Statute 42 requires the SSN
of any individual to whom the state issues a
recreational hunting or shing license. Ap-
plicants who do not have an active SSN must
arm their status at the time of application.
Applicants must also declare their residency
and provide their full name, date of birth,
gender, address, height, weight, hair color,
and eye color. Once provided and recorded
in the licensing system, applicants will only
be required to update their information on
le if it changes.
CLAMS, MUSSELS, & MUSSEL SHELLS
Clams, mussels, or mussel shells may not
be taken, possessed, or collected for any
purpose.
█
Anglers may use a maximum of three sh-
ing rods statewide.
█
It is unlawful to buy or sell any sh taken
from any waters in the state where an
Ohio shing license is required, regardless
of the method of take. Exceptions apply
for a commercial shing license or bait
dealer permit.
█
It is unlawful to transport and introduce
any aquatic species (sh, invertebrate,
plant) from one body of water to another.
█
It is unlawful for the public to tag and re-
lease sh into any public water area.
█
It is unlawful for any person to possess a
fish in any form or condition other than
whole while on or unloading the fish from
a boat, while wading, or while fishing on
or in any waters in this state where a fish-
ing license is required.
█
Fillets are required to be kept whole un-
til an angler reaches their permanent
residence, or until the sh are prepared
for immediate consumption. Frozen sh
are required to be transported in such a
way that the llets can be easily identi-
ed and counted. This does not apply to
anglers with a receipt from a sh cleaning
house, charter captain, or licensed shing
guide which states the date, number, and
type of sh possessed. Fish must be trans-
ported whole or as a complete llet while
returning from the Lake Erie islands on a
commercial ferry boat.
█
Forage sh, rough sh, and game sh that
do not have a possession or length limit
on those waters may be cut up and used
for bait, provided that the skin or head
of the bait is intact so that the species is
visually identiable.
GENERAL INFORMATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
16
2024-25
GENERAL INFORMATION
MINNOW OR BAIT FISH TRAPS
It is illegal to set, use, or maintain a min-
now or bait sh trap larger that 24 inches
in length or 12 inches in width, or with an
opening larger than 1 inch. A tag must be
attached with the owner’s name and address
or their customer identication number.
BAIT
It is unlawful for any person except licensed
bait dealers to possess more than 100 cray-
sh, or in combination 500 craysh, min-
nows, and other baitsh. A bait dealer’s per-
mit is required of persons buying or selling
minnows, craysh, and hellgrammites. This
permit may be obtained at wildohio.gov.
It is unlawful for any person to release any
sh or aquatic invertebrate, including but
not limited to craysh, snails and insects,
into waters of the state from which it did not
originate.
ARCHERY ANGLERS
Archery anglers may use bows of any draw
weight. A shing license is required. Archery
equipment may be used to take bullfrogs,
green frogs, and forage sh.
FISHING LINES
Anglers may use a maximum of three shing
lines statewide, whether fastened to a pole, a
rod and reel, or hand-held. Anglers may use
up to three hooks on each line, except as pro
-
vided in the Ohio Administrative Code.
CAST NETS
Forage sh and minnows may be taken with
cast nets. All other sh are required to be re-
leased immediately unharmed. It is unlawful
MINNOW SEINES AND DIP NETS
Square mesh must not be larger than ½ inch on a side.
Seine and net size limits and places where they may be used are as follows:
FISHING DISTRICT MAXIMUM SIZE
WHERE AND WHEN
THEY MAY BE USED
Minnow Seine: Inland 4 feet x 8 feet Streams only, 4 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Minnow Seine: Lake Erie * None No Limit
Minnow Dip Net: Inland 4 feet, each side All public fishing waters
Minnow Dip Net: Lake Erie * 6 feet, each side All public fishing waters
* Including East and West harbors in Ottawa County, and waters where fishing with nets is licensed by law.
to use a cast net with a square mesh less than
¼ inch or larger than 1 inch on a side, or with
a diameter greater than 10 feet. It is illegal
to use a cast net within a distance of 1,000
feet downstream from any dam posted with
Ohio Division of Wildlife signs indicating cast
net use is prohibited.
ICE ANGLERS
Ice anglers may use holes no larger than 12
inches in diameter. On Lake Erie, ice anglers
may use holes no larger than 12 inches in
width. Ice anglers may not use more than six
tip-ups and three rods per person. All shel-
ters and tip-ups must display the name and
address or customer identication number
of the owner or user.
A tip-up means a device consisting of a hook
and line attached to a spring or other device
which is capable of raising a small ag or
other signaling device when a sh is biting
or is hooked.
FORAGE FISH
Forage sh means freshwater drum (sheeps-
head), common carp, grass carp (in waters
not stocked by the Ohio Division of Wild-
life for vegetation control, as indicated by
signs), bighead carp, silver carp, black carp,
quillback, suckers, bown, gar, bualo, giz-
zard shad, and goldsh. These species may
be taken by any method except by means
of explosives, poisons, rearms, electric-
ity, chemicals, nets (other than cast nets),
seines, traps, or by snagging within 1,000
feet downstream of a posted dam or dam
on the Muskingum River (see SNAGGING for
additional information). Gizzard shad and
rainbow smelt may be taken with a minnow
seine, minnow dip net, or hand landing net.
17
2024-25
REPORT WILDLIFE
SIGHTINGS
Report your wildlife sightings and help
Division of Wildlife biologists better
understand population trends, spe-
cies distributions, and other important
information about Ohio’s wildlife. Pho-
tographs or videos are encouraged, as
are latitude and longitude coordinates,
which help wildlife biologists quickly
verify the sighting.
SPECIES TO REPORT INCLUDE:
• Badger • Bald Eagle Nest
• Barn Owl • Black Bear
• Black-crowned Night-Heron
• Bobcat • Feral Swine
• Fisher • Gray Fox
• Peregrine Falcon • Porcupine
• River Otter • Ruffed Grouse
• Sandhill Crane • Snowshoe Hare
• Trumpeter Swan • Weasel
• Wild Turkey
Remember to always view wildlife from a respectful dis-
tance for your safety as well as the safety of the animal.
Scan the QR code
to report your Ohio
wildlife sightings!
LAKE ERIE MIN. SIZE
Freshwater Drum 24 inches
Lake Trout 31 inches
Smallmouth Bass 19 inches
Steelhead Trout 28 inches
Walleye 28 inches
White Bass 15 inches
Yellow Perch 13 inches
RIVERS, LAKES, PONDS MIN. SIZE
Freshwater Drum 20 inches
Smallmouth Bass 18 inches
Walleye 25 inches
White Bass 14 inches
Yellow Perch 12 inches
█
Above qualifying sizes apply to the Ohio River; inland rivers
or streams; inland lakes or reservoirs; and private ponds.
ALL WATERS MIN. SIZE
Blue Catfish 35 inches
Bowfin 23 inches
Brown Trout 20 inches
Bullhead 14 inches
Carp 28 inches
Channel Catfish 26 inches
Crappie 13 inches
Flathead Catfish 35 inches
Hybrid-Striped Bass 21 inches
Largemouth Bass 20 inches
Longnose Gar 34 inches
Muskellunge 40 inches
Northern Pike 32 inches
Rock Bass 9 inches
Sauger 16 inches
Saugeye 21 inches
Spotted Bass 15 inches
Sucker 20 inches
Sunfish 9 inches
QUALIFYING FISH OHIO SIZES
Qualifying species and sizes listed below
█
Above qualifying sizes apply to Lake Erie and its tributaries.
█
Above qualifying sizes apply to all Ohio waters.
HOW TO APPLY
█
Applications for the Fish Ohio pin are
accepted at fishohio.gov. See below for
how to measure your fish.
█
Anglers will receive a Fish Ohio pin for their
first entry each year, and a Master Angler
pin for qualifying entries in four different
species categories in the same year.
█
Fish must be taken by legal angling and
not from pay lakes. Deadline for online
application entry is Dec. 31.
█
Possible state-record fish must be kept
frozen for verification by the Outdoor
Writers of Ohio. For more information, go
to outdoorwritersofohio.org.
FISH OHIO
FISH OHIO
18
2024-25
Restoring rivers
across the state to
their former glory.
Rivers Initiative
NEW TO OHIO'S FISHING COMMUNITY?
Let us provide you with the resources and information you
need to safely and responsibly reel in your own local food.
VISIT US AT
OHIODNR.GOV/WOHC
FOR MORE INFORMATION
OR SCAN THE QR CODE
Governor DeWine's H2Ohio program
will help ensure healthy water
quality in Ohio by providing the
resources necessary to plan,
develop, and implement targeted
long-term solutions.
H2.OHIO.GOV
The filtering process
of wetlands improves
water quality.
WILD OHIO HARVEST COMMUNITY
OHIO WILDLIFE OFFICERS
ADAMS Gus Kiebel
(937) 776-0688
ALLEN Craig Barr
(419) 429-8379
ASHLAND Evan Huegel
(330) 245-3044
ASHTABULA Vacant
(330) 802-9171
ATHENS Ryan Donnelly
(740) 541-8266
AUGLAIZE Mark Schemmel
(937) 728-4192
BELMONT Logan Ambrister
(614) 563-1680
BROWN Micah Collier
(513) 646-4014
BUTLER Andrew Dowdell
(513) 403-6591
CARROLL Scott Cartwright
(330) 802-9163
CHAMPAIGN Nick Oliver
(614) 902-4209
CLARK Mathew Bourne
(937) 206-9321
CLERMONT Vacant
(513) 673-1566
CLINTON Isaiah Gifford
(937) 776-1850
COLUMBIANA Jesse Janosik
(330) 245-3039
COSHOCTON Jerrod Allison
(740) 502-4586
CRAWFORD Nathan Cass
(419) 429-8380
CUYAHOGA Michael Greer
(330) 245-3033
DARKE Jeff Wenning
(937) 621-5779
DEFIANCE Austin Dickinson
(419) 429-8381
DELAWARE Maurice Irish
(614) 902-4221
ERIE Michele Butler
(419) 429-8382
FAIRFIELD Jade Heizer
(614) 902-4210
FAYETTE John Coffman
(614) 565-2538
FRANKLIN Mark Williams
(614) 902-4212
FULTON Vacant
(419) 429-8383
GALLIA Vacant
(614) 563-1843
GEAUGA Matthew Madgar
(330) 245-3035
GREENE Vacant
(937) 545-6327
GUERNSEY Taylor Combs
(614) 563-2355
HAMILTON Vacant
(513) 446-7028
HANCOCK Ryan Burke
(419) 429-8384
HARDIN Ryan Kennedy
(419) 429-8385
HARRISON Nick Turner
(330) 245-3049
HENRY Matthew R. Smith
(419) 429-8386
HIGHLAND Matt Roberts
(937) 205-3020
HOCKING Chris Dodge
(614) 257-7792
HOLMES Cory Burroughs
(330) 245-3045
HURON Matthew D. Smith
(419) 429-8387
JACKSON Ted Witham
(614) 563-4138
JEFFERSON Craig Porter
(330) 245-3050
KNOX Austin Levering
(614) 400-0731
LAKE Ryan Pawlus
(330) 245-3034
LAWRENCE Darin Abbott
(614) 563-3946
LICKING Antoinette Freet
(614) 902-4214
LOGAN Adam Smith
(937) 441-5224
LORAIN Randy White
(330) 802-9172
LUCAS Mike Ohlrich
(419) 429-8388
MADISON Matt Teders
(614) 309-3465
MAHONING Tom Frank
(330) 245-3038
MARION Chad Grote
(614) 902-4217
MEDINA Eric Moore
(330) 245-3043
MEIGS Chris Gilkey
(614) 563-4492
MERCER Brad Buening
(419) 236-8787
MIAMI Jasmine Grossnickle
(937) 470-1917
MONROE Vacant
(614) 563-5033
MONTGOMERY Trent Weaver
(937) 545-6768
MORGAN Ben Smith
(614) 563-5338
MORROW Tyler Eldred
(614) 400-0756
MUSKINGUM Jeffrey Berry
(740) 447-0570
NOBLE Anthony Lemle
(614) 563-7705
OTTAWA Reid Van Cleve
(419) 429-8389
PAULDING Levi Farley
(419) 429-8390
PERRY Mark Basinger
(614) 565-0137
PICKAWAY Josh Elster
(614) 203-3406
PIKE Matt Van Cleve
(614) 565-0140
PORTAGE Marino Pellegrini
(330) 245-3040
PREBLE Brad Turner
(937) 510-1154
PUTNAM Jason Porinchok
(419) 429-8391
RICHLAND Nathan Kaufmann
(419) 429-8392
ROSS Bob Nelson
(614) 565-9754
SANDUSKY Charles McMullen
(419) 429-8393
SCIOTO Tyler Fields
(614) 565-9064
SENECA Brock Williamson
(419) 429-8394
SHELBY Houston Wireman
(937) 545-5849
STARK Scott Traver
(330) 245-3041
SUMMIT Zach Hillman
(330) 245-3042
TRUMBULL Marty Cisine
(330) 245-3037
TUSCARAWAS Michael Budd
(614) 230-6347
UNION Brian Motsinger
(614) 315-4999
VAN WERT Nathan Robinson
(419) 429-8395
VINTON Cole Tilton
(614) 565-0805
WARREN Jason Keller
(513) 520-9896
WASHINGTON Scot Gardner
(740) 412-9184
WAYNE Aaron Brown
(330) 323-2554
WILLIAMS Ethan Bingham
(419) 429-8396
WOOD Eric VonAlmen
(419) 429-8397
WYANDOT Vacant
(419) 429-8398
To report a wildlife violation: 1-800-POACHER
(
1-800-762-2437
)
FOR GENERAL INFORMATION: 1-800-WILDLIFE
(
1-800-945-3543
)