Fishing with a valid Ohio fishing license is permitted in state park lakes that are 3 acres or larger and in most parks surrounding rivers.

State parks on the Lake Erie coastline as well as the islands provide plenty of free public fishing access on Lake Erie, the walleye capital of the world.

View the Lakes Drawdown Schedule for current conditions.

Several parks provide accessible fishing piers.

What You Should Know

Many state park lakes are stocked periodically. Check with the Division of Wildlife for stocking schedules, as well as weekly fishing reports.

The "Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs" program is offered as part of the summer naturalist program for youth at many state parks.

Fishing is allowed along the shoreline or on the lake, except at swimming beaches, in swimming areas, and where otherwise posted as a "No Fishing" area.

A minimum thickness of 5 inches of ice is recommended for ice fishing. The diameter of the hole cut for ice fishing must not exceed 12 inches. Fishing shanties must be clearly marked with the owner's name and address.