The Best Places To Fish in Ohio
There are many great places to fish in The Buckeye State. All across the state are fisheries awaiting your arrival. Ice fishing in winter and open water during warmer months provides access to healthy populations of numerous fish species. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about the best fishing opportunities in the state, for a variety of fish species.
Ohio offers a multitude of exceptional fishing spots, making it a haven for anglers of all levels. When it comes to the best places to fish in Ohio, a few locations stand out. Lake Erie, particularly the western basin, is renowned for its world-class fishing opportunities, attracting anglers from near and far. The lake is known for its abundant population of walleye, which draw anglers seeking to catch these highly prized fish. Smallmouth bass and yellow perch are also popular catches in Lake Erie. Another popular destination is the Muskingum River, known for its diverse fishery that includes catfish, smallmouth bass, saugeye, and panfish. Ohio's many reservoirs, such as Alum Creek Lake, Deer Creek Lake, and Hoover Reservoir, offer excellent fishing for species like largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill. With its array of lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, Ohio provides ample opportunities to target a wide variety of popular fish species.
Ohio's Top-Five, Amazing Fishing Spots
- Lake Erie in northern OH
- Piedmont Lake in east-central OH
- Pymatuning Lake in eastern OH
- Clear Fork Reservoir in north-central OH
- Grand Lake St Marys in northwest OH
A long-standing tradition of good fishing brings these lakes to the top of the list for bets places to fish in Ohio. There are quite a few others nearly as popular with good fishing as well. Learn more...
The Most Popular Fish Species In Ohio
Three species of bass, both species of crappie, two species of catfish, striped bass, walleye and many other desirable species populate waters throughout the state. Learn more...
Best Crappie Fishing Lakes in Ohio
- Grand Lake St Marys in northwest OH
- Piedmont Lake in east-central OH
- Alum Creek Lake in central OH
These lakes are some of the best places to fish for crappie in Ohio. Virtually every fishery in the state has crappie, many could easily compete for this list year over year. Black crappie are more prevalent than white crappie, but both are fun to catch and make a great fish fry. Learn more...
Top Places To Fish For Bass in Ohio
- Alum Creek Lake in central OH
- Clear Fork Reservoir in north-central OH
- Piedmont Lake in east-central OH
Anglers looking for the best place to fish for bass in Ohio have a lot of options. Largemouth, smallmouth or spotted bass can be found in most lakes across the state. Several of these lake could make this list one year over the next. The warmer lakes tend to grow the larger sizes, as they have longer growing seasons. Learn more...
Best Lakes To Fish For Walleye in Ohio
- Lake Erie in northern OH
- Pymatuning Lake in eastern OH
- CJ Brown Reservoir in west-central OH
For those that like to catch and eat fish, walleye is typically at the top of their list. These toothy critters tend to run in schools, they put up a good fight and make excellent table fare. Learn more...
Top Places To Fish For Striped Bass in Ohio
- Seneca Lake in east-central OH
- Buckeye Lake in central OH
- Charles Mill Lake in north-central OH
Bring heavy tackle for striped bass and hybrid striper fishing. If you find a school chasing bait near the surface, topwater action can be amazing. Learn more...
Best Catfish Lakes in Ohio
- Seneca Lake in east-central OH
- Hoover Reservoir in central OH
- Indian Lake in northwest OH
Rivers, especially the Ohio River are excellent environments for big catfish. When the river feeds into a lake it enhances the lake. These are three of the best lakes for catfish in the state, and there are many others deserving consideration as well. Learn more...
Enjoy these top spots to go fishing in Ohio
Find the best places to fish, by state.
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