Anglers looking for summer opportunities can find strong fishing across southeastern Ohio’s lakes and reservoirs for species including saugeye, bass, catfish and crappie, according to a community announcement from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
The ODNR Division of Wildlife said the region’s public waters offer accessible fishing options for a wide range of experience levels. A one-year Ohio resident fishing license costs $25, while youth younger than 16 can fish at no cost.
Ohio also designates Free Fishing Days when residents can cast a line without purchasing a license. The next days are June 20-21. All size and daily catch limits still apply.
The state agency highlighted tools designed to help anglers plan trips, including lake maps, species-specific tips and fishing forecasts available through the HuntFish OH mobile app. Regulations and an interactive map can also be accessed on mobile devices, and more information is available at wildohio.gov.
The announcement also points to the Fish Ohio program, which recognizes catches that meet species-specific length requirements. Anglers who qualify receive a commemorative pin, with an additional Master Angler pin available for catching four qualifying species in one year. This year’s featured species is channel catfish.
Bass and bluegill found around Wills Creek
Just south of Coshocton, the Tuscarawas and Walhonding rivers meet to form the Muskingum. These rivers are known for hard-fighting smallmouth bass and giant river catfish.
Woodbury Wildlife Area, an extensive ODNR property, offers numerous ponds and small lakes stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, and channel catfish.
The Monroe Basin and surrounding waters west of Adams Mills along Ohio Ohio 16 remain a highly popular and productive fishing destination in the Coshocton and Muskingum county areas. The basin is part of the extensive Wills Creek Lake system, which spans roughly 375 acres and is known for largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish. The area is overseen by the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District. To review current regulations and check other nearby public access points, visit Wills Creek fishing area through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website.
The Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area spans Guernsey, Morgan, Muskingum and Noble counties and includes hundreds of ponds and small lakes, making it one of Ohio’s largest wildlife areas.
According to the announcement, anglers targeting bass often find success using kayaks, float tubes or fishing from shore.
The Division of Wildlife notes that darker baits tend to work well earlier in the season, while lighter colors may be more effective later. Fishing near cover in muddy water can also improve success, especially following a cold front.
The area has a three-fish split daily limit for bass, allowing two fish shorter than 14 inches and one fish measuring at least 20 inches.
Catfish opportunities at Dillon Lake
Dillon Lake in Muskingum County offers a strong population of channel catfish, commonly ranging from 15 to 20 inches, with some reaching up to 30 inches.
Anglers may find success drifting the upper-end flats or fishing across the lake using scented baits such as cut shad, chicken liver, shrimp or nightcrawlers, according to the announcement.
Access is available by boat at the marina on Dillon Hills Drive and the Big Run Boat Ramp Ohio 146. Shore fishing is permitted near the dam, around ramps and near the beach area.
The state maintains a one-fish daily limit for catfish measuring 28 inches or longer, with no limit on smaller fish.
Crappie fishing at Seneca Lake
Seneca Lake, located in Noble and Guernsey counties, supports a population of crappie exceeding 9 inches in length.
Crappie are often found around structures such as brush piles, stumps and fish attractors, the Division of Wildlife said. During warmer months, anglers may locate fish in the upper 15 to 20 feet of water.
Boat launches are located at the Seneca Launch Ramp off Seneca Dam Road, the Seneca Marina Ramp off Lashley Road and Seneca Park Campground off Park Road. Shore access is available in several areas around the lake.
Fishing regulations at Seneca Lake include a minimum size requirement of 9 inches and a 30-fish daily limit.
This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Reel opportunities: Where to fish for bass, catfish and crappie
Reporting by Jane Imbody, Coshocton Tribune / Coshocton Tribune
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By Jane Imbody, Coshocton Tribune | USA TODAY Network
