The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife has announced that Ohio residents can fish for free on Saturday, June 15, and Sunday, June 16, at any public waterway without a license. This includes Lake Erie, the Ohio River, and public lakes, reservoirs, streams, and rivers.
Governor Mike DeWine encourages everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to create special moments with their families and enjoy Ohio’s great outdoors. ODNR Director Mary Mertz also invites people to explore Ohio’s recreational activities, including fishing, which offers a unique chance to try something new.
Tips for beginners include starting simple, choosing a pond or lake with easy catches, using live bait, and being patient. Ohio’s public waterways offer exceptional fishing, with hundreds of locations to choose from, including Lake Erie, the Ohio River, and inland lakes, reservoirs, and ponds.
The Division of Wildlife works to improve spawning habitat, construct fish attractors, and conserve fish populations through regulations. In 2023, ODNR stocked nearly 41 million fish in Ohio waters. Resources like the HuntFish OH mobile application and the Go and Do fishing page can help plan a fishing trip.
While licenses are not required on June 15-16, anglers 16 years old and older typically need a valid fishing license to take fish, frogs, and turtles. Licenses can be purchased online or through the HuntFish OH mobile application. Remember to check the 2024-25 Fishing Regulations before heading out.
