Fishing Regulations 2016-2017 Effective MARCH 1, 2016 to FEBRUARY 28, 2017

OHIOFishing Regulations 2016-2017 Effective MARCH 1, 2016 to FEBRUARY 28, 2017

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WILDLIFE wildohio.gov OHIO FISHING REGULATIONS INLAND FISHERIES RESEARCH UNIT FISHERIES RESEARCH INLAND information 1-800 1-8007500750 (OhioRelay-TTY) WILDLIFE HEADQUARTERS FAIRPORT FISHERIESUNIT WILDLIFE DISTRICT THREE WILDLIFE DISTRICT WILDLIFE DISTRICT FOUR WILDLIFE DISTRICT Columbus, OH43229‑6693 Fairport Harbor, OH44077 Fairport WILDLIFE DISTRICT TWO WILDLIFE DISTRICT & ENFORCEMENT UNITS WILDLIFE DISTRICT ONE WILDLIFE DISTRICT WILDLIFE DISTRICT FIVE WILDLIFE DISTRICT (614) 265‑6300(Voice) 1076 Pike OldSpringfield SANDUSKY FISHERIES contact 912 Lakes Drive Portage 305 E.Shoreline Drive 10517 CanalRoad SE Columbus, OH43215 WILDLIFE (1-800945 -3543) Sandusky, OH44870 Hebron, OH43025 Findlay, OH45840 (330) 644‑2293 (740) 589-9930 (740) 928 -7034 352-4199(440) (419) 625‑8062 (419) 424‑5000 (614) 644‑3925 (937) 372‑9261 Athens, OH45701Athens, 360 E. State Street Street 360 E.State 2045 Road Morse 1500 DublinRoad Akron, OH44319 Xenia, OH45385 952 LimaAvenue 1190 HighStreet FOLLOW US forcement. hatcheries, hunter and angler education, and law en- endangered and threatened species restoration, fish include game animals. Examplesofthese efforts ofgameand non- promote efforts conservation generatedMoney allows the Division of Wildlife to equipment. bursement from anexcise tax on hunting andfishing Additional fundscome intheform offederal aidreim- state orfederal taxpayer dollars to fulfill itsmission. onOhio’sity fishandwildlife resources, andusesno trapping, andfishinglicenseIt istheauthor sales. The Divisionof Wildlife isfundedby annual hunting, habitats for sustainableuseandappreciation by all. and improve fishandwildlife resources andtheir The ODNRDivisionof Wildlife’s missionisto conserve   The Maumee, Sandusky, and page9for See updated white bass, 1-888-HOOKFISH LAKE ERIE FISHING FORECAST ERIEFISHING LAKE Lake Erieregulations onpage7. Vermilion rivers were addedto the regulations ininlandwaters. hybrid-striped bass, andstripedbass facebook.com/ohiodivisionofwildlife Like usonFacebook instagram.com/your_wild_ohio Follow usonInstagram twitter.com/OhioDivWildlife Follow uson Twitter TO REPORT POACHING TURN INAPOACHER, INC. 1-800-POACHER 1-800-WILDLIFE wildohio.gov CHANGES (1-888-466-5347) (1-800-945-3543) (1-800-762-2437) 2016-2017 - OHIO FISHING REGULATIONS - 6 7 8 4 11 12 14 16 22 The U. S. Fish and WildlifeThe U. Service Ohio Department EEO Office of NaturalResources, Diversity & Civil Rights Programs-External Programs, & Civil Rights Programs-External Programs, Diversity 4040 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 130, Arlington, VA 22203 Arlington, VA N. Suite 130, Fairfax4040 Dr., 2045 Morse Road, Bldg. D, Columbus, OH 43229-6695. Morse Road, 2045 EQUAL OPPORTUNITYEQUAL ARE FREE FISHING DAYS

PUBLICATION 5084 (R1215) 5084 PUBLICATION Unit Cost: $0.08 Pub Date: Printed: 01/16 675,000 Total TABLE OF CONTENTS OF TABLE

WILDLIFE OFFICER CONTACT INFORMATION CONTACT OFFICER WILDLIFE FROG & TURTLE TURTLE FROG & REGULATIONS REGULATIONS RIVER OHIO INFORMATION GENERAL LICENSE INFORMATION LICENSE REGULATIONS STATEWIDE REGULATIONS ERIE LAKE WATERS SITE-SPECIFIC BANKLINES, SETLINES, FLOATLINES, & TROTLINES & FLOATLINES, SETLINES, BANKLINES,

2016-2017 OHIO FISHING REGULATIONS 2016-2017 fantastic public fishing opportunities without purchasing a license.

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES NATURAL OF DEPARTMENT OHIO DIVISION OF WILDLIFE OF DIVISION The Ohio Division of WildlifeThe Ohio offers equal opportu- origin,national age, color, race, of regardless nity you If programs). education (in sex or disability discriminatedbeen have any in against you believe contact: should you activity or facility, program, MAY 7 & 8 MAY On May 7 and 8, 2016, all Ohio residents are invited to experience Ohio’s Ohio’s all Ohio residents are to invited experience On May 7 and 8, 2016, tion of the Ohio Revised Code and Ohio Administrative Code, which contains the details of which contains Code, and Ohio Administrative tion of the Ohio Revised Code each ODNR Division of at review for available are of the actual Copies laws these regulations. district at wildohio.gov. and online office Wildlife THIS SUMMARY is intended for the convenience of anglers and IS NOT INTENDED to cover all cover INTENDED to of anglers and IS NOT the convenience for is intended THIS SUMMARY in a or as a defense use as evidence for is not intended THIS SUMMARY and regulations. laws reflec this summary possible changes, Due to not be an accurate criminal may case. or civil license2016-2017 OHIOinformation FISHING REGULATIONS LICENSE FEES LICENSES VALID MARCH 1, 2016 to FEBRUARY 28, 2017 LICENSE TYPE COST Resident Fishing License $19.00 For persons age 16 through 65 who have resided in Ohio for the past six months.

Resident Reduced-Cost Senior Fishing License For persons age 66 and older, born on or after January 1, 1938 $10.00 who have resided in Ohio for the past six months.

One-Day Fishing License For residents and nonresidents, the purchase of a One-Day Fishing License may $11.00 be applied as credit toward the purchase of an annual fishing license (minus LICENSE INFORMATION writing fee). Only one may be applied to the purchase of an annual license.

Lake Erie Charter One-Day Fishing License For residents and nonresidents, the license may be purchased in advance of a scheduled charter trip. To validate the license, anglers must sign it and fill in the $11.00 date at the beginning of the trip. If the trip is postponed, anglers may keep the unvalidated license until they are able to reschedule the trip.

Annual Nonresident Fishing License $40.00 Three‑Day Nonresident Tourist’s Fishing License $19.00

Duplicate License A fishing license that has been lost, stolen, or destroyed can be reissued from any $4.00 license vendor or via the Internet.

ALL ABOVE COSTS INCLUDE A $1.00 WRITING FEE LICENSE PURCHASING FISHING LICENSES ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL AUTHORIZED LICENSE SALES AGENTS AND AT WILDOHIO.GOV.

 Licenses and permits purchased at retail  Operator assisted short-term licenses are outlets or at home will be printed on plain available for purchase by calling 1-866- white paper. The paper can be trimmed and 703-1928 between 5 a.m. and midnight. folded down. It is highly recommended to A $5.50 fee will be added to the cost of protect your licenses from the elements. the license.

 Licenses purchased using a mobile de-  An Ohio resident is a person who has re- vice will be emailed to the customer upon sided in the state of Ohio for the past six completion of the transaction. Licenses consecutive months. All others are consid- are not required to be printed as long as ered nonresidents and must purchase a the image of the license can be displayed nonresident on a mobile device and presented upon license. request. The Lake Erie Charter One-Day Fishing License is not available for purchase from a mobile device and is not valid for use unless printed. 4 LICENSE INFORMATION LICENSE REQUIREMENTS FREE LICENSES  A fishing license is required to take fish,  Ohio residents born on or before Decem- frogs, and turtles from Ohio waters. ber 31, 1937 can obtain a free license at any license outlet, or online at wildohio.gov.  Persons fishing in privately owned ponds, lakes, or reservoirs to and from which fish  The following Ohio residents are also eli- do not migrate are not required to have a gible for a free license, but must submit license to take fish, but must have one to a formal application (Form DNR 9032), take frogs or turtles. which is available by calling 1-800-WILD- LIFE (1-800-945-3543):  Persons fishing in privately owned ponds, lakes, or reservoirs that are open to pub-  Persons who are mobility impaired lic fishing through an agreement or lease and require the assistance of another with the ODNR Division of Wildlife are re- person to cast and retrieve; quired to have a fishing license.  Holders of veteran license plates  Persons fishing must have their license in displaying the international their possession while fishing and must show wheelchair symbol; the license to anyone on request. Licenses  Certain veterans who are can be displayed using a mobile device. permanently disabled; Members of the U.S. Armed Forces on ac-   Residents of state and county tive duty stationed in Ohio, but not on institutions; leave or furlough are required to purchase a resident license.  Former prisoners of war.

LICENSE EXEMPTIONS SOCIAL SECURITY A FISHING LICENSE IS NOT REQUIRED NUMBER REQUIREMENT OF PERSONS WHO ARE: Any customer who applies for a license is re-  Less than 16 years of age; quired to provide their Social Security Num- Giving assistance to an angler who has  ber (SSN). Federal Statute 42 requires the SSN been issued the free mobility impaired of any individual to whom the state issues a or blind fishing license, provided the two recreational hunting or fishing license. Appli- persons together are using only one line; cants must also declare their residency and  Fishing in a private pond; provide their full name, date of birth, gender, mailing address, height, weight, hair color,  Fishing on land and water which they or their parents own, except where the land and eye color. Once provided and recorded is in or borders on state parks or state- in the licensing system, applicants will only owned lakes; be required to update their information on file if it changes.  Fishing on land and water where they or their parents are tenants on which they If applicants do not have an active SSN, they reside, and from which they derive the must submit written verification on form majority of their income from agricultural DNR 9151, available at wildohio.gov or by production on that land (except state- calling 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543). owned lakes); Upon receipt of this form, the ODNR Divi- sion of Wildlife will issue an official customer  Members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty while on leave or furlough; identification number for use in obtaining hunting and fishing licenses.  On May 7 and 8, 2016, all Ohio residents may fish without a license as part of Free Fishing Days. 5 statewide2016-2017 OHIO FISHINGregulations REGULATIONS These regulations apply to all public waters in Ohio where site-specific regulations are not implemented. Exceptions to these regulations include Lake Erie and its tributaries (page 7) , locations listed in the Site-Specific Waters (page 8), Pyma- tuning Lake (page 10), and the Ohio River (page 12).

SPECIES DAILY LIMIT MIN. SIZE Muskellunge 1 None Yellow Perch 30 None Trout (all species) 5 (singly or in combination) None Largemouth, Smallmouth, & Spotted Bass 5 (singly or in combination) 12 inches Walleye, Sauger, & Saugeye 6 (singly or in combination) None 6 (public lakes under 700 acres) Channel Catfish (under 28 inches) None No limit (all other public waters)

STATEWIDE REGULATIONS STATEWIDE Channel Catfish (28 inches or larger) 1 (statewide) 28 inches Blue & Flathead Catfish (under 35 inches) No limit None Blue & Flathead Catfish (35 inches or larger) 1 of each (statewide) 35 inches Lake Sturgeon* Possession is prohibited None * The lake sturgeon is an endangered species in Ohio and must be returned unharmed to the water immediately if caught. All other fish No limit None LAKE ERIE REGULATIONS 7 - None None None None 14 inches 15 inches 15 inches 15 inches 14 inches 12 inches 12 inches MIN. SIZE MIN. MIN. SIZE MIN. None MIN. SIZE MIN. Detroit Road bridge;Detroit None DAILY LIMIT DAILY DAILY LIMIT DAILY East Zone, 30 East Zone, West Zone, 30 Zone, West Central Zone, 30 Zone, Central To be announced To be announced To Possession is prohibited Possession 2 (singly or in combination) 5 (singly or in combination) 5 (singly or in combination) 6 (singly or in combination) 4 (singly or in combination) 5 (singly or in combination) Rocky River: Sandusky Ballville Dam; River: dam upstream Maumee First River: Rapids, Ohio); (Grand 2 bridge; Route State River: Vermilion 535 bridge; Route State River: Grand Harvard River: Road bridge. Cuyahoga

DAILY LIMIT DAILY       5 (singly or in combination) DATES DATES Open year-round Jan. 1 - Feb. 29, 2016 1 - Feb. Jan. May 1 - June 24, 2016 May 2016-2017 OHIO FISHING REGULATIONS FISHING OHIO REGULATIONS 2016-2017 May 16 - Aug. 31, 2016 16 - Aug. May EXCEPTION TO ABOVE REGULATIONS ABOVE TO EXCEPTION March 1 - April 30, 2016 1 - April March March 1 - April 30, 2016 1 - April March March 1 - April 30, 2016 1 - April March May 1, 2016 - Feb. 28, 2017 1, 2016 - Feb. May 28, 2017 1, 2016 - Feb. May Sept. 1, 2016 - May 15, 2017 Sept. 1, 2016 - May June 25, 2016 - Feb. 28, 2017 June 25, 2016 - Feb. E. 24th Street bridge.; 24th Street E. SPECIES lake erie regulations LAKE ERIE REGULATIONS FOR TROUT AND SALMON TROUT FOR LAKE ERIE REGULATIONS Lake Erie proper and the entire length of Lake Erie creeks, rivers, and tributaries. and tributaries. rivers, length of Lake Erie creeks, and the entire Lake Erie proper WALLEYE AND YELLOW PERCH MAY CHANGE BEGINNING MAY 1, 2016 1, MAY BEGINNING CHANGE MAY PERCH YELLOW AND WALLEYE SPECIES SPECIES Trout & Salmon Trout Updated limits will be announced through a news release, posted at wildohio.gov, wildohio.gov, at posted release, a news through limits will be announced Updated - will be avail perch and yellow walleye limits for with updated and a publication April. in district beginning outlets and license wildlife offices able at All statewide regulations apply to Ohio waters of Lake Erie EXCEPT for those listed below: those listed for of Lake Erie EXCEPT Ohio waters apply to regulations statewide All State State River: and Chagrin Creek Euclid 283 bridges;Route State Route 611 bridge; Route State Black River: bridge Main Street Creek: Conneaut Conneaut); to (downtown : U.S. Route 20 bridges; Route : U.S. creeks Arcola, Wheeler, Cowles, and Indian Cowles, Wheeler, Arcola, River: Ashtabula Cold Creek upstream of State Route 2 (Erie County), and Beaver Creek (Seneca County). Creek and Beaver 2 (Erie Route County), of State upstream Creek of Cold the waters For Trout & Salmon Trout White Bass White Yellow Perch Yellow Walleye, Sauger, Sauger, Walleye, & Saugeye Largemouth, Largemouth, Smallmouth, Bass & Spotted

     embayments including Maumee Bay, Sandusky Bay, East Harbor, Middle Harbor, and West Har West and Middle Harbor, Harbor, East SanduskyBay, Maumee including Bay, embayments and white bass apply to the waters of Lake Erie, its Erie, of Lake the waters apply to bass and white and spotted), smallmouth, bass (largemouth, end points: the following to Erie Lake lake upstream the tributaries where enter and from bor, tributaries. The following regulations for walleye (and sauger and saugeye), yellow perch, black black perch, yellow sauger and saugeye), (and walleye for regulations following The tributaries. Regulations apply to Lake Erie proper and areas immediatetly upstream in creeks, rivers, and rivers, creeks, in upstream immediatetly areas and Erie Lake proper to apply Regulations 2016-2017 OHIO FISHING REGULATIONS site-specific waters INLAND LAKES, RESERVOIRS, RIVERS, AND STREAMS These regulations apply to the waters listed under the LOCATION column.

SPECIES LOCATION DAILY LIMIT MIN. SIZE

Reservoirs: Acton • Alum Creek • Berlin • Buckeye • Caesar Creek • C. J. Brown • Clear Fork • Clendening • Deer Creek (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 • Griggs • Hargus • Highlandtown • Hoover • Indian • Kiser • Knox • Loramie • Madison • Mahoning River, from 30 9 inches the dam at Lake Milton to the Mahoning-Trumbull SITE-SPECIFIC WATERS Crappie County line, and between Berlin Lake and Lake Milton (Mahoning and Portage counties) • Metzger • Lake Milton • Mosquito • Nimisila • O’Shaughnessy • Paint Creek • Piedmont • Pleasant Hill • Portage Lakes: East, North, Turkeyfoot, and West • Rocky Fork • Rush Creek • Salt Fork • Seneca • Springfield (Summit County) • Tappan • Veterans Memorial • West Branch Lakes

• Killdeer Plains • Oxbow 10 None • St. Joseph River Wildlife Area lakes

8 SITE-SPECIFIC WATERS SPECIES LOCATION DAILY LIMIT MIN. SIZE • Knox 5 18 inches • Adams • Blue Rock • Caldwell • Cowan • Dale Walborn • Greenfield • Hancock County Wetlands • Ohio-Erie Canal • Pine • Ross • Rush 5 15 inches Creek • Rush Run • Seneca • Wellington Reservoir South • Zepernick Lakes 2 fish less than 15 • Acton • Findley • Hargus • Highlandtown 4 fish split inches, and 2 fish Largemouth, • New Lyme • Paint Creek • Salt Fork • Snowden daily limit greater than or Smallmouth, • Silver Creek • Upper Sandusky No. 2 & Spotted equal to 15 inches Bass All American Electric Power Company waters* 2 fish less than 14 • Belmont • Guilford • Killdeer Reservoir and 3 fish split inches, and 1 fish Killdeer Plains ponds No. 30 and No. 33 • Kiser daily limit greater than or • Long • Oxbow • Spencer • St. Joseph Wildlife Area equal to 20 inches • Wingfoot • Tycoon • Wolf Run

• Burr Oak • Dow • Fox • Hammertown (Jackson City None may be taken Reservoir) • Lake Rupert (Wellston City Reservoir) 5 between • Slope Creek (Barnesville No. 3) • Turkey Creek 12 & 15 inches

Largemouth • La Su An • Resthaven Pond No. 8 Special limits are posted Bass

Striped, All waters except Lake Erie proper and areas Hybrid- No more than 4 immediatetly upstream in creeks, rivers, and 30 Striped, and over 15 inches White Bass tributaries identified on page 7.

• Acton • Alum Creek • Atwood • Berlin • Buckeye • C.J. Brown • Caesar Creek Walleye, • Ferguson • Findlay No. 1 & No. 2 • Lake Milton Saugeye, including the Mahoning River connecting Berlin 6 15 inches & Sauger Lake and Lake Milton • Indian • Lake Snowden • Metzger • Piedmont • Pleasant Hill • Rocky Fork • Seneca • Tappan • West Branch Lakes

• Mad River and its tributaries • Clear Fork River and its tributaries • Clear Creek from the first Trout Fairfield County Road 69 bridge (east of the 2 12 inches (all species) junction of County Roads 26 and 69) to U.S. Route 33 bridge in Hocking County

• Chagrin River and its tributaries (Geauga County) Brook Trout Possession is prohibited • Rocky River and its tributaries (Medina County)

• Killdeer Plains • Oxbow 10 None • St. Joseph River Wildlife Area lakes Sunfish (all species) 20 All American Electric Power Company waters* (singly or in None combination) * includes all AEP ReCreation Lands and Conesville Coal Lands. Avondale has been closed to access.

9 2016-2017 OHIO FISHING REGULATIONS site-specific waters MAUMEE, PORTAGE, MAHONING, & SANDUSKY RIVERS The following regulations are in effect from March 1 to April 30, 2016.

No fishing with a line with more Fishing is allowed only from sunrise to than a single hook. sunset in the following areas: The line may not have a hook larger than ½  The Maumee River from the Ohio Turnpike inch from shank to point, or lure having more bridge to the Old Waterville interurban than a single hook larger than ½ inch from bridge at the end of Forst Road in Wood shank to point. Double and treble hooks are County, and from the State Route 295 bridge prohibited. These regulations apply to the to the Grand Rapids Providence dam; following areas:  The Sandusky River from where the Toledo  The Maumee River from the Grand Rapids Edison power line crosses the river at the

SITE-SPECIFIC WATERS Providence dam to a line in the Maumee southeast corner of Rodger Young Park in Bay from Little Cedar Point to Turtle Island; Fremont to the northern tip of Brady’s Is- land;  The Sandusky River from where the Toledo Edison power line crosses the river at the  The Portage River from State Route 19 to southeast corner of Rodger Young Park in the dam at Elmore; Fremont to a line running ¼ mile east of The Mahoning River from the dam at Ber- and parallel to the full length of the Norfolk  lin Reservoir to Lake Milton. Southern railroad bridge in Sandusky Bay;

 The Portage River from State Route 19 to Fishing is prohibited: the dam at Elmore;  In the Sandusky River from the Ballville Dam to where the Toledo Edison power The Mahoning River from the dam at Ber-  line crosses the river at the southeast cor- lin Reservoir to Lake Milton. ner of Rodger Young Park in Fremont.

PYMATUNING LAKE Either an Ohio or Pennsylvania fishing li- or spears. Special regulations apply to frogs, cense may be used when fishing from a turtles, tadpoles, minnows, and ice fish- boat; however, a Pennsylvania fishing license ing — see the Pennsylvania regulations for is required to take fish, frogs, or turtles from specific information. the shore of the Pennsylvania side or from Pymatuning Lake anglers fishing in eitherOhio any island. Fish cannot be filleted before the or Pennsylvania waters may not use more angler has completed fishing. Fish may be than three fishing lines, whether fastened to taken only by angling, except carp and suck- a pole, a rod and reel, or hand-held. Anglers ers may be taken with longbow and arrow, may use up to three hooks on each line.

SPECIES DAILY LIMIT MIN. SIZE Walleye 6 15 inches Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass 5 (singly or in combination) 12 inches Muskellunge 2 30 inches All other fish No Limit None 10 FROG & TURTLE REGULATIONS 11 - TURTLE SEASON TURTLE HOW TO MEASURE A A MEASURE TO HOW STRAIGHT-LINE CARAPACE LENGTH CARAPACE STRAIGHT-LINE : method except any by be taken may A foothold or bodygripping trap; or bodygripping A foothold Chemicals; Deleterious or stupefying substances; Smoke; Explosives. By shooting, except with archery except By shooting, equipment; measuring mesh less having traps Turtle than 4 inches on a side unless such traps with an escape ring least of at provided are leading out of the 6 inches in diameter, all time; held open at trap, wings having in water placed traps Turtle or leads; Snapping turtles and softshell turtles         Turtle season is open July 1, 2016 to April to 2016 1, July open is season Turtle snapping and softshell30, 2017. Only turtles turtlesSnapping taken. legally be may and softshell turtles a straight-line have must to or greater length of 13 inches carapace on the is no daily limit be taken, and there be taken. A turtle may number that with trap an have must square mesh less than 4 inches lead- least 6 inches in diameter opening at The unlawful. and leads are Wings it. ing from be marked must with the name and ad- trap be must traps All or user. of the owner dress everychecked once 24 hours. * 2016-2017 OHIO FISHING REGULATIONS FISHING OHIO REGULATIONS 2016-2017

FROG SEASON FROG

Bullfrogs and green frogs and green Bullfrogs frog & turtle regulationsturtle & frog : method except any by be taken may Explosives. Smoke; Chemicals; Deleterious or stupefying substances; equipment; trap; or bodygripping A foothold By shooting, except with archery except By shooting,       may be taken or possessed in any one day. be taken or possessed in any may Not more than 15 (singly or in combination) than 15 (singly or in combination) Not more Only bullfrogs and green frogs may be taken. may frogs and green Only bullfrogs Friday in June (June April 30, 2017. 10) to Friday Frog season is open from 6 p.m. the second the second 6 p.m. is open from season Frog Reptiles and amphibians may not be taken by shooting, except bullfrogs, green frogs, snap frogs, green bullfrogs, except shooting, taken by not be Reptiles may and amphibians taken by the use of a foothold or bodygripping trap. or bodygripping use of a foothold the taken by ping turtles, and softshell turtles, archery be taken with can be None may which equipment. ohio2016-2017 river OHIO FISHING regulations REGULATIONS The following Ohio River fishing regulations are the result of agreements between the fish and wildlife agencies of Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky. Some regulations differ between the Kentucky–Ohio border (Western Unit) and the West Virginia–Ohio border (Eastern Unit). Anglers must abide by regulations in each state’s fishing digest for information not specified below.

 It is Illegal to snag fish in the Ohio waters of the Ohio River for any species during any time of the year.

OHIO RIVER AGREEMENT REGULATIONS WESTERN UNIT • KENTUCKY – OHIO Lawrence County west of South Point, and common borders on the main stem and Scioto, Adams, Brown, Clermont, and Hamil- from the banks of the Ohio River, exclud-

OHIO RIVER REGULATIONS ton counties. Ohio and Kentucky will honor ing embayments and tributaries. the other state’s fishing licenses along their

The following are the only UNIFIED REGULATIONS in this agreement and must be followed when fishing within the Western Unit. SPECIES DAILY LIMIT MIN. SIZE Walleye, Sauger, & Saugeye 10 (singly or in combination) None Striped, Hybrid-Striped, & White Bass 30 (no more than 4 over 15 inches) None Muskellunge 2 30 inches Black & White Crappie 30 None

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 apply to boat anglers fishing below the 1792 low water mark, identified at wildohio.gov. become a wildlife officer Are you interested in a career in law enforcement, wildlife conservation, and public service? The ODNR Division of Wildlife is always looking for exceptional men and women to join our team. To learn more about the next cadet academy, contact the ODNR Di- vision of Wildlife’s Law Enforcement Section at 614-265-6314. You can view information about wildlife law enforcement and other division career opportunities at wildohio.gov. 12 OHIO RIVER REGULATIONS OHIO RIVER AGREEMENT REGULATIONS EASTERN UNIT • WEST VIRGINIA – OHIO Lawrence County east of South Point, and listed in Publication 404, Waterfowl Hunting Gallia, Meigs, Athens, Washington, Monroe, and Fishing on the Ohio River (wvdnr.gov/ Belmont, Jefferson, and Columbiana coun- fishing/PDFFiles/ohio_river_hunt_fish.pdf), ties. West Virginia and Ohio will honor the or call 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543). other state’s fishing licenses along their com- Boundaries for areas not listed in this pub- mon borders on the main stem of the Ohio lication extend to the first riffle. This agree- River, including its banks and embayments ment applies to West Virginia and Ohio resi- and tributaries to the landmark location dents only.

The following are the only UNIFIED REGULATIONS in this agreement and must be followed when fishing within the Eastern Unit. SPECIES DAILY LIMIT MIN. SIZE Largemouth, Smallmouth, & Spotted Bass 6 (singly or in combination) 12 inches Striped, Hybrid-Striped, & White Bass 30 (no more than 4 over 15 inches) None Muskellunge 2 30 inches

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 Walleye, Sauger, & Saugeye 10 (singly or in combination) None Black & White Crappie 30 (singly or in combination) None

WEST VIRGINIA REGULATIONS apply to boat anglers fishing the main stem of the Ohio River, shore anglers fishing the West Virginia shoreline, and boat and shore anglers fishing West Virginia embayments Hancock and tributaries within the Eastern Unit.

LEGEND Brooke  Ohio counties Ohio  Kentucky counties  West Virginia counties

 Ohio River Western Unit Marshall  Ohio River Eastern Unit Wetzel

Tyler

Pleasants

Wood

Boone

Kenton Jackson

Campbell Mason Pendleton Bracken Mason Lewis Greenup Cabell Boyd

Wayne Lawrence 13 2016-2017 OHIO FISHING REGULATIONS Banklines, Setlines, Floatlines, and Trotlines

DEFINITIONS

 Bankline or setline: A fishing line attached to the bank. This line can only have one single hook (not a treble hook). It cannot be attached to a dock, wharf, pier, boat, dam, or artificially constructed retaining wall, or attached to a fishing pole. In addition, it must be attached above the water. FLOATLINES Floatline: A fishing line suspended in  Floats must be made of nonshatterable ma- the water under a float. Floats cannot terial and bear the name and address or cus- be made of glass or other shatterable material. Floatlines cannot be anchored, tomer identification number of the user. Floats FISHING LINE REGULATIONS fastened, or otherwise restricted from must be freely adrift and be attended by the moving, floating, or drifting freely and user at all times. Treble hooks are unlawful. It independently of any other line. A float- is unlawful to set, use, or maintain more than line can only have one single hook (not a six floatlines in all public waters of the state of treble hook). Ohio less than 700 surface acres in size.  Trotline: A fishing line having suspend- Floatline or jug fishing is permitted in: ed from it, at frequent intervals, vertical lines with baited hooks attached. A trot-  All streams; line cannot be made of wire. A trotline  Sandusky Bay west of the Conrail Railroad cannot be capable of being removed bridge; from the water by pulling on the shore end of the line.  Berlin Lake south and 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; BANKLINES OR SETLINES Seneca Lake south of State Route 147; Banklines or setlines may be used to catch  turtles and fish. The name and address or  Tappan Lake above the gas line causeway customer identification number of the user and State Route 646;

must be attached to each line. The maximum  Atwood Lake north and east of State Route is 50 lines, each having a single hook. Treble 542 north at Dellroy; hooks may not be used. The lines must be Piedmont Lake in Sections 11 and 12 of attached to the shore above water, but not  Kirkwood Township; to a boat, dam, dock, pier, pole, rod, or wall. No more than six banklines or setlines may  Wills Creek Lake, except in the area directly be used in Ohio’s public waters less than in front of the Muskingum Watershed 700 surface acres in size. All lines must be Conservancy District boat landing; checked once every 24 hours. All lines must  All public waters, except where prohibited be removed after completion of use. by the owner in authority. 14 TROTLINES FISHING LINE REGULATIONS Trotlines must be marked with the name  Clendening Lake east of State Route 799; and address or customer identification num- Seneca Lake south of State Route 147; ber of the user. Trotlines must be anchored.  Wire or cable may not be used. No more than  Tappan Lake above the gas line causeway three trotlines are permitted in any one body and State Route 646; of water in the Inland Fishing District. Not  Atwood Lake north and east of State more than 50 hooks per trotline are permit- Route 542 north at Dellroy; ted in any tributary of Lake Erie. Trotlines may  Piedmont Lake in sections 11 and 12 of not be used within 1,000 feet downstream of Kirkwood Township; any dam. All trotlines must be checked once every 24 hours.  Wills Creek Lake, except in the area directly in front of the Muskingum Watershed A special trotline license is required in the Conservancy District boat landing; Lake Erie Fishing District. This license may be obtained at the Sandusky Fisheries Research  Berlin Lake south and west of State Route 225; Unit, 305 East Shoreline Drive, Sandusky,  The inland part of Sandusky Bay common- Ohio 44870 (Phone: 419-625-8062). ly called Mud Creek Bay;

Trotlines may be used only in:  The area of Grand Lake St. Marys bounded on the west by Prairie Creek, on the east Streams;  by Big Chickasaw Creek, and on the north  Mosquito Lake north of the causeway and by a line of buoys extending east to west south of a line of buoys designating the between Big Chickasaw and Prairie creeks. wildlife refuge; Trotlines may not be set in channels or across the mouths of channels or streams  Charles Mill Lake north of State Route 430; in Grand Lake St. Marys.

15 general2016-2017 OHIO information FISHING REGULATIONS

ARCHERY ANGLERS Archery anglers may use bows of any draw weight. A fishing license is required. Archery equipment may be used to take bullfrogs, green frogs, snapping turtles, softshell turtles, and forage fish (see page 17).

 It is unlawful to buy or sell any fish taken by sport fishing, including angling, ICE ANGLERS bankline, setline, floatline, and trotline, Ice anglers may use holes no larger than 12 from any water area in the state. inches in diameter. In Lake Erie, ice anglers may use holes no larger than 12 inches in  It is unlawful to transport and introduce width. Ice anglers may not use more than six GENERAL INFORMATION any aquatic species (fish, invertebrate, plant) from one body of water to another. tip‑ups and two rods per person. All shelters and tip‑ups must display the name and ad- It is unlawful for the public to tag and re-  dress of the owner or user. lease fish into any public water area. A tip-up means a device consisting of a hook It is unlawful for any person to possess a  and line attached to a spring or other device fish in any form or condition other than which is capable of raising a small flag or whole while on or when unloading the other signaling device when a fish is biting fish from a boat, while wading, or while or is hooked. fishing from shore on any waters in this state where a fishing license is required. CLAMS, MUSSELS, & MUSSEL SHELLS Fillets must be kept whole until an angler  Clams, mussels, or mussel shells may not be reaches their permanent residence, or un- taken, possessed, or collected for any purpose. til the fish are prepared for immediate consumption. This does not apply to anglers with a receipt from a fish cleaning house FISHING LINES or charter captain which states the date, Anglers may not use more than two fishing number, and type of fish possessed. Fish lines, whether fastened to a pole, a rod and must be transported whole or as a com- reel, or hand-held. Anglers may use up to plete fillet while returning from the Lake three hooks on each line, except as provided Erie islands on a commercial ferry boat. in the Ohio Administrative Code.

MINNOW SEINES AND DIP NETS S quare mesh must not be larger than ½ inch on a side. S eine and net size limits and places where they may be used are as follows: WHERE AND WHEN FISHING DISTRICT MAXIMUM SIZE THEY MAY BE USED M innow Seine: I nland 4 feet x 8 feet Streams only, 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. M innow Seine: Lake Erie * None No Limit

M innow Dip Net: I nland 4 feet, each side All public fishing waters M innow Dip Net: Lake Erie * 6 feet, each side All public fishing waters *I ncluding East and West harbors in Ottawa Count y, and waters where fishing with nets is licensed by law. 16 FORAGE FISH GENERAL INFORMATION Forage fish means freshwater drum (sheeps- head), common carp, grass carp (in waters not stocked by the ODNR Division of Wildlife for vegetation control, as indicated by signs), bighead carp, silver carp, black carp, quillback, suckers, bowfin, gar, buffalo, gizzard shad, and goldfish. These species may be taken by any method except by means of explosives, poisons, firearms, electricity, chemicals, nets, seines, traps, or by snagging within 1,000 feet SNAGGING downstream of a dam. Gizzard shad and rain- Snagging with a hook to pierce and hook bow smelt may be taken with a minnow seine, a fish in a part of the body other than the minnow dip net, or hand landing net. inside of the mouth is illegal for all fish except forage fish. In Lake Erie, it is also illegal to snag BAIT freshwater drum. Snagging any species of fish It is unlawful for any person except licensed is illegal from September 1 to April 30 in the bait dealers to possess more than 100 cray- Ashtabula River, Chagrin River, Grand River, fish, or in combination 500 crayfish, minnows, Rocky River, Vermilion River, Arcola Creek, and other baitfish. A bait dealer’s permit is re- Conneaut Creek, Cowles Creek, Euclid Creek, quired of persons buying or selling minnows, Indian Creek, Turkey Creek, and Wheeler crayfish, and hellgrammites. This permit may Creek. It is illegal to snag any species of fish be obtained at wildohio.gov. during any time of the year in the Ohio River. It is unlawful to release any baitfish or min- Snagging is prohibited within 1,000 feet now into waters of the state from which it did downstream of any dam on the Muskingum not originate. River. Snagging is prohibited within 1,000 feet downstream of a dam where signs are posted. Hooks used for snagging may not be larger than 5/8 inch from shank to point.

CAST NETS Forage fish and minnows may be taken with cast nets. It is unlawful 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 ODNR Division of Wildlife signs indicating cast net use is prohibited. TrekNetwork.com

MINNOW OR BAITFISH TRAPS AEP ReCreation Land Fully Guided Tours It is illegal for anglers to possess or use a min- Trophy Bass & Panfish now or baitfish trap larger than 24 inches in All Gear Provided length and 12 inches in width. Additionally, Makes an Awesome Gift possessing or using a minnow or baitfish trap with an opening larger than 1 inch is il- OhioBellyBoatFishing.com legal. A tag must be attached to the trap(s) 740.777.2579 with the owners name and address, or the customer identification number. 17 GENERAL INFORMATION Muskie Angler Log atMuskie wildohio.gov. free numberlisted onthetag, orthrough the muskellunge caught orfound usingthetoll- voirs through dams. any Please tagged report monitor movement of the fish out of reser andanglercatch rates,lunge survival andto County). The isto purpose evaluate muskel ville (Carroll County), Fork andSalt (Guernsey Fork counties), (Morrow andRichland Lees Alum Creekervoirs: (Delaware County), Clear muskellunge tagging studyinfour Ohiores The ODNRDivisionof Wildlife a isconducting MUSKELLUNGE ANGLERS! Tags willbelocated nearthedorsalfin. Thank you for your cooperation! DONOT REMOVE THE TAG if thefishis released. fish tagging programs fish 2016-2017 REGULATIONS OHIOFISHING - - - -

   catch andkeepataggedwalleye. nal tagandtransmitter intheevent that you ward isoffered for information onthe exter tags andoneinternal transmitter. A$100re walleyeLake Erie willhave upto two external atis beingconducted LakeErie. Eachtagged ment andbetter managethefishery, astudy To increaseonwalleye ourknowledge move ter ortag, orcall(419)625-8062. Call the number printed on the transmit keep thefish. transmitter at room temperature. You may ternal tag, withwater. andrinse Store the Remove theinternal transmitter andex captured thefish. Record whenand where you LAKE ERIE ANGLERS! LAKE TAGGED WALLEYE,PLEASE: IF YOU CATCH AND KEEP A - - - - - GENERAL INFORMATION 19 - 9 in 28 in 16 in 13 in ACK ANT .gov/lifejackets Sunfish Walleye White Bass White Yellow Perch Yellow It could save your life 21 in 36 in 32 in 28 in 10 in 16 in 21 in 20 in watercraft.ohiodnr Learn more about light weight pull cord inflatable life jackets Fish must be taken by legal angling and not and not legal angling taken by must be Fish online applica- Deadline for lakes. pay from tion entry 31. Dec. is fro kept must be fish state-record Possible Writers Outdoor the by verification for zen for outdoorwritersofohio.org Go to of Ohio. information. more TERCRAFT A - Largemouth Bass Largemouth Muskellunge Northern Pike Rainbow Trout Rock Bass Sauger Saugeye Smallmouth Bass TURAL RESOURCES Ohio Department of NA DIVISION OF W 2016-2017 OHIO FISHING REGULATIONS FISHING OHIO REGULATIONS 2016-2017 fish award ohio 35 in 25 in 26 in 26 in 13 in 35 in 22 in 21 in L P GEAR YOU WIL ORT THE MOST IMP LIST OF QUALIFYING SIZES FOR A FISH OHIO CATCH A FISH OHIO SIZES FOR LIST OF QUALIFYING Blue Catfish Brown Trout Brown Carp Channel Catfish Channel Crappie Flathead Catfish Flathead Drum Freshwater Hybrid-Striped Bass categories in the same year. in the categories for qualifying entries in four different species different four in entries qualifying for Applications for the Fish Ohio pin are accept pin are Ohio Fish the for Applications pin Angler Master a and entryfirst year, each Anglers will receive a Fish Ohio pin for their for Ohio pin a Fish will receive Anglers ed at wildohio.gov. ed at 20 GENERAL INFORMATION and fishes at epa.ohio.gov. fishinOhio for specificof wild-caught waters lists current guidance onsafe consumption The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency yellow perch. week ofwalleye, andtwo mealsperweek of indicateries that itissafe to eat onemealper operate.fisheries Current adviso LakeErie andcommercialLake Erie, where bothsport est amount offisheaten inOhio come from fishes.per month ofwild-caught The great eat two or fewerOhio anglers typically meals water offish. bodyortype islisted for a unlessaspecificadvisory week, limiting fish consumption to onemealper ofHealth recommends Ohio Department ofahealthyprotein, diet. andcanbepart The fishesare low infat, Ohiosport highin Most     CARP CHARACTERISTICS BIGHEAD CARP & SILVER boat motors. the water by whendisturbed Silver may carp jumpoutof feet long. 60 poundsandmeasure 4 Adults may weigh more than small. very head;bodyscales Scaleless mouth withoutbarbels. Low-set eye; large upturned help protect ohiowaters Bighead andsilver are carp invasive fishspreadingRiver withintheOhio BIGHEAD CARPAND IT ISILLEGAL TO USEBIGHEADCARP OR fish for your for fish health SILVER CARP AS LIVEBAIT INOHIO. REPORT NEWSIGHTINGSOF 1-877-STOP-ANS basin andmay to causeharm native fishandwildlife. 2016-2017 REGULATIONS OHIOFISHING - -        nants withafew simplesteps. Anglers canminimize exposure to contami- Pan removes frying few, ifany, contami - discard use. oilafter deep-frying, If Broil, bake, grill, or poach before adding to Broil, bake, orpoachand orgrill onarack, Trim away areas fatty nearthebelly, back, from Remove filletsorsteaks. skin Discard theorgans (donoteat). SILVER CARP TO nants. a souporchowder. discard theliquid. and sides. BIGHEAD CARP SILVER CARP 2016-2017 OHIO FISHING REGULATIONS how to: measure a fish GENERAL INFORMATION The measurement of the length of a fish is taken in a straight line from the utmost end of the snout with the mouth closed to the utmost end of the caudal (tail) fin when the tail fin is compressed so that the upper and lower lobes touch or overlap.

MEASURE THE FISH WITH MOUTH CLOSED AND TAIL COMPRESSED TO DETERMINE TOTAL LENGTH.

Show your Fishing license @ohiostateparks and save at least 10% Ohio State Park Lodges

GO ONLINE FOR DETAILS ohiostateparks.org/lodgedeals 21 state wildlife officers Adams Scott Cartwright Guernsey Roby Williams Morrow Tyler Eldred (937) 372-5639, ext. 5205 (740) 589-9984 (614) 902-4218 Allen Craig Barr Hamilton Ryan Schock Muskingum Jeffrey Berry (419) 429-8379 (937) 372-5639, ext. 5217 (740) 589-9991 Ashland Brennan Earick Hancock Eric VonAlmen Noble Brad St. Clair (330) 245-3044 (419) 429-8384 (740) 589-9992 Ashtabula Jason Warren Hardin Ryan Kennedy Ottawa Reid Van Cleve (330) 245-3036 (419) 429-8385 (419) 429-8389 Athens Allen Patton Harrison Nick Turner Paulding Vacant (740) 589-9980 (330) 245-3049 (419) 429-8390 Auglaize Mark Schemmel Henry Troy Reimund Perry Eric Lane (937) 372-5639, ext. 5218 (419) 429-8386 (740) 589-9993 Belmont Brian Baker Highland Jim Carnes Pickaway Josh Elster (740) 589-9981 (937) 372-5639, ext. 5214 (614) 902-4219 Brown Eric Lamb Hocking Chris Dodge Pike Matt Van Cleve (937) 372-5639, ext. 5220 (740) 589-9985 (740) 589-9994 STATE WILDLIFE OFFICERS STATE Butler Aaron Ireland Holmes Jeremy Carter Portage Barry Hennig (937) 372-5639, ext. 5207 (330) 245-3045 (330) 245-3040 Carroll Kyle Queer Huron Nathan Kaufmann Preble Brad Turner (330) 245-3048 (419) 429-8387 (937) 372-5639, ext. 5219 Champaign Jeffrey Tipton Jackson Ted Witham Putnam Jason Porinchok (614) 902-4209 (740) 589-9986 (419) 429-8391 Clark Byron Rice Jefferson Craig Porter Richland Gregory Wasilewski (937) 372-5639, ext. 5212 (330) 245-3050 (419) 429-8392 Clermont Gus Kiebel Knox Michael Budd Ross Bob Nelson (937) 372-5639, ext. 5209 (614) 902-4213 (740) 589-9995 Clinton Matt Roberts Lake Marino Pellegrini Sandusky Matthew Leibengood (937) 372-5639, ext. 5206 (330) 245-3034 (419) 429-8393 Columbiana Jesse Janosik Lawrence Darin Abbott Scioto Hollie Fluharty (330) 245-3039 (740) 589-9987 (740) 589-9996 Coshocton Jerrod Allison Licking Patrick Muldovan Seneca Austin Dickinson (740) 589-9982 (614) 902-4214 (419) 429-8394 Crawford Jason Parr Logan Adam Smith Shelby Tim Rourke (419) 429-8380 (614) 902-4215 (937) 372-5639, ext. 5213 Cuyahoga Ryan Donnelly Lorain Randy White Stark Mark Basinger (330) 245-3033 (330) 245-3032 (330) 245-3041 Darke Jeff Wenning Lucas Mike Ohlrich Summit Daniel Shroyer (937) 372-5639, ext. 5208 (419) 429-8388 (330) 245-3042 DefianceMatthew Smith Madison Matt Teders Trumbull Marty Cisine (419) 429-8381 (614) 902-4216 (330) 245-3037 Delaware Maurice Irish Mahoning Tom Frank Tuscarawas Wade Dunlap (614) 902-4221 (330) 245-3038 (330) 245-3047 Erie Kelsey Brockman Marion Chad Grote Union Josh Shields (419) 429-8382 (614) 902-4217 (614) 902-4220 Fairfield Tony Zerkle Medina Eric Moore Van Wert Brad Buening (614) 902-4210 (330) 245-3043 (419) 429-8395 Fayette John Coffman Meigs Chris Gilkey Vinton Jared Abele (614) 902-4211 (740) 589-9988 (740) 589-9997 Franklin Brad Kiger Mercer Austin Levering Warren Jason Keller (614) 902-4212 (937) 372-5639, ext. 5210 (937) 372-5639, ext. 5216 Fulton Josh Zientek Miami Jasmine Grossnickle Washington Eric Bear (419) 429-8383 (937) 372-5639, ext. 5215 (740) 589-9998 Gallia Roy Rucker Monroe Wes Feldner Wayne Aaron Brown (740) 589-9983 (740) 589-9989 (330) 245-3046 Geauga Scott Denamen Montgomery Trent Weaver Williams Vacant (330) 245-3035 (937) 372-5639, ext. 5211 (419) 429-8396 Greene Matthew Hunt Morgan Todd Stewart Wood Cody Klima (937) 372-5639, ext. 5204 (740) 589-9990 (419) 429-8397 Wyandot Nathan West 22 (419) 429-8398