Catch a trophy fish in Ohio
Southeast Ohio’s public fishing lakes and reservoirs teem with fish such as largemouth bass, saugeye, and more. Now is the perfect time to grab a fishing pole and try to catch them, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
Ohio has 124,000 acres of inland water, 7,000 miles of streams, 2.25 million acres of Lake Erie water, and 481 miles of the Ohio River. At $25 for a resident one-year license, fishing is a cost-effective and accessible outdoor reactional activity. Youth under the age of 16 can fish for free, and all Ohio residents can fish without purchasing a license during Free Fishing Days on June 18-19. All size and daily limits apply during these two days.
The Division of Wildlife has numerous resources available to assist anglers, including lake maps, fishing tips by species, fishing forecasts, and introductory information for new anglers. Many of these resources are available right at your fingertips with the HuntFish OH mobile app. Fishing regulations and an interactive fishing map can be located with ease from any mobile device. For more information on fishing tips and forecasts, go to wildohio.gov.
In Coshocton County the Muskingum River has a good populations of both channel and flathead catfish, with potential to catch a trophy fish. Target any of the 10 locks and dams along this section of the river, especially the deeper outside bends with cover. Catfish have an excellent sense of smell and taste, so baits like cut shad, chicken livers, shrimp, and nightcrawlers are effective. A fixed or slip sinker to fish your bait on the bottom is enough to catch a fish. Numerous public and private boat ramps can be found along the river, and shore access is available in Zanesville and at all 10 locks and dams.
