Fish for Free in Ohio: Celebrate Father’s Day Weekend with No License Required

Columbus, Ohio - On June 15 and 16, 2024, Ohio residents can enjoy a unique opportunity to fish in public waters without needing a fishing license. This annual Free Fishing Weekend coincides with Father’s Day, giving families the perfect excuse to get dad out and into nature.

Free Fishing Days apply to Ohio residents and to all of Ohio’s public waterways. This initiative is designed to promote outdoor recreation and encourage more people to try fishing. It also aligns with similar events in neighboring states like Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, which host their own free fishing days on different weekends throughout the year.

Not sure where you should go? Here’s a short list of some fishing spots only a short drive away.

Central Ohio:

Scioto River (Columbus): Ideal for smallmouth bass, sauger, and catfish.

Alum Creek State Park (Delaware): Known for crappie, saugeye, and bass.

Indian Run Falls (Dublin): A hidden gem with a creek perfect for fishing.

Southwest Ohio:

East Fork Lake (Clermont County): Popular for bass, crappie, and catfish.

Little Miami River (Cincinnati area): Renowned for smallmouth bass fishing.

Western Ohio:

Indian Lake State Park (Lakeview): A large lake with walleye, saugeye, and crappie.

Mad River (Urbana): Scenic fishing with boat rentals available from Birch Bark Canoe Livery.

Dayton Area:

Carriage Hill MetroPark: Features a lake for fishing.

Huffman Dam MetroPark: Provides access to the Mad River for fishing.

Ohio’s state parks, metroparks, and rivers offer excellent fishing opportunities during the Free Fishing Days. Smaller ponds and lakes can also be great places for beginners to try fishing.

For the most complete Logan County news, sports, and community event coverage, visit thecapsuleapp.com.

Father and son fishing stockPhoto byRon Lach | Pexels