Ohio

When in Ohio, you can safely say you’re “In the Heart of it All.” This applies to many things, the most important for us being angling. With more than 50,000 lakes statewide, Ohio fishing charters have their work cut out for them. While certainly impressive, it’s far from being all that The Buckeye State has to offer. Ohio’s numerous rivers and creeks are darlings of the fly fishing community, and we’re sure you’ll love them as much as the locals do.

It’s hard to pin down Ohio as being based around one single thing. Even its famous flats give way to the Appalachian foothills to the southeast. In a way, it’s the mix of influences that makes it so authentically American. The fact that it’s blessed with one of the Great Lakes is just a juicy cherry on top.

Anyone asking about the best fishing lakes in Ohio will inevitably get one answer and one answer only - Lake Erie. No going around it - this is the world’s largest freshwater fishery, worthy of our respect and admiration. And what’s not to love? The Walleye and Smallmouth Bass mesmerise armies of anglers every year, and they’re always back for more.

While Lake Erie is definitely the cool kid on the block, it would be unfair to just leave it at that. Take a trip off the beaten path and you’re in for quite a treat. Ohio’s assorted small reservoirs are home to Catfish, Bass, and Walleye, as well as notably good Muskies.

The other smaller lakes can be just as much fun, if not more, depending on your ideal type of fishing trip. For example, Kiser Lake completely prohibits the use of motors, making for a much more outdoorsy experience. It’s also a great place to catch a bunch of Bluegills. The same goes for Highlandtown Lake in northeastern Ohio, but they actually do allow electric motors there.

To say Ohioans are fans of Bass would be quite an understatement. There are dozens of Bass clubs all over Ohio, with tournaments on a regular basis. In order to keep it that way, most of the popular Bass lakes have strict motor restrictions. These include Piedmont, Pymatuning, and Leesville Lake, all with 10 HP motor limits and the best Bass fishing in Ohio.

Flowing through six states, the Ohio River is the other main contender for the honor of having the best fishing in Ohio. With the likes of Channel and Flathead Catfish, alongside Walleye, White Bass, Striped Bass and Hybrid Stripers, it’s definitely got variety going for it. Anglers who’ve been fishing here for a long time like sticking to the dam tailraces. A lot of baitfish swim through regularly, attracting some world-class game.

Buckeye fly anglers tend to stick with rivers for the most part, and who can blame them? There’s a lot of them, and they’re packed with fish. Some, like the Clear Fork River sustain Trout-friendly water temperatures during the entire year. Others, like the Little Miami River, are more suited for Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass fishing, so it comes down to your personal preferences.

The fun thing about the Ohio River is that it’s hard to be 100% sure whether you have a Walleye or a tough Striper on the other end of your line. Anglers tend to use jigs with Minnow tips and just drop them into the current. Some will also make do with blade baits and jigging spoons.

When it comes to Lake Erie, there are a few things you should know if you plan on making it your next angling destination. To begin with, the best Walleye bite is either at dawn or dusk, as these fish are somewhat sensitive to light. The western basin of Lake Erie is best explored in the spring, but it’s still great even when frozen. Summer is not as good for fly anglers because the waters will be too warm and low for comfort.

If you do plan on ice fishing on Lake Erie, be aware that safe ice is not ever a thing. Stay cautious and stay safe. The fish will be close to shore only at the start of the season, so you’ll need some transportation. Professionals use either snowmobiles or airboats.

Ohio fishing regulations can be a pain sometimes, but we believe it’s a very small price to pay considering. Any anglers over the age of 16 will need to buy a fishing license from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife. Non-residents have the option of choosing between a single-day, three-day, or annual license.

The above applies whether you’re fishing with a licensed charter captain or on your own. Ohio may be filled with grassland and farms, as you’d expect from a state in the Midwest, but there’s also some spectacular fishing to be had. When you finally try it, you’ll be dying to come back again and again.