Northeast Ohio Outdoors » Fishing

Ohio Free Fishing Days May 5-6

Lou Yuhasz — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 13:51:32 +0000

The Black River at its mouth at Lake Erie in Lorain, Ohio (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

COLUMBUS, OH - Ohioans are encouraged to take advantage of “Free Fishing Days” on May 5-6 and experience the great fishing Ohio has to offer. For these two days only, Ohio anglers may fish in any of the state’s public waters without having to buy a fishing license.

During the rest of the year, anglers 16 years and older are required to have a valid fishing license to take fish, frogs or turtles from Ohio waters. An Ohio fishing license is one of the best recreation bargains available, costing only $19 a year for residents.

Ohio residents born on or before Dec. 31, 1937, can obtain a free fishing license at any license vendor. Residents age 66 and older who were born on or after Jan. 1, 1938, are eligible to obtain a reduced cost senior fishing license for $10. A one-day fishing license is also available for $11, an amount that later can be applied toward the cost of an annual fishing license. Fishing licenses are available at bait and tackle stores, outdoor outfitters, major department stores, as well aswildohio.com.

Ohio’s Free Fishing Days were established in 1993 to promote fishing and allow Ohioans to experience fishing before buying a license. The offer is open to all Ohio residents and extends to all of Ohio’s public waters including Lake Erie and the Ohio River.

Great fishing exists around the state and throughout the year. An estimated 1.3 million people fish each year in Ohio. In late winter and early spring, anglers reel in excellent catches of steelhead trout and walleye from northern Ohio streams. Spring also means great saugeye and crappie fishing. During the summer months, the fishing heats up on Lake Erie for yellow perch, walleye and smallmouth bass, while anglers on the Ohio River enjoy excellent striped bass fishing.

The “Free Fishing Days” weekend offers Ohioans of all ages the chance to experience the fun of fishing. For anyone taking a young angler, there’s nothing more rewarding than teaching a kid to fish. Here are some helpful tips:

Keep it simple. Consider the child’s age and skill level. If this is their first time, shore fishing is recommended.
Kids like to catch fish. The size of fish doesn’t matter to kids. But catching a fish—any fish—does. Choose a pond, lake or stream where they will easily be able to catch a few fish.
Use simple tackle. A good rod and reel for kids costs between $15 and $30. A spin-cast reel is easy to use and, after a few practice casts, kids usually have mastered it.
Bring along a camera. Children love to show off pictures of their “big catch.”
Keep the trip fun and short. Let the child have a good time, even if it means taking a break. Take time out to enjoy the time together.
Be patient. Plan on spending some time untangling lines, baiting hooks, landing fish and taking pictures of big smiles and wiggling fish. When people concentrate all of their attention on their young angler, they will likely be developing a fishing buddy for a lifetime.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at www.ohiodnr.com.

Ohio 2012-2013 Hunting Regulations Approved (steelvalleyoutdoors.info)

Ohio Free Fishing Days May 5-6 ©, .

Ohio Fishing Licenses Available By Phone

Lou Yuhasz — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 15:21:09 +0000

COLUMBUS, OH – With spring fishing heating up, anglers can now purchase one-day and three-day fishing licenses over the telephone according the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

Customers have two telephone options to purchase a “last-minute” fishing license by using a credit card:

Calling 866-703-1928 between 5 a.m. and midnight to reach a live operator who will walk the customer through the transaction; a $5.50 convenience fee is included with this option.

Calling 855-764-3474 any time for an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system. Callers should be sure and have their nine-digit customer identification number, which can be obtained at no cost from the Wild Ohio Customer Center at www.wildohio.com. The IVR option includes a $3.25 convenience fee.

In both cases, the customer is issued a 10-digit license number and instructed to carry it along with a picture ID as proof that the angler is properly licensed. A printed copy of the license is not included. Convenience fees in either option can be avoided by purchasing licenses early at license agent outlets or online at www.wildohio.com. Customers should note $10 of the one-day fishing license can be exchanged for credit toward the purchase of an annual fishing license at any time within the license year. All license purchases include a $1 writing fee.

Also new this year, anglers have the option of buying in advance an $11 “Lake Erie Charter 1-Day Fishing License” allowing them to wait and validate the license at the dock the day of the trip. Waiting to sign and date the license allows for its future use in case the original fishing trip is cancelled due to weather or other circumstances. This license is not available for purchase over the telephone.

Customers should be aware that Social Security Numbers (SSN) will be required of all individuals, youth and adults, who plan to buy licenses and permits. United States Federal Statute 42 requires the collection of SSN of any individual to whom the state issues a recreational hunting or fishing license. When buying a license, customers are also required by law to give their full name, date of birth, gender, declaration of residency, mailing address, height, weight and hair and eye color.

For questions or clarification, contact the Division of Wildlife at 800-WILDLIFE (945-3543) or visit our website at www.wildohio.com.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at www.ohiodnr.com.

Ohio Fishing Licenses Available By Phone ©, .

PA: Fish for Free at Forthcoming Family Fishing Festivals

Lou Yuhasz — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 23:10:16 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

Harrisburg, PA – Looking for a way for you and your family to enjoy the Labor Day holiday weekend? The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) has two opportunities on that weekend for you and your family to “catch” the fun of fishing.

On Saturday, Sept. 3, the PFBC will host Family Fishing Festivals at six locations in Pennsylvania. And on Labor Day, Monday Sept. 5, it’s the Commission’s second Fish-for-Free Day for 2011. This day allows anyone (resident or non-resident) to legally fish with no fishing license required on all Pennsylvania’s waterways on this day. All other fishing regulations still apply.

“The Family Fishing Festivals are free educational events designed for families with little or no fishing experience,” said Carl Richardson, PFBC manager of Education and Outreach. “Participating families will learn basic fishing skills and have an opportunity to practice those skills while fishing together during the program.”

The festivals will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at six locations, one in each PFBC region, in cooperation with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of State Parks.

The festivals include:

NW Region: Pymatuning State Park, Linesville, Crawford County
SW Region: Raccoon Creek State Park, Hookstown, Beaver County
NC Region: Hills Creek State Park, Wellsboro, Tioga County
SC Region: Pine Grove Furnace State Park, Gardners, Cumberland County
NE Region: Frances Slocum State Park, Wyoming, Luzerne County
SE Region: Marsh Creek State Park, Downingtown, Chester County

The fishing license requirement is waived for registered festival participants 16 and older. The program is open to all ages. However, the program is designed for children ages 5 and older. All equipment, bait and tackle will be provided.

Space is limited at the event, so pre-registration is required. Deadline for registration is Aug. 31, and there will be no registration taken the day of the event. Visit www.fishandboat.com/fishforfree.htm to register and learn more about these events and Labor Day’s Fish-for-Free Day. Don’t forget that Monday Sept. 5, is Fish-for-Free Day on all Pennsylvania’s waterways.

100 Days of Summer: Fish Free May 30th and Win Big in PA (steelvalleyoutdoors.info)

PA: Fish for Free at Forthcoming Family Fishing Festivals ©, .

100 Days of Summer: Fish Free May 30th and Win Big in PA

Lou Yuhasz — Sun, 29 May 2011 14:19:02 +0000

Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania anglers have landed nearly a dozen prize-winning fish as part of Cabela’s “Wanna Go Fishing for Millions?” national contest, including one fish that may carry a $9,000 prize. As a partner in the contest, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) tagged fish in eight waterways across the state.

Cabela’s today confirmed that 11 tags have been submitted as part of the contest. The participants and the fish they caught are currently being verified, including one fish with a potential $9,000 award. Tagged fish have been caught in Raystown Lake, Penns Creek, Lake Nockamixon, Lake Wallenpaupack and Foster Joseph Sayers Lake.

The PFBC is reminding the public that the contest coincides with the first of the agency’s Fish-For-Free Days, scheduled for Memorial Day, Monday, May 30. On this “fishing holiday,” the public can fish for free anywhere in the state. No license is required.

In conjunction with the Cabela’s contest, the PFBC will hold Fish-for-Free events on Memorial Day at six of the waters containing tagged fish. The events will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at:

NE Region: Lake Wallenpaupack (Pike and Wayne counties) — PFBC Access (Access #750 on PFBC maps). The tagged fish include walleye and smallmouth bass.
SE Region: Lake Nockamixon in Nockamixon State Park (Bucks County) — Tohickon Access (Access #981 on PFBC maps). Tagged fish include largemouth bass.
NC Region: Foster Joseph Sayers Lake in Bald Eagle State Park (Centre County) — Pavilion 7 at the day-use area. Tagged fish include largemouth and smallmouth bass.
SC Region: Raystown Lake (Huntingdon County) — Visitor center at Seven Points Marina. Tagged fishinclude largemouth bass and walleye.
NW Region: Presque Isle Bay (Erie County) — Perry Monument. Tagged fish include largemouth bass.
SW Region: Emsworth Pool, Three Rivers, Pittsburgh — Braddock public ramp (Access #328 on PFBC maps). Tagged fish include smallmouth bass.

“Fish-for-Free days are a convenient way to introduce friends and family to the sport of fishing,” said PFBC Executive Director John Arway. “Many families spend the day at lakes and parks throughout the state. Now they can try fishing at no cost. We know that once people try it, particularly kids, they will see that fishing is a great recreational activity and they will want to do it more.”

In addition to providing free fishing tips, PFBC outreach and education staff will have exhibits, free publications andmore at the six selected sites. The second Fish-for-Free Day is Labor Day, Sept. 5.

The remaining two waters in the Cabela’s contest include:

Penns Creek (Centre County) — Tagged fish include rainbow trout.
Lake Arthur in Moraine State Park (Butler County) — Tagged fish include largemouth bass and walleye.

For more information about Fish-for-Free Days and Cabela’s contest, visit the PFBC website atwww.fishandboat.com/fishformillions.htm.

100 Days of Summer: 100 Recreational Areas Within 100 Miles

Lou Yuhasz — Thu, 26 May 2011 22:09:37 +0000

Within 25 Miles

Mill Creek Park- 0 miles Youngstown OH
Yellow Creek Park- 5 miles Struthers OH
Mill Creek Bikeway- 5 miles Canfield OH
Lake Milton State Park-13 miles Lake Milton, OH
Berlin Lake- 14 miles Deerfield, OH
Mosquito Creek Lake- 14 miles Cortland, OH
Shenango River Lake-14 miles Sharpsville, PA
West Branch State Park 18 miles Ravenna, OH
Eagle Creek Nature Preserve 21 miles Garrettsville, OH
Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park 22 miles Garrettsville, OH
McConnells Mill State Park 22 miles Portersville, PA
Guilford Lake State Park 23 miles Hanoverton, OH
Moraine State Park 23 miles Portersville, PA
Beaver Creek State Forest 24 miles Lisbon, OH

Within 50 Miles

Beaver Creek State Park 26 miles Rogers, OH
Quail Hollow State Park 27 miles Hartville, OH
Maurice K. Goddard State Park 30 miles Hadley, PA
Tinkers Creek State Park 31 miles Streetsboro, OH
Tinkers Creek Nature Preserve 31 miles Streetsboro, OH
Punderson State Park 33 miles Newbury, OH
Little Beaver Creek Trail 35 Miles Lisbon, OH
Pymatuning State Park-OH 36 miles Andover, OH
Portage Lakes State Park 37 miles Akron, OH
Brady’s Run County Park 37 miles Beaver Falls, PA
Cuyahoga Valley National Park 37 miles Peninsula, OH
Pymatuning State Park-PA 37 miles Linesville, PA
Charles Mill Lake 38 miles Canton, OH
Raccoon Creek State Park 42 miles Hookstown, PA
Erie National Wildlife Refuge 42 miles Cochranton, PA
Sand Run MetroPark- 44 miles Akron OH
Bolivar Dam 44 miles Bolivar, OH
Jefferson Lake State Park 44 miles East Springfield, OH
Woodcock Creek Lake 46 miles Saegertown, PA
South Chagrin Reservation 47 miles Solon Ohio
Hillman State Park 47 miles Burgettstown, PA
Atwood Lake 47 miles New Philadelphia, OH
Beach City Lake 48 miles Strasburg, OH
Dover Dam 48 miles Dover, OH
Leesville Lake 49 miles Bowerston, OH
Cleveland Lakefront State Park 49 miles Cleveland, OH
Oil Creek State Park 49 miles Pleasantville, PA

Within 75 miles

Headlands Beach State Park 52 miles Painesville, OH
Point State Park 52 miles Pittsburgh, PA
Crooked Creek Lake 52 miles Ford City, PA
Yellow Creek State Forest 53 miles New Philadelphia, OH
Geneva State Park 53 miles Geneva, OH
Fernwood State Forest 54 miles Steubenville, OH
Deep Lock Quarry 54 Miles Akron OH
Cornplanter State Forest 54 miles Tionesta, PA
Tionesta Lake 54 miles Tionesta, PA
Tappan Lake 56 miles Tippecanoe, OH
Gorge MetroPark 56 Miles Akron OH
Cook Forest State Park 60 miles Clarington, PA
Findley State Park 61 miles Wellington, OH
Mahoning Creek Lake 61 miles Smicksburg, PA
Clear Creek State Forest 63 miles Sigel, PA
Clear Creek State Park 63 miles Sigel, PA
Clendening Lake 63 miles Tippecanoe, OH
Rocky River Reservation 65 miles Berea, OH
Mohicanville Dam 65 miles Lakeville, OH
Loyalhanna Lake 65 miles Saltsburg, PA
Marienville Ranger District – Allegheny NF 65 miles Marienville, PA
Piedmont Lake 67 miles Piedmont, OH
Conemaugh River Lake 67 miles Clarksburg, PA
Keystone State Park 71 miles New Alexandria, PA
Mohican State Park 73 miles Loudonville, OH
Chapman State Park 73 miles Warren, PA
Yellow Creek State Park 74 miles Brush Valley, PA
Mohican-Memorial State Forest 74 miles Perrysville, OH
Pleasant Hill Lake 74 miles Perrysville, OH

Within 100 Miles

Presque Isle State Park 76 miles Erie, PA
Barkcamp State Park 76 miles Belmont, OH
Malabar Farm State Park 76 miles Lucas, OH
Mohawk Dam 77 miles Warsaw, OH
North Chagrin Reservation 78 Miles Willoughby Hills OH
Salt Fork State Park 79 miles Cambridge, OH
Wills Creek Lake 81 miles Adamsville, OH
Kinzua Dam And Allegheny Reservoir 82 miles Warren, PA
Ryerson Station State Park 85 miles Wind Ridge, PA
Linn Run State Park 86 miles Stahlstown, PA
Senecaville Lake 87 miles Senecaville, OH
Long Point on Lake Chautauqua State Park 88 miles Bemus Point, NY
Allegheny Portage Railroad Ntnl Hist Site 88 miles Johnstown, PA
Laurel Mountain State Park 88 miles Rector, PA
Sunfish Creek State Forest 89 miles Clarington, OH
Forbes State Forest 89 miles Stahlstown, PA
Laurel Summit State Park 91 miles Somerset, PA
Kooser State Park 91 miles Somerset, PA
Laurel Hill State Park 93 miles Rockwood, PA
Dillon State Park 94 miles Nashport, OH
Friendship Hill National Historic Site 96 miles Greensboro, PA
Laurel Ridge State Park 96 miles Confluence, PA
Wolf Run State Park 97 miles Caldwell, OH
Fort Necessity National Battlefield. 98 miles Farmington, PA
Tidioute Overlook 99 miles Tidioute PA
Hearts Content Recreation Area- Warren PA 100 Miles
Ohiopyle State Park. 100 miles Ohiopyle, PA
Blue Rock State Forest 100 miles Blue Rock, OH

How To Use this List:

I’ve kept State Parks and related State Forests as two lines. This might be cheating, but they usually offer different experiences.
Each Link goes directly to the appropriate site, not to a directory, wherever possible.
Scroll down to your favorite area. Look right above it. Have you been here? How about the area right below it?