The Ohio Department on Natural Resources is in charge of managing wildlife and fishing in the state. The DNR collects information on weather, seasons and fishing activity by sportsmen and uses it to put out regular fishing reports. You can use the Ohio DNR fishing reports to plan your fishing trip. You'll know what fish are biting, where the best fishing is and what type of bait to bring for the fish you are trying to catch.
Regional Forecasts
The Ohio DNR puts out seasonal forecasts for fishing in various regions of the state. The state is divided into five regions: Central, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and Southwest. Within those regions the DNR lists several major lakes, reservoirs and rivers and gives a breakdown on the species present. The report tells of the size range of the fish harvested, the largest size found in the lake and suggestions for the best bait to use.
Major River Forecasts
The Ohio DNR also issues fishing prospects for the Ohio and Muskingham Rivers. The Ohio DNR divides the river every couple of miles and establishes pools, which are areas where the DNR tests fishing. The report tells you what species of fish you can expect to find along the segment of the river and the outlook for catching them. The DNR reports the average length of the fish found in the river, the best seasons for catching them and gives advice on bait and fishing methods to use for each species.
Walleye & White Bass Run Forecasts
Walleye and white bass are two species that are usually found in Lake Erie, but they move up the tributary rivers to spawn in early spring. That is the best time for you to fish these species. The Ohio DNR puts out an annual forecast of the best times to fish for them. Walleye can be found spawning in the Maumee and Sandusky Rivers in late March and early April, when water temperatures are between 42 and 52 degrees Fahrenheit. White bass can be found in the Maumee, Sandusky, Huron and Portage rivers from mid-April to June.
Lake Erie
Lake Erie is the largest body of water for Ohio fishing and provides a large range of fishing opportunities. The Ohio DNR puts out an annual forecast for the lake as well as weekly updates about the fishing activity. Reports include information on walleye, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, white bass and steelhead fishing. The reports also give lake temperatures and suggestions of types of bait to use.
Weekly Forecasts
The Ohio DNR puts out weekly forecasts for fishing across the state. The weekly reports cover the inland fishing of the various regions, the Ohio River and Lake Erie. The reports are less comprehensive than the season reports and pick out certain bodies of water within the various regions, Lake Erie and Ohio River. Species reports are less comprehensive as well, as the report focuses on what fish are biting, what type of bait fishermen have had success with and what time of day fishing is best.
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