Ohio’s free fishing weekend set for May 4 and 5

TIFFIN, OH — Mark Your Calendar: May 4 & 5 Are Free Fishing Days for Ohio Residents!

Ohio’s Free Fishing Days on May 4 & 5 offer residents the opportunity to fish in any of the state’s public waters without buying a license. Free Fishing Days are open to all Ohio residents and extends to all state public waters, including Lake Erie and the Ohio River.

The Free Fishing Days weekend offers Ohioans of all ages the chance to experience the joys of fishing. Consider introducing a child, neighbor, or coworker to fishing during this time. Choose a pond, lake, or stream where the person can easily catch a few fish. A spin-cast reel is usually easier for a beginner to pick up and use. Bring plenty of patience! Keep the trip short, and helping the person dehook their fish, bait their lines, and taking pictures just might land you a new fishing buddy.

Consider purchasing a fishing license after the Free Fishing Days weekend. The sale of fishing licenses, along with the Sport Fish Restoration program, continue to fund ODNR Division of Wildlife fish management operations. No state tax dollars are used for these activities. These are user-pay, user-benefit programs.

Find a place to go fishing near you:

Ohio Lake and Reservoir Maps
Interactive Fishing Map
Fishing in Ohio State Parks

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Press release by Ohio Department of NATURAL RESOURCES Division of Wildlife