Lake Erie by far produces most Fish Ohio qualifiers

Columbus — The Ohio DNR (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is touting great numbers of trophy fish caught in Lake Erie in 2024, showcasing the tremendous fishing opportunities in Ohio’s Great Lake. Fish Ohio records from Lake Erie, known as the “Walleye Capital of the World,” show 3,710 catches of trophy fish from 17 different species were submitted in 2024.

The Fish Ohio program celebrates amazing catches of 25 species of fish. Those who reel in a qualifying catch, fish that meet specific length requirements based on species, receive the commemorative Fish Ohio pin for their first entry and a Master Angler pin for catching qualifiers of four different species in the same year.

Applications for a Fish Ohio pin and minimum length requirements are found on the Ohio DNR website.

MORE COVERAGE FROM OHIO OUTDOOR NEWS:

Lawsuit puts Ohio hog hunting bill on hold

Algae bloom prediction is mild to moderate on western Lake Erie this year

Commentary: Funding to pay for Ohio river gauges is of ultra-importance

Ohio has 124,000 acres of inland water, 7,000 miles of streams, 2.25 million acres of Lake Erie water, and 481 miles of the Ohio River. Fishing is a cost-effective and accessible outdoor recreational activity, with resident one-year licenses costing $25. Youth under the age of 16 can fish for free, and all Ohio residents can fish without purchasing a license during Free Fishing Days on Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15.

Lake Erie received the most Fish Ohio submissions of all the state’s waters in 2024. Angler-submitted Fish Ohio records from 2024 specific to Lake Erie are shown below:

• Walleye: 980 Fish Ohio entries in 2024 (qualifying length 28 inches)

• Yellow perch: 398 Fish Ohio entries in 2024 (qualifying length 13 inches)

• Smallmouth bass: 127 Fish Ohio entries in 2024 (qualifying length 20 inches)

• Freshwater drum: 774 Fish Ohio entries in 2024 (qualifying length 24 inches)

• White bass: 275 Fish Ohio entries in 2024 (qualifying length 15 inches)

• Steelhead: 107 Fish Ohio entries in 2024 (qualifying length 28 inches)

• Channel catfish: 617 Fish Ohio entries in 2024 (qualifying length 26 inches)

• Largemouth bass: 41 Fish Ohio entries in 2024 (qualifying length 20 inches)

The Division of Wildlife has many resources available to assist anglers. Find Lake Erie fishing resources at wildohio.gov. Many additional resources are available at your fingertips with the HuntFish OH mobile app.

Fishing regulations and an interactive fishing map can be located with ease from any mobile device. Get started fishing with Wild Ohio Harvest, which provides online learning modules, in-person classes, recipes, and more.

Remember to purchase an Ohio license before fishing in public waters. An Ohio resident license is valid for one year from its purchase date and is required of all anglers ages 16 and older. Check the 2025-26 Ohio Fishing Regulations before your next outing.