Southwest Ohio’s Mystic Lake now open for fishing

Camden, Ohio — The Ohio DNR (ODNR) Division of Wildlife recently announced that Woodland Trails Wildlife Area’s Mystic Lake in Preble County opened to public fishing in July. The site is subject to special fishing regulations.

After July 3, catch and release fishing on Mystic Lake will be available on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays between sunrise and sunset. Fishing at Mystic Lake is catch and release only, and barbless hooks are recommended.

A permit is required to access the Woodland Trails Wildlife Area lake, whether the individual is fishing or accompanying an angler. Ten permits will be issued per day. Individuals 17 years old or younger do not need an access permit, but they are required to be accompanied by a permitted adult. Permits may be obtained through the Ohio Landowner-Hunter Access Partnership at www.wildohio.gov.

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Mystic Lake is an excellent location for anglers to catch and release bluegills, redear sunfish, largemouth bass, and crappies. Some fish caught in the lake may qualify for Fish Ohio recognition. Visit wildohio.gov to learn more and apply for a Fish Ohio pin, which features a largemouth bass this year.

All Ohio fishing regulations apply at Mystic Lake. A valid Ohio fishing license is required for individuals aged 16 or older. Motorized boats are not permitted on the lake, but paddle watercraft are welcome. All vehicles are required to park in a designated parking space.

To prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species, anglers visiting the lake are not permitted to use live fish as bait or to use cast nets. Properly dispose of unwanted bait and worms to reduce the spread of invasive species. Banklines, float lines, minnow traps, and seining are also prohibited.

Woodland Trails Wildlife Area is in southern Preble County, near Camden and within a one-hour drive of the Cincinnati and Dayton metropolitan areas. Recent acquisitions have increased the size of Woodland Trails to 1,684 acres.