Controlled turkey hunting, trout fishing opportunities available in Ohio

Columbus — The Ohio DNR (ODNR) Division of Wildlife encourages hunters and anglers to apply now for special spring 2026 wild turkey hunts and trout fishing dates. The application period is open through Tuesday, March 31.

Hunters and anglers may apply for special turkey hunts and trout fishing access online via the Ohio Wildlife Licensing System or through the HuntFish OH mobile app. Successful applicants will be selected through a random, computer-based lottery system.

A non-refundable $3 fee is charged for each application. Applicants need all required licenses and permits prior to submitting their information. People can also apply over the phone by calling 1-866-703-1928 with an additional service fee of $5.50. Mail-in applications are not accepted.

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Turkey hunting

Spring youth turkey hunts are held at Eagle Creek (Brown County), Killbuck Marsh (Wayne County), Killdeer Plains (Wyandot County), Lake La Su An (Williams County), Mosquito Creek (Trumbull County), and Woodland Trails (Preble County) wildlife areas.

Mentor style and general applicant hunts are also available at those locations. Hunting dates vary depending on sites and the length of the specific permits. Interested hunters can visit the Controlled Hunting Access Lotteries page at wildohio.gov for more information.

All hunters are required to have a valid Ohio hunting license and wild turkey permit prior to applying. Applicants for youth turkey hunts must be 17 or younger and accompanied by a nonhunting adult. Licenses and permits are available at wildohio.gov, on the HuntFish OH app, or at any license vendor.

New hunters are eligible for the mentor controlled hunts if they have not harvested a turkey within the last five years.

Mentees and mentors are eligible to harvest a turkey during mentor-style hunts, provided the mentee harvests their bird first. Either the learning hunter or the mentor may apply, and both need the proper licenses during the hunt.

Cold Creek fishing

Cold Creek in Erie County offers trout fishing to anglers.

The stream is one of Ohio’s most productive and unique waterways. A half-mile section of the creek located at Castalia State Fish Hatchery is open to lottery winners on select dates between Friday, May 1 and Monday, Nov. 30. Interested anglers may find more information about this popular event on the Controlled Fishing Access Lottery page at wildohio.gov.

One season is available for adult anglers, and another for youth anglers between 4 and 15 years of age. Up to 98 adult and 86 youth permits are available. Individuals selected to participate may bring two adults and three children under the age of 16, no more than six people total. All anglers aged 16 and older in each group are required to have a valid Ohio fishing license.