Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources celebrated Ohio’s inland fishing excellence on Saturday, April 27 during the fifth annual Inland Fish Ohio Day at Alum Creek State Park.

“You can find fantastic fishing throughout Ohio,” said Governor DeWine. “Inland fishing has never been better for saugeye, crappie, bass, and catfish. I encourage all Ohioans to give inland fishing a try this summer.”

The event was coordinated by the ODNR Division of Wildlife and ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft. The lake and surrounding state park are popular destinations for fishing, boating, hiking, camping, hunting, and more.

“Whether fishing from a small boat or from the shore, Alum Creek is one of Ohio’s premiere destinations,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “The lake’s clean water and amenities make it a perfect location for a spring outing.”

Alum Creek Lake is located in Delaware County and contains 3,269 acres of water. The surrounding Alum Creek State Park offers four public boat ramps, a marina, and more than 60 miles of shoreline. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, saugeye, and channel catfish are the main targets for anglers, and annual muskie stockings have enhanced that fishery.

Anglers generated $5.5 billion in economic spending in Ohio in 2022, according to a recent report released by the Wildlife Management Institute, Responsive Management, and Southwick Associates. The research found that 18% of Ohio’s adults, about 1.7 million individuals, participate in fishing. 

“The Division of Wildlife’s six state fish hatcheries stocked nearly 41 million sport fish in Ohio’s lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and streams in 2023,” said Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker. “Stocked fish included walleye, saugeye, yellow perch, rainbow trout, brown trout, muskellunge, channel catfish, blue catfish, and hybrid-striped bass.”

Visit wildohio.gov to discover a fishing hotspot near you. Find species specific tips, fishing forecasts, recipes, and more. Central Ohio anglers can explore the Delaware Fishing Trail, which provides varied fishing close to home. Don’t forget to check the 2024-25 Ohio Fishing Regulations before you go.

The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more. ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.?