Grab the fishing gear and go fishing this weekend...for FREE!

Grab the fishing gear and go fishing this weekend...for FREE!Ohio residents may fish in all of Ohio's public waters...

A largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, hunting among water plants.
Photo (George Grall Getty Images/National Geographic Creative) 

Paine Creek stocked with 800 lbs of trout

Lake Metroparks placed 800 lbs of trout in Paine Creek Friday.

Ponds stocked and ready to fish!

Lake Metroparks offers a variety of opportunities for fishing including stocked ponds as well as river, stream and lakeshore access. Lake Metroparks has created angler access through the construction of trails, parking areas, canoe landings, and decks.

Nine ponds were stocked on Monday, May 5 with a healthy variety of fish for angler fun.


Concord Woods Nature Park

Girdled Road Reservation (south)

• Large wetland
• Pond closest to shelter

Skok Meadow (Rt. 608)

Penitentiary Glen Reservation

• Red Fox Loop
• Nature Center

River Road Park

A state of Ohio fishing license is not required by children or adults to fish in these ponds.

Lake Metroparks encourages catch and release fishing, which helps to maintain fish populations and ensure many park goers the same opportunities to enjoy fishing. 

The ponds are stocked with:

• 12"+ Large Mouth Bass
• 9 to 12" Channel Catfish
• 4 to 6" Bluegill 
• Fathead minnows

Fishing limits are in accordance with The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife.

• Inland water bodies

Veterans Park pond stocked today

Lake Metroparks stocked Veterans Park pond today
with about 750 lbs of rainbow trout. 

The trout averaged a little over one pound each.
There were some Golden Rainbow trout included in this stocking.  

Veterans Park protects the largest inland pond in the county.  

    The park offers four accessible fishing piers,
a 1.78-mile loop trail though native wetlands with 830 feet of boardwalk,
and a wetland/wildlife viewing area.

A valid Ohio fishing license is required to fish at Veterans Park. 

Click here for more fishing opportunities in Lake Metroparks.

Ten ponds stocked with fish today

Lake Metroparks  stocked ten of its ponds today with largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish in ponds at parks in Kirtland, Concord Township and Madison Township. 

• Penitentiary Glen Reservation (two ponds)
• Concord Woods Nature Park
• Skok Meadow entrance to Girdled Road Reservation (two ponds)
• Girdled Road South  (two ponds)
• Resource Center near Hidden Valley Park
• Strong Cabin in Hogback Ridge Park
• River Road Park

Fishing licenses are not required at any of the ponds at these locations; which makes for great learning and recreational experiences for people of all ages. Lake Metroparks also offers opportunities for fishing including river, stream and lakeshore access. Click here for more locations.