Free fishing days return to Ohio, but there are still rules to follow

Ohio's free fishing days return on June 20-21 during Father's Day weekend, allowing residents to fish public waters without a license. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources notes that all size limits, bag limits, and other regulations still apply, and the exemption covers lakes, rivers, and streams statewide, including Lake Erie and the Ohio River. Generally, anyone 16 or older needs a license, but exemptions apply to youth under 16 and active-duty military, plus those fishing in privately owned ponds where fish do not migrate.

Prices apply across categories including youth, residents, seniors (66+), and nonresidents; annual licenses run for 365 days from purchase and the prices are $14 for a one-day resident license and $599 for a lifetime license. Licenses and permits can be obtained through the Ohio Wildlife Licensing System. The Ohio Division of Wildlife provides a licensing flowchart to help determine which license is needed, and anglers should remember that Free Fishing Days do not exempt other regulations, so compliance remains essential.