Trout Fishing in Ohio

Of all the trout species currently inhabiting Ohio's waters, only brook trout are native to the state. Trout prefer cooler waters with a bit of current, and most will be found in streams and rivers. They are tasty, feisty and often difficult to catch, which makes them a target for many sport fishermen.

  1. Ohio Trout

    • Brown trout, rainbow trout and steelhead are the primary targets of trout fishermen in Ohio. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Lake trout are a "species of concern" and brook trout are classified as "threatened." Brown trout average 12 to 18 inches and 1 to 2 pounds in Ohio streams. They feed on insects and small fish in riffles with rocky bottoms, and they can frequently be found resting around boulders and sunken logs.

      Ohio's rainbow trout average 20 to 23 inches and eight pounds, though larger fish have been known to reach 36 inches and 19 pounds. They eat small fish and insects and prefer cold waters and streams with cobble bottoms. They can frequently be found resting in deep pools covered by overhanging trees and debris.

      Steelhead are large rainbow trout which migrate between Lake Erie and its tributaries on an annual basis. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Division of Wildlife farms and periodically stocks steelhead in Ohio streams to maintain sustainable populations.

    Locations

    • According to the Department of Natural Resources, popular sites to fish brown trout are the Mad River, Clear Fork River and Clear Creek. Rainbow trout are stocked in streams and rivers throughout the state. The Department lists over 45 sites to catch them including Adams Lake, Bluestone Park and the Barnes and Delta Reservoirs.

      Steelhead are stocked in northern Ohio tributaries and can be found on a seasonal basis at the Vermilion River, Rocky River, Cuyahoga River, Chagrin River, Grand River, Arcola Creek, Ashtabula River and Conneaut Creek.

    Seasons

    • According to the Department of Natural Resources, fishing for rainbow and steelhead trout is "excellent" in March and April and October and November when spring and fall stockings take place. From late October to May steelhead should be targeted in harbors and low rivers. Brown trout can be caught all year round, though water temperatures and clarity levels will affect their availability in particular waters. In the spring and fall your best chances of catching brown trout are in waters with 8 to 12 inches of visibility; you can find them in the summer months in waters with temperatures below 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Bait and Tackle

    • A light weight spin or fly rod can be effective for catching trout in Ohio. Six to eight pound test line will do the job for small to medium sized rainbow trout, but 10 to 16 pound test line will be more effective when fishing with larger baits and larger fish. Brown trout can be targeted with pheasant tail flies and dark nymphs. Rainbows and steelhead can be caught with spawn bags, jigs and spinners tipped with maggots and stone-flies. Bobbers are effective for drift fishing.

    License and Regulations

    • Fishing in the state of Ohio requires a fishing license if you are 16 years of age or older. As of May 2010, an annual license is $19 for state residents and $40 for non-residents. A one day fishing license is $11. You must have your license with you while fishing. General state-wide bag regulations allow you to catch up to five combined trout per day, with no size restrictions. However special regulations limit your catch in Mad River, Clear Fork River and portions of Clear Creek River to two trout with a minimum length of 12 inches.