Time to wet a line

Now, I'm going to admit that I am a fisherman, and therefore am prone to the same tendencies of exaggeration that all anglers stand accused. We anglers are also notoriously protective of our preferred fishing holes. So, while I'll not give you exact directions to my favorite hotspots, I will offer you this to help get you started. The Division of Wildlife manages the fisheries of 124,000 acres of inland water, 7,000 miles of streams, 2 1/4 million acres of Lake Erie, and Ohio's portion of 481 miles of the Ohio River. Most of my favorite spots are found around these locations. Since the advent of more enlightened manufacturing and agricultural processes and accompanying pollution and littering regulations, Ohio has spent the last century continually improving water quality and angling opportunities. Today, sport fishing in the Buckeye State has become some of the best and most accessible in the Midwest. Many of the streams and inland lakes can be reached by visiting one of Ohio's 76 state parks, 24 state forests, 189 wildlife areas and countless locally administered sites and parks. Of special interest, anglers may also consider exploring the fishing opportunities on one of the 17 designated rivers and streams that have been especially recognized by the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, Wild and Scenic Rivers Program. Ohio pioneered the river preservation movement in 1968 with the passage of the nation's first scenic rivers act. This legislation created a program to protect our remaining high-quality streams for future generations. One of the first rivers to receive this distinction was the historic Little Beaver Creek in my home county; Columbiana. My father had spent time there planting trees while working with the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s, prior to its officially being designated a state park in 1949. He'd developed a special love for the river, so visiting the area was a regular part of our weekend trips. I spent countless hours of my youth searching it for smallmouth and floating its currents through pristine, unglaciated hills. The park is also where I would eventually land my first job with ODNR as a seasonal park ranger. I highly recommend you consider a visit. Other rivers that have qualified for recognition include the Mohican, Chagrin, Little Miami, Kokosing, Grand, Sandusky and Maumee Rivers. Information about any of these water-holding areas can be easily researched by visiting the Department of Natural Resources website at www.ohiodnr.gov. Maps, access points, special regulations and a description of any facilities are provided. Fishing maps can be found at the Division of Wildlife website at www.wildohio.gov. When we turn northward, we find Lake Erie. The big lake, which would more properly be considered an inland sea, is considered Ohio's most sparkling jewel in its angling crown; a real sportsmen and boater's dream destination. This enormous warm-water fishery is managed through joint cooperation between all of its bordering states as well as Ontario, Canada. Their goal is to provide a healthy and sustainable sport fishery, and their work has been accomplished admirably. While Erie is best known for its stellar walleye, perch and smallmouth bass angling; one fishery is quickly; yet quietly, growing into a new and nearly as prominent opportunity for sportsmen. Largemouth bass numbers have been climbing over the last decades without the comprehensive management given to other lake inhabitants. These improvements are being attributed to the lake's slightly warmer temperatures which has increased nearshore aquatic vegetation; a habitat well suited to rearing largemouth. According to Division of Wildlife surveys, biologists discovered that largemouth are now abundant in Lake Erie's western basin nearshore areas, not just in harbors. In fact, creel surveys have shown that catch rates along the lake's shoreline are as high as two fish per hour during the best years; not including angling trips that focused on marinas or harbors. For more information about fishing for bass or other species on Lake Erie, check out the ODNR Division of Wildlife's Lake Erie Fishing Guide, available at wildohio.gov. It includes fishing tips, techniques, public boat launching locations, and other valuable information to help those new to fishing the North Coast. With all these water resources so readily available, it's time for you to wet a line, drown a worm or bob a bobber; troll the depths – whatever floats your boat or dips your waders. It's time for you to fish Ohio (and camp, hike, explore, boat and hunt). "Three-fourths of the Earth's surface is water, and one-fourth is land. It is quite clear that the good Lord intended us to spend triple the amount of time fishing as taking care of the lawn." – Chuck Clark Along the Way The Ohio Wildlife Council approved 2026-27 hunting and trapping seasons for white-tailed deer, small game, migratory birds, and furbearers during its regularly scheduled meeting which was held on Wednesday, April 29. Deer Hunting The seasons are similar to last year. Only one antlered deer may be harvested, regardless of where or how it is taken. Hunting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. The statewide deer hunting dates for 2026-27 include: • Deer archery: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, to Sunday, Feb. 7, 2027 • Youth deer gun: Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026, and Sunday, Nov. 22, 2026• Deer gun: Monday, Nov. 30, 2026, to Sunday, Dec. 6, 2026; Saturday, Dec. 19, 2026, and Sunday, Dec. 20, 2026• Deer muzzleloader: Saturday, Jan. 2, 2027, to Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2027• Deer bag limits increased to three in Defiance, Paulding, and Warren counties. The bag limit in Athens, Meigs, and Washington counties, areas affected by Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease in 2025, is two deer.• CWD Survillance Area: The Wildlife Council approved a season bag limit of six deer in the CWD surveillance area. Hunters will also have additional opportunities to take deer in the surveillance area: Early deer archery: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, to Sunday, Feb. 7, 2027. Early deer gun: Saturday, Oct. 10 to Monday, Oct. 12, 2026 Other Seasons Waterfowl hunting seasons will be split into three zones with new boundaries that were approved in 2025. Find the full list of hunting season dates at wildohio.gov.Ruffed grouse hunting will be limited to controlled hunting on four designated areas. Hunters may apply for those limited permits in July.Wild turkey hunting during the fall season is permitted only with shotguns using shotshells. No fall turkey hunting with archery equipment will be allowed. Other actions taken by the Wildlife Council included The American barn owl was downlisted from threatened to a species of concern after genetic testing revealed the species likely has a larger contiguous Midwest population. The blackchin shiner was also downlisted from extirpated to endangered following its re-establishment in specific Ohio lakes. 17 bees and 16 aquatic invertebrates were added to the state's threatened and endangered list following comprehensive surveys. These species were previously unlisted. Step Outside • Make note that Black Swamp Muzzle Loaders Club have updated their new Facebook page. Details and photos of their latest activities are displayed. Visit: www.facebook.com/findlayblackswampmuzzleloaders • The "Biggest Week in American Birding" is built around peak spring migration along the south shore of Lake Erie, with Magee Marsh Wildlife Area as the headline act. The festival runs May through May 17, 2026, and it's hosted by the Black Swamp Bird Observatory; www.bsbo.org. • Tuesday: HCCL (Hancock County Conservation League) will be having steel challenge rimfire rifle event. There is no cost to attend events for HCCL members. All non-members or guests must be accompanied by a member and will be charged $5 to attend. Upcoming events also include: May 21: spring turkey shoot. For details: crowegirls1@gmail.com • Thursday: Trap and Skeet Practice, open to the public. 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. UCOA, 6943 Marion Township 243, Findlay. • May 23: 3-D Archery Match, mixed animal targets. Field and Stream Bowhunters; 11400 Allen Township 109, Findlay. Registration opens at 8 a.m. Contact: John Fenimore at 419-957-8764. • May 27: Exploring Archery, Learning the Basics. This free class is being conducted by the Ohio Division of Wildlife at the Findlay District Office – 952 Lima Avenue, Findlay, OH. Hours: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Topics include proper stance, archery techniques, and target practice. This class will cover the basics with a Genesis bow and discuss equipment options for bow hunting. All equipment will be provided. Participants are asked not to bring outside equipment. meet at the Wildlife District Two Office for the classroom portion followed by shooting outdoors. If the weather is unfavorable, a range will be set up indoors. If you have any questions, please contact Jaron.Beck@dnr.ohio.gov. • May 28 – June 1: Ohio Territorial Primitive Blackpowder Muzzle Loader Match, 9 a.m. Hosted by Black Swamp Muzzle Loaders Club, 8831 Township Rd. 19, McComb. This is an interesting and fun match for both shooters and for those interested in getting into the sport. The public is welcome. Matches include: – Rifle: Offhand, Hunter's, Longhunter, One Gun, Rifle Frolic, Cross Sticks, Light Bench, Hunter Bench, Flintlock, Sighted Smoothbore, Senior, Ladies Hunter, Ladies Offhand,Ladies Rifle, AB Primitive. – Pistol: Pistol, Revolver, Pistol Hunters, Over 60 (2 hand hold optional). – Youth: Junior, Intermediate, Youth HuntersContact Information: Richard Dittman (Match Director) richarddittman@yahoo.com. Black Swamp Muzzle Loaders Contact: Kevin Silveus: roadkill4u@hotmail.com. On Facebook: Visit: www.facebook.com/findlayblackswampmuzzleloaders • June 7: Primitive Blackpowder Muzzle Loader Match, round ball only, Bull Match. 1 p.m. Black Swamp Muzzle Loaders Club, 8831 Township Rd. 19, McComb. Email: roadkill4u@hotmail.com. On Facebook: Visit: www.facebook.com/findlayblackswampmuzzleloaders • June 7: Trap Shoot, 1 p.m. Mount Blanchard Gun Club, 21655 Delaware Township 186. Abrams is a retired wildlife officer supervisor for the state Division of Wildlife in Findlay. He can be reached at P.O. Box 413, Mount Blanchard, OH 45867-0413 or via email at jimsfieldnotes@aol.com.