Northwest Ohio’s public lakes and reservoirs teem with fish such as yellow perch, largemouth bass, and more. Now is the perfect time to grab a fishing pole and try to catch them, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

Ohio has 124,000 acres of inland water, 7,000 miles of streams, 2.25 million acres of Lake Erie water, and 481 miles of the Ohio River. At $25 for a resident one-year license, fishing is a cost-effective and accessible outdoor recreational activity.

Youth under the age of 16 can fish for free, and all Ohio residents can fish without purchasing a license during Free Fishing Days on June 18 and 19. All size and daily limits apply during these two days.

The Division of Wildlife has numerous resources available to assist anglers, including lake maps, fishing tips by species, fishing forecasts and introductory information for new anglers. Many of these resources are available with the HuntFish OH mobile app. Fishing regulations and an interactive fishing map are available with any mobile device.

For more information on fishing tips and forecasts, go to wildohio.gov. Following are a few areas in northwest Ohio anglers may want to visit, according to the ODNR.

Yellow Perch

Williams Reservoir in Allen County was opened in 2012 and offers good numbers of large perch, some longer than 13 inches. If fishing from a boat, start along the north or south shore where the old haul roads are still in place.

Shoreline fishing in the spring and fall can be productive. Williams Reservoir has an improved concrete launch and dock. There is an electric motor only restriction. Wind is usually more intense on this reservoir because of its height. Visitors are advised to be careful of the wind direction and speed before venturing out.

Largemouth Bass

Clear Fork Reservoir in Richland and Ashland counties ranks in the top 10 statewide for largemouth bass. Explore the western, shallow end for bass hiding among fallen trees and stumps.

During spring, try the eastern end near the dam for big fish. Division of Wildlife sampling consistently shows good numbers of fish longer than 20 inches.

The reservoir features a multilane concrete launch, as well as a full-service marina. This is an unlimited horsepower lake with an 8-mph speed limit.

Clear Fork Reservoir is also one of Ohio’s premiere muskellunge lakes.

Saugeye

Pleasant Hill Reservoir in Richland and Ashland counties is a good spot for saugeye fishing. When possible, fish the flat just outside the marina, as well as where the reservoir bends south to the dam. Fishing also is good just off the beach in 10 to 15 feet of water. Try fishing near the beach at night with a jig tipped with a live minnow near the bottom.

An improved boat launch has courtesy docks, as well as an accessible fishing dock. This lake is unlimited horsepower for boat motors, and it is sometimes busy. Try fishing in the upper end of the reservoir when it gets crowded.

Crappie

Pleasant Hill Reservoir in Richland and Ashland counties continues to be the best crappie producer in northwest Ohio. It contains a large number of crappie longer than 9 inches (minimum size limit is 9 inches).

Popular spots for fishing are along the rocky ledge on the southern shore and small coves along the southern neck of the reservoir. Focus on trees or logs submerged in the water. The northern end becomes more popular during the summer as fish seek more cover.

Pleasant Hill has an improved boat launch with recently renovated courtesy docks, as well as an accessible fishing dock near the boat launch.

This lake is an unlimited horsepower lake that attracts many boating enthusiasts. Try fishing in the upper end of the reservoir when it gets crowded.

Sunfish

Lake La Su An Wildlife Area in Williams County features lakes and ponds which are managed for large populations of big bluegill (larger than 8 inches).

For the largest lake on the area, Lake La Su An, the east shoreline and the south shoreline directly across from the fishing dock are the best locations to start.

Live bait, especially waxworms or redworms, entice panfish to bite. Be aware that live fish (including minnows) are not allowed to be used as bait on the wildlife area.

The main lake features a concrete boat launch with a dock, plus an accessible fishing dock. The lake is unlimited horsepower for boats with a no-wake restriction. Other ponds on the area have primitive boat launches suitable for small boats.

Fishing is available from early May through late summer on Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. For a full listing of area rules, visit wildohio.gov.

Channel Catfish

Beaver Creek Reservoir in Sandusky County offers good bank access for anglers of all ages. Look for channel catfish in deeper water during the day using cut baits or night crawlers. For early morning, early evening, or nighttime fishing, try the shallow southern portion of the reservoir.

Anglers can expect to find good numbers of fish in the 17- to 20-inch range, with some fish up to 27 inches long.

The reservoir has an improved concrete boat launch with dock and is restricted to electric motors only. Boats with larger motors can keep them tipped up and out of the water. Be aware of strong west winds which can affect launching and landing boats.

The Division of Wildlife wants to help new and experienced anglers make the most of their outdoor adventures. Visit the Wild Ohio Harvest Community page at wildohio.gov for information on getting started, fishing opportunities and recipes.

For more information about the Ohio Department of Natural Wildlife, visit the website at ohiodnr.gov.