1
SPORT FISH OF OHIO
i d e n t i f i c a t i o n
DIVISION OF WILDLIFE
2
With more than 40,000 miles of streams, 2.4 million acres of Lake Erie and inland water, and 450 miles of the Ohio River, Ohio supports a
diverse and abundant fish fauna represented by more than 160 species. Ohio’s fishes come in a wide range of sizes, shapes and colors...and live
in a variety of aquatic habitats from our largest lakes and rivers to the smallest ponds and creeks. Approximately one-third of these species
can be found in this guide. This fish identification guide provides color illustrations to help anglers identify their catch, and useful tips to help
catch more fish. We hope it will also increase your awareness of the diversity of fishes in Ohio.
This book also gives information about the life history of 27 of Ohio’s commonly caught species, as well as information on selected
threatened and endangered species. Color illustrations and names are also offered for 20 additional species, many of which are rarely caught
by anglers, but are quite common throughout Ohio. Fishing is a favorite pastime of many Ohioans and one of the most enduring family
traditions. A first fish or day shared on the water are memories that last a lifetime. It is our sincere hope that the information in this guide
will contribute significantly to your fishing experiences and understanding of Ohio’s fishes. Good Fishing!
The ODNR Division of Wildlife manages the fisheries of more than 160,000 acres of inland water, 7,000 miles of streams, and 2.25
million acres of Lake Erie. Management activities include improvement of spawning habitat and installation of fish attractors or structure.
Management also includes population and harvest studies using electrofishing, netting, and angler surveys. Fishing regulations are another
important tool for managing Ohio’s fisheries. Fish biologists recommend regulations when they are needed to maintain a quality fishery.
Often overlooked, but vitally important activities which involve fish management include the construction of boat ramps and fishing piers,
and public information and education efforts.
Ohio maintains six fish hatcheries which produce in excess of 30 million fish each year for stocking programs. Walleye, saugeye, muskellunge,
trout, and hybrid striped bass are some of the fish produced. Ohio’s hatchery and stocking efforts make a variety of fishing experiences
available to Ohio’s anglers. Stocking is often used to bolster fish populations when natural reproduction is low or nonexistent. It is also used
to establish fisheries for nonreproducing hybrid fish and to stock newly created or rehabilitated water areas. Research is conducted to
develop new fish management practices and strategies. The Division’s research efforts are aided by universities and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service.
Look for this distinctive symbol where you
buy fishing tackle or motorboat fuel, and
where you fish or launch your boat. This
symbol indicates that the manufacturer
pays a special excise tax under the federal
Sport Fish Restoration Act-and that your
Division of Wildlife is working to improve
your fishing.
3
6.Largemouth Bass
7.Smallmouth Bass
8.Spotted Bass
9.Bluegill
10.Redear Sunfish
11.Pumpkinseed
12.Green Sunfish
13.White Crappie
14.Black Crappie
15.Rock Bass
16.Longear Sunfish
17.Walleye
18.Sauger
19.Saugeye
20.Yellow Perch
21.Channel Catfish
22.Bullhead Catfish
23.Flathead Catfish
24.White Bass
25.Striped Bass
26.Hybrid Striped Bass
27.White Perch
28.Muskellunge
29.Northern Pike
30.Common Carp
31.Freshwater Drum
32.Brown Trout
33.Rainbow Trout
34.Paddlefish
35.Lake Sturgeon
36. - 37.OTHER COMMON FISH
Longnose Gar
Warmouth
Striped Shiner
Southern Redbelly Dace
Golden Redhorse
Northern Hog Sucker
Black Redhorse
Greenside Darter
Logperch Darter
Johnny Darter
Rainbow Darter
38 - 41.FISHING FUNDAMENTALS
42. - 45.POPULAR LIVE BAIT
Fathead Minnow
Northern Creek Chub
Common Emerald Shiner
Common Shiner
Golden Shiner
Spottail Shiner
Bluntnose Minnow
Ohio Stoneroller Minnow
Common White Sucker
Gizzard Shad
Bluegill
Hellgrammites
Leeches
Night Crawlers
Red Worms
Maggots or Mousies
Wax Worms
Crayfish
46. - 47.FILLETING YOUR FISH
4
WOOD
KNOX
DARKE
LICKING
MIAMI
UNION
HURON
SENECA
LOGAN
LORAIN
ALLEN
HARDIN
CLARK
PUTNAM
FRANKLIN
MERCER
ERIE
MEDINA
HANCOCK
SHELBY
LUCAS
MARION
HOLMES
RICHLAND
ASHLAND
WILLIAMS
MORROW
DEFIANCE
AUGLAIZE
SANDUSKY
HENRY
MADISON
FAIRFIELD
COSHOCTON
AULDINGP
DELAWARE
ANDOTWY
CHAMPAIGN
CRAWFORD
OTTAWA
TVAN WER
FULTON
ROSS
ADAMS
SCIOTO
BROWN
BUTLER
VINTON
PREBLE
HIGHLAND
GREENE
PICKAWAY
CLINTON
WARREN
HOCKING
FAYETTE
CLERMONT
HAMILTON
MONTGOMERY
PIKE
GALLIA
MEIGS
ATHENS
PERR
Y
NOBLE
BELMONT
MUSKINGUM
MONROE
GUERNSEY
MORGAN
WASHINGTON
JACKSON
LAWRENCE
HARRISON
STARK
WAYNE
ASHTABULA
TRUMBULL
SUMMIT
PORTAGE
GEAUGA
LAKE
CARROLL
TUSCARAWAS
COLUMBIANA
CUYAHOGA
MAHONING
JEFFERSON
Caesar Creek
Reservoir
Resthaven
Hammertown City
Reservoir
W
Reservoir
Island
Lake Sue
Lake Ann
Lake La Vere
Harrison
Lake
Nettle
Lake
Lake La Su An
Knox Lake
Lake
Indian Lake
Lake
Pond
Lake Loramie
Findley
Kokosing
Lake
Willard
Powers
Charles Mill
Reservoir
Fox
Lake
Dow
Lake
Veto Lake
Lake
Hope
Lake
Alma
Ross
Lake
Sippo
Lake
Acton Lake
Lake
White
Lake Logan
Cowan Lake
Clark
Lake
Kiser Lake
Adams
Lake
Shreve
Lake
Rupert
Atwood
Lake
Seneca
Lake
Monroe
Lake
Lake
Milton
Austin
Lake
Tappan
Lake
France
Tycoon Lake
Fulton
East Fork Reservoir
(
Harsha Lake)
Lake
Hodgson
Spencer
Lake
Madison
Lake
Lake
Jackson
Lake
Buckeye Lake
Belmont
Lake
Lake
Snowden
Mosquito Lake
Portage
Lakes
Caldwell
Lake
Burr Oak
Lake
Eastwood
Lake
Vesuvius
Lake
Lake
Delaware
Guilford
Lake
Piedmont
Lake
Punderson
Lake
Zepernick
Lake
Leesville
Lake
Beach City
Lake
Deer Creek
Lake
Rocky Fork
Lake
Clendening
Lake
Rush
Creek Lake
Alum Creek
Lake
Pymatuning
Lake
Springfield Lake
Berlin
Reservoir
Dillon
Reservoir
Reservoir
Paint Creek
Lake
Hoover
Reservoir
Reservoir
Turkey Creek
Lake
Lake
Timbre Ridge
Lake
Highlandtown
Lake
Bresler
Killdeer
Nimisila
Reservoir
Lake
Mogadore
Reservoir
Wolf Run
Reservoir
Salt Fork
Reservoir
Delta Reservoir
Reservoir
Stonelick
Reservoir
Barnesville
Reservoir #4
Lima Lake
South Bass
Clear Fork
Grand Lake
Reservoir
Buck Creek Reservoir
(
C.J. Brown Reservoir)
Mineral Springs
Lake
Findlay Reservoir
East Branch
Reservoir
Reservoir
West Branch Reservoir
(
Michael J. Kirwan Lake)
Raccoon Creek
Norwalk Upper
O'Shaughnessy
Reservoir
Upper Sandusky
Kelleys
Lake Lacomte
Middle Bass
Walborn Reservoir
(
Meyers Lake)
Reservoir
Pleasant Hill
Lake Lamberjack # 3
#1 & # 2
Outhwaite
Reservoir
Island
Reservoir
St. Marys
New London
#1 & #2
Beaver Creek
Reservoir
Reservoir
Reservoir
Island
Reservoir # 5
Island
Veterans Memorial
Reservoir # 6
Put-In-Bay
Pond #8
ellington
North Bass
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Ohio Fishing
5
WOOD
KNOX
DARKE
LICKING
MIAMI
UNION
HURON
SENECA
LOGAN
LORAIN
ALLEN
HARDIN
CLARK
PUTNAM
FRANKLIN
MERCER
ERIE
MEDINA
HANCOCK
SHELBY
LUCAS
MARION
HOLMES
RICHLAND
ASHLAND
WILLIAMS
MORROW
DEFIANCE
AUGLAIZE
SANDUSKY
HENRY
MADISON
FAIRFIELD
COSHOCTON
AULDINGP
DELAWARE
ANDOTWY
CHAMPAIGN
CRAWFORD
OTTAWA
TVAN WER
FULTON
ROSS
ADAMS
SCIOTO
BROWN
BUTLER
VINTON
PREBLE
HIGHLAND
GREENE
PICKAWAY
CLINTON
WARREN
HOCKING
FAYETTE
CLERMONT
HAMILTON
MONTGOMERY
PIKE
GALLIA
MEIGS
ATHENS
PERR
Y
NOBLE
BELMONT
MUSKINGUM
MONROE
GUERNSEY
MORGAN
WASHINGTON
JACKSON
LAWRENCE
HARRISON
STARK
WAYNE
ASHTABULA
TRUMBULL
SUMMIT
PORTAGE
GEAUGA
LAKE
CARROLL
TUSCARAWAS
COLUMBIANA
CUYAHOGA
MAHONING
JEFFERSON
Caesar Creek
Reservoir
Resthaven
Hammertown City
Reservoir
W
Reservoir
Island
Lake Sue
Lake Ann
Lake La Vere
Harrison
Lake
Nettle
Lake
Lake La Su An
Knox Lake
Lake
Indian Lake
Lake
Pond
Lake Loramie
Findley
Kokosing
Lake
Willard
Powers
Charles Mill
Reservoir
Fox
Lake
Dow
Lake
Veto Lake
Lake
Hope
Lake
Alma
Ross
Lake
Sippo
Lake
Acton Lake
Lake
White
Lake Logan
Cowan Lake
Clark
Lake
Kiser Lake
Adams
Lake
Shreve
Lake
Rupert
Atwood
Lake
Seneca
Lake
Monroe
Lake
Lake
Milton
Austin
Lake
Tappan
Lake
France
Tycoon Lake
Fulton
East Fork Reservoir
(
Harsha Lake)
Lake
Hodgson
Spencer
Lake
Madison
Lake
Lake
Jackson
Lake
Buckeye Lake
Belmont
Lake
Lake
Snowden
Mosquito Lake
Portage
Lakes
Caldwell
Lake
Burr Oak
Lake
Eastwood
Lake
Vesuvius
Lake
Lake
Delaware
Guilford
Lake
Piedmont
Lake
Punderson
Lake
Zepernick
Lake
Leesville
Lake
Beach City
Lake
Deer Creek
Lake
Rocky Fork
Lake
Clendening
Lake
Rush
Creek Lake
Alum Creek
Lake
Pymatuning
Lake
Springfield Lake
Berlin
Reservoir
Dillon
Reservoir
Reservoir
Paint Creek
Lake
Hoover
Reservoir
Reservoir
Turkey Creek
Lake
Lake
Timbre Ridge
Lake
Highlandtown
Lake
Bresler
Killdeer
Nimisila
Reservoir
Lake
Mogadore
Reservoir
Wolf Run
Reservoir
Salt Fork
Reservoir
Delta Reservoir
Reservoir
Stonelick
Reservoir
Barnesville
Reservoir #4
Lima Lake
South Bass
Clear Fork
Grand Lake
Reservoir
Buck Creek Reservoir
(
C.J. Brown Reservoir)
Mineral Springs
Lake
Findlay Reservoir
East Branch
Reservoir
Reservoir
West Branch Reservoir
(
Michael J. Kirwan Lake)
Raccoon Creek
Norwalk Upper
O'Shaughnessy
Reservoir
Upper Sandusky
Kelleys
Lake Lacomte
Middle Bass
Walborn Reservoir
(
Meyers Lake)
Reservoir
Pleasant Hill
Lake Lamberjack # 3
#1 & # 2
Outhwaite
Reservoir
Island
Reservoir
St. Marys
New London
#1 & #2
Beaver Creek
Reservoir
Reservoir
Reservoir
Island
Reservoir # 5
Island
Veterans Memorial
Reservoir # 6
Put-In-Bay
Pond #8
ellington
North Bass
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f o r i n f o r m a t i o n s p e c i f i c t o y o u r a r e a , c o n t a c t y o u r r e g i o n a l d i s t r i c t o f f i c e
e CENTRAL OHIO
Wildlife District One
1500 Dublin Road
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 644-3925
HEADQUARTERS
DIVISION OF WILDLIFE
2045 Morse Road, Bldg. G-2 • Columbus, Ohio 43229-6693
1-800-WILDLIFE • (614) 265-6300 (Voice) • 1-800-750-0750 (Ohio Relay-TDD)
wildohio.com
e NORTHWEST OHIO
Wildlife District Two
952 Lima Avenue
Findlay, Ohio 45840
(419) 424-5000
e NORTHEAST OHIO
Wildlife District Three
912 Portage Lakes Drive
Akron, Ohio 44319
(330) 644-2293
e SOUTHEAST OHIO
Wildlife District Four
360 E. State Street
Athens, Ohio 45701
(740) 589-9930
e SOUTHWEST OHIO
Wildlife District Five
1076 Old Springfield Pike
Xenia, Ohio 45385
(937) 372-9261
Land elevation in feet
Water depth in feet
427-500
500-600
>1500
1200-1300
1300-1400
600-700
1400-1500
700-800
800-900
900-1000
1000-1100
1100-1200
0-6
7-12
67-84
49-54
55-60
13-18
61-66
19-24
25-30
31-36
37-42
43-48
Map Courtesy of ODNR Geological Survey
6
l a r g e m o u t h b a s s
Micropterus salmoides
b l a c k b a s s • b i g m o u t h b a s s
IDENTIFICATION: The back part of the jaw extends
beyond the back border of the eye when the mouth is
closed. A dark lateral band extends from head to tail.
Smallmouth bass are similar in appearance, but the
upper jaw does not extend beyond the back border of
the eye when the mouth is closed. Spotted bass have a
dark spot on the gill cover and spots or dark streaks on
the lower side of the body. All spotted bass will have
a patch of teeth on their tongue, whereas very few
largemouth bass have these tooth patches.
FISHING TIPS: Largemouth bass can be caught on a
wide variety of natural and artificial baits using casting,
spinning, and fly fishing gear. The best time to fish for
bass is May, June, and July.
ADULT SIZE: Normally 12-15 inches and weigh 1-3
pounds, but can reach over 25 inches and 13 pounds.
FOOD: Adults eat crayfish, frogs, large insects, and
fishes.
SPAWNING: From mid-April to mid-June, they
construct nests near shore in water from 1-15 feet
deep. They prefer silt-free sandy or gravelly bottoms,
but they will use any type of bottom.
RANGE AND HABITAT: Largemouth bass are found
in ponds, lakes, and slow sluggish streams in every
county in Ohio.
7
s m a l l m o u t h b a s s
Micropterus dolomieu
b r o w n b a s s • b r o w n i e • s m a l l i e
IDENTIFICATION: When mouth is closed, the lower
part of the jaw does not extend beyond the rear of the
eye. Color varies from yellow-green to olive-green with
bronze iridescence. Adults have prominent dark vertical
bars along their sides.
FISHING TIPS: Flyfishing, baitcasting, and spincasting
with a variety of lures are all popular ways of taking
smallmouth bass. Live baits such as hellgrammites, soft
craws, and minnows are also popular. May and June are
the most productive months for smallmouth fishing in
Ohio; however, late summer can be productive for Lake
Erie smallmouth.
ADULT SIZE: Normally 12-15 inches and weigh 1-2
pounds
FOOD: Aquatic insects, crayfish, and small fish
SPAWNING: Occurs in May to early June when water
temperature is 55-65°F. Nests are built in gravel or hard
bottom substrates in 2 to 20 feet of water. The female
lays between 2,000 to 15,000 eggs. The male guards
the nest and the fry for a short time. Young smallmouth
feed on zooplankton and insect larvae.
RANGE AND HABITAT: Thrive in streams with gravel
or rock bottoms with a visible current. Abundant in
the reef areas and rocky shorelines of Lake Erie. Often
abundant in upground reservoirs in northwest Ohio and
in quarries.
8
s p o t t e d b a s s
Micropterus punctulatus
k e n t u c k y b a s s • s p o t s
IDENTIFICATION: Spotted bass have dark spots on
the gill cover and spots or streaks on the lower sides
of the body. The upper jaw does not extend beyond
the back of the eye when the jaw is closed. Looks very
similar to largemouth bass except that spotted bass
have a patch of teeth on their tongue, whereas very few
largemouth bass have tooth patches.
FISHING TIPS: Spotted bass can be caught on a
wide variety of natural and artificial baits using casting,
spinning, and fly fishing gear. The best time of year to
catch spotted bass is May, June, and July, but they can be
caught throughout the year.
ADULT SIZE: Normally 12 inches and weigh less than a
pound, but can reach over 5 pounds in Ohio.
FOOD: Adults eat insects, crayfish, frogs, and fishes.
SPAWNING: During mid-April to mid-June. Nests are
constructed on a rock or gravel substrate near cover.
The males construct nests allowing the females to lay
between 1,100 and 47,000 eggs. Males guard the eggs
and fry.
RANGE AND HABITAT: Spotted bass occur in low
gradient streams in southern Ohio.
9
b l u e g i l l
Lepomis macrochirus
b r e a m • s u n f i s h
IDENTIFICATION: A deep slab-sided fish with a small
mouth and a long pectoral fin. Colors vary, however the
ear flap is always black and bluegills often have a black
blotch near the end of the soft dorsal fin.
FISHING TIPS: Live or natural bait such as red worms,
insects, or wax worms on a small (#8 or #10) hook are
productive. Fly fishing is also popular.
ADULT SIZE: Normally 6-10 inches, depending on
habitat and population
FOOD: Insects, insect larvae, small fish, and fish eggs,.
SPAWNING: Peak spawning in Ohio occurs in mid-
May to mid-June, when water temperatures are 65-70°F.
Nests are usually built in water 1-4 feet deep on sand
or gravel bottoms, or on other bottom substrates, even
in heavily vegetated areas. Bluegill typically build nests in
large groups, or beds. Males select an area and sweep
out a saucer shaped nest with their tails. The females
then lay between 10,000 to 60,000 eggs in the nest
which are guarded by the male. The eggs usually hatch
in about five days.
RANGE AND HABITAT: Common throughout Ohio,
but they prefer clear ponds and lakes with rooted
vegetation.
10
r e d e a r s u n f i s h
Lepomis microlophus
s h e l l c r a c k e r • s t u m p k n o c k e r
IDENTIFICATION: A deep slab-sided fish similar to
the bluegill, except the ear flap is black with a red or
orange margin; black blotch at the base of the dorsal fin
is absent.
FISHING TIPS: Most often caught with live baits such
as red worms or wax worms fished on a small hook in
the spring. Males are especially easy to catch during the
spring when they aggressively guard spawning nests
along the shoreline. Small spinners and flies can also be
successful. After spawning they move to deeper water
near stumps or weedbeds.
ADULT SIZE: Normally 9-11 inches
FOOD: Snails and other mollusks, crayfish, insects and
insect larvae, small fish. Their habit of eating snails led
to the name “shellcracker.” With a preferred diet of
snails, redear sunfush use specially modified teeth in
the throat that allow them to crush a mollusk shell and
extract the snail.
SPAWNING: Usually during mid-May through June
when water temperatures are 65-75°F. Preferred
spawning locations are 1-4 feet of water with sand or
gravel bottoms, or on any other bottom substrates and
in deeper water.
RANGE AND HABITAT: Not native to Ohio; stocked
in small lakes and ponds throughout Ohio. Found
primarily in clear, warm, waters with vegetation. Their
attraction to submerged stumps has led to the name
“stumpknocker.” Not as common as bluegills.
11
p u m p k i n s e e d
Lepomis gibbosus
p u n k y s
IDENTIFICATION: A very colorful, deep-bodied, slab-
sided fish with a small mouth. Breast and belly are orange
to yellow, with lighter colored sides in a variety of bright
colors. The ear flap is black bordered with an orange-red
spot.
FISHING TIPS: As with other sunfish, a small
hook baited with worms or wax worms will catch
pumpkinseeds. Small artifical lures and flies also work
well.
ADULT SIZE: Normally 5-8 inches
FOOD: Insects and insect larvae, some snails and fish
SPAWNING: Similar to other sunfish - eggs laid in a
shallow nest near shore. Peak spawning is in May and
June, at water temperatures of 65-75°F. Males guard the
nest until the eggs hatch. The female will lay between
1,600 to 2,900 eggs.
RANGE AND HABITAT: Widespread throughout the
Lake Erie drainage, only scattered populations in the
Ohio River. Prefer still waters with dense submerged
vegetation.
12
g r e e n s u n f i s h
Lepomis cyanellus
s u n f i s h
IDENTIFICATION: Moderately compressed body, but
not as deep-bodied as other sunfishes. Mouth is relatively
large, with the upper jaw reaching back to the middle
of the eye; back color is bluish-green with emerald and
yellow iridescence and the belly is yellow to white in
color. Has short ear flaps with light colored margins. Anal
fin has 3 hard spines.
FISHING TIPS: Most green sunfish are caught
accidentally while fishing for other sunfish species; they
are aggressive and bite readily on red worms, wax worms
or minnows.
ADULT SIZE: Normally 3-7 inches
FOOD: Insects, mollusks, and small fishes. Their relatively
large mouth allows them to eat hard-bodied insects and
mollusks.
SPAWNING: Similar to other sunfish; eggs laid in a
shallow nest near shore. Spawning occurs after the
water temperature exceeds 68°F. The female then lays
between 2,000 to 26,000 eggs. Males defend the nest
for the three to five days it takes the eggs to hatch.
RANGE AND HABITAT: Most lakes and streams
throughout Ohio; tolerant of turbid water unlike other
sunfishes. Usually associated with structure such as
brush, vegetation, rock piles, etc.
13
w h i t e c r a p p i e
Pomoxis annularis
p a p e r m o u t h • s p e c k s
IDENTIFICATION: Olive or brownish-green back
with silvery white sides. Back and sides have 5-10 dusky
or black vertical bands. Spiny dorsal fin, anal fin, and tail
contain a combination of dark spots and bands. Dorsal
fin typically contains 5-6 spines.
FISHING TIPS: April through June fish close to shore
in areas with brush, stumps, docks, etc. for spawning
crappies. During summer and early fall, fish deeper areas
along old creek channels, roadbeds, and submerged
points and humps. Crappies move back inshore later in
the fall. Best baits are live minnows, small jigs, doll flies,
and spinners.
ADULT SIZE: Usually 6-12 inches, but can reach
lengths of up to 18 inches and weigh over 3 pounds.
FOOD: Young crappies feed on zooplankton and larval
insects during their first year of life; as adults they
switch to a diet of small fish.
SPAWNING: Normally during May and June. Nests in
and around brush, rocks, or vegetation in water 1-5
feet deep.
RANGE AND HABITAT: Found throughout Ohio,
especially in larger ponds, lakes, rivers, and inshore
waters of western Lake Erie. Tolerant of a wide variety
of habitats and conditions including areas of silt and
turbidity. Usually found near structure such as fallen
trees, stumps, docks, rocks, and aquatic vegetation.
14
b l a c k c r a p p i e
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
p a p e r m o u t h • s p e c k s
IDENTIFICATION: Black crappie closely resemble
white crappie, but have deeper bodies. Furthermore,
their head, back and sides are mottled with dusky or black
blotches. These blotches do not form vertical bands as on
white crappie. The most reliable characteristic, however,
is that black crappie have seven or eight dorsal spines.
FISHING TIPS: Black crappie bite best on live minnows,
small jigs, and spinners. The spring spawning season is
the best time to fish for black crappie. Anglers should
concentrate on areas with brush, stumps, and docks.
During summer and early fall crappie are usually found
in deeper water along creek channels, roadbeds and
submerged points. Late fall can be another hot time for
crappie as they move inshore again for a short time.
ADULT SIZE: average 8 to 12 inches
FOOD: After hatching, crappie feed on zooplankton and
insect larvae. As they grow, crappie switch primarily to
a diet of small fish.
SPAWNING: Black crappie spawn during May and June
in Ohio. They nest on the bottom in and around brush,
rocks, or vegetation in water between 1 and 5 feet deep.
Males construct a nest by fanning out small depressions.
Females then lay 5,000 to 30,000 eggs in the nest.
RANGE AND HABITAT: Found throughout the state
prefering clear water containing aquatic vegetation. They
are less tolerant of silt and turbidity than white crappie.
15
r o c k b a s s
Ambloplites rupestris
g o g g l e - e y e • r e d - e y e
IDENTIFICATION: Body is thick and heavy with a
dark slate or olive green color with bronze and coppery
iridescence. Mouth is large with the upper jaw extending
past the middle of the eye. Eyes are sometimes various
shades of red. Usually has 6 anal fin spines.
FISHING TIPS: Small natural and artifical baits fished
near large boulders, stumps, vegetation, or docks. Small
spinner lures, hellgrammites, small crayfish, leeches,
worms, and minnows are ideal baits.
ADULT SIZE: Normally 7-10 inches
FOOD: Aquatic insects, crayfish, small fish
SPAWNING: Usually in May and June when water
temperatures are 60 - 70°F. Spawning is similar to other
sunfish species. Females deposit up to 10,000 eggs in a
nest, often with more than one female using the same
nest. Males remain over the nest to fan the eggs and
maintain water flow over the eggs until they hatch in
three to four days.
RANGE AND HABITAT: Widespread throughout
Ohio; prefers clearer streams with coarse gravel
and boulders. Common in Lake Erie near reefs, large
boulders, and around docks.
16
l o n g e a r s u n f i s h
Lepomis megalotis
IDENTIFICATION: Back is olive-green with blue-
green specks on sides; belly is orange or yellow. Ear
flaps are longer than those of other sunfish, and are
black, occasionally with a white border.
FISHING TIPS: Due to their small size, few anglers
pursue longear sunfish and most that are caught are
accidental. Small hooks baited with red worms or wax
worms are effective.
ADULT SIZE: Longear grow slowly and can take up to
three years to reach 4 inches in length. Seldom exceeds
6 inches
FOOD: Insects and insect larvae
SPAWNING: Similar to other sunfish; eggs laid in a
shallow nest near shore. Spawning begins when water
temperature reaches 68-78°F. Males select a spawning
site where the females lay up to 22,000 eggs in a single
nest. Males remain with the nest to guard the eggs until
hatching.
RANGE AND HABITAT: Clear streams and lakes
throughout Ohio; common in the Scioto River
drainage. Prefer sluggish clear streams of moderate size
with beds of aquatic vegetation.
17
w a l l e y e
Sander vitreus
p i c k e r e l • y e l l o w p i k e • w a l l e y e d p i k e
IDENTIFICATION: Has a long slender body with a
yellow-olive and bluish-brassy overcast on the sides;
the belly is milky white. It has a large clouded eye and
a dark blotch on the webbing between the last three
spines of the first dorsal fin. Also has numerous sharp
teeth. Similar in appearance to a sauger or saugeye.
FISHING TIPS: Jigging lures tipped with shiners while
ice fishing, bottom bouncing lures or casting weight
forward spinner tipped with a nightcrawler, and flatline
and controlled depth trolling are all very popular
methods for catching walleye. Pre-dawn, dusk and
cloudy days are the best times to fish.
ADULT SIZE: Normally 14-22 inches and weigh 2-4
pounds. May reach 36 inches and weigh over 16 pounds.
FOOD: Walleye feed mostly on emerald shiners,
gizzard shad, alewifes, and rainbow smelt
SPAWNING: Lake Erie walleyes spawn throughout
April when water temperature is 40-50°F. Eggs are
scattered over gravel or reef areas of Lake Erie or in
the riffle areas of tributary streams. Females can lay as
many as 400,000 eggs. The eggs hatch in about 10 days.
RANGE AND HABITAT: Naturally occurs in Lake
Erie, the Ohio River, and is stocked into several inland
reservoirs in Ohio. Prefers clear to slightly turbid
waters with reefs, gravel shoals, bedrock, and other
firm bottoms.
18
s a u g e r
Sander canadensis
j a c k s
IDENTIFICATION: Sharp teeth and large cloudy eyes.
Body is cylindrical with dark blotches along the sides.
Spiny dorsal fin has large rows of dark spots between
spines.
FISHING TIPS: Jigs, minnows, or crankbaits fished
near the bottom are often productive. Tailwaters
below dams on the Ohio River and major tributaries
are the best areas. Late fall and early spring are the
most productive times.
ADULT SIZE: Normally 9-15 inches, and weigh less
than one pound; may reach 7 pounds in Ohio.
FOOD: Sauger prefer to forage for aquatic insects,
crayfish, and small fishes during periods of low light
(dawn and dusk).
SPAWNING: Eggs are scattered over gravel or other
rocky substrates in the spring. Females lay between
10,000 to 50,000 eggs. The eggs are adhesive and stick
to vegetation, sticks, and stones until they hatch in 10
days or more.
RANGE AND HABITAT: Ohio River, Lake Erie, and
their tributaries. Prefers large, turbid slow-moving
rivers and large, cool shallow lakes.
19
s a u g e y e
Sander vitreus x Sander canadensis
IDENTIFICATION: Saugeye are similar to walleye
and sauger. Dark bars between the spines on the spiny
dorsal fin are the best identifying characteristic for this
fish. Sharp teeth, dark blotches on the sides, and a white
tip on the lower tail also help identify the saugeye.
FISHING TIPS: Many saugeyes are caught in tailwater
areas downstream from the lakes and impoundments
where they have been stocked. Crankbaits, and jigs with
hair, feathers, or plastic tails are good artifical lures. Live
minnows and nightcrawlers are also productive. Winter
is a good time to fish for saugeyes.
ADULT SIZE: Normally 13-16 inches and average one
pound: may grow to 13 pounds in Ohio.
FOOD: Primarily small fish
SPAWNING: Saugeyes rarely occur naturally; those
found in Ohio waters are stocked by the Ohio Division
of Wildlife. Saugeye are created by crossing walleye
eggs with sperm from a sauger. The result is a fast
growing fish that has excellent survival abilities. This
makes it ideal for stocking into Ohio reservoirs.
RANGE AND HABITAT: Stocked into many
impoundments in Ohio. Also found in streams and
rivers below stocked lakes. Saugeye are highly adaptable
to most lake and river environments and tolerate
turbid waters well.
20
y e l l o w p e r c h
Perca flavescens
l a k e p e r c h • r i n g e d p e r c h
IDENTIFICATION: Sides are golden yellow to brassy
green with 6 to 8 broad, dark vertical bands and a white
to yellow belly. Many small teeth, but no large canines.
FISHING TIPS: Best angling occurs in spring near shore
and in the fall through winter at various depths using
spreaders with minnows, shiners, worms, or cut bait
fished near the bottom. Ice fishing often produces some
of the best catch rates for yellow perch.
ADULT SIZE: Normally 5-12 inches and weigh 1/4 - 1
pound; can exceed 2 pounds
FOOD: Adult aquatic insects and larvae, and small fishes
SPAWNING: Occurs from mid-April to early May. Eggs
are deposited in adhesive bands over vegetation or on
the bottom with no care given by the parents.
RANGE AND HABITAT: Native to Ohio, yellow
perch are found in Lake Erie and impoundments, ponds
and slow moving rivers throughout Ohio. Yellow perch
prefer clear water with moderate vegetation and sand or
gravel on the bottom.
21
c h a n n e l c a t f i s h
IDENTIFICATION: Channel catfish are scaleless and
have slender bodies, deeply forked tails, barbels around
the mouth, and curved anal fins with 24-30 rays. Color
varies, but is generally bluish-silver on the upper half
of the body and silver to white on the lower half. Most
young fish have spots on the body. They have sharp
spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins. Some anglers
mistakenly call channel catfish with few or no spots blue
catfish, but blue catfish are found only in the Ohio River.
FISHING TIPS: Channel catfish feed on or near the
bottom. Nightcrawlers, shrimp, crayfish, chicken livers,
and minnows are effective. Spinning or casting tackle
with a sinker heavy enough to keep the bait on the
bottom is commonly used. A good time to catch channel
catfish is after a hard rain when the water is on the rise.
Ictalurus punctatus
s p o t t e d c a t
ADULT SIZE: Most range from 12-14 inches. Can reach
10 pounds or more, especially in large river systems and
productive lakes.
FOOD: Insect larvae, crayfish, mollusks, and small fish
SPAWNING: Begins when water temperatures reach
the mid-70s. Nests are secluded in natural cavities,
banks, and burrows.
RANGE AND HABITAT: Channel catfish are common
in most large streams and lakes throughout Ohio.
They are found in greatest numbers in areas with deep
water, clean gravel and boulder substrates, and low to
moderate current.
22
b u l l h e a d c a t f i s h
IDENTIFICATION: Bullheads are often difficult to
identify. All 3 species (black, brown, yellow) are scaleless
and have similar body color, varying from yellow-olive-
brown to brownish-black; all have yellow to white bodies.
FISHING TIPS: Bullheads bite readily and can be caught
using simple, inexpensive equipment. A variety of baits
work well such as nightcrawlers, chicken livers, or red
worms fished near the bottom.
ADULT SIZE: Normally 10-12 inches and weigh less
than 1 pound. Brown bullheads generally are the largest
of the bullhead species.
FOOD: Insect larvae, small crayfish, snails, and dead fish.
Bullheads feed primarily by taste and smell and are most
active at night.
Ameiurus spp
y e l l o w b u l l h e a d • b l a c k b u l l h e a d • b r o w n b u l l h e a d
SPAWNING: From mid-April to mid-June, they
construct nests near shore in water from 1-15 feet deep.
They prefer silt-free sandy or gravelly bottoms, but they
will use any type of bottom.
RANGE AND HABITAT: Bullheads are relatively
common throughout the state. Black bullheads are able
to tolerate more turbid water than brown or yellow
bullheads. Brown bullheads are commonly found in
water areas with little or no vegetation and having
relatively clean, clear water. They are most numerous in
the northern third of Ohio. Yellow bullheads are most
numerous in areas with heavy vegetation. The largest
populations are in west central Ohio.
23
f l a t h e a d c a t f i s h
Pylodictis olivaris
s h o v e l h e a d • y e l l o w c a t f i s h
IDENTIFICATION: Flathead catfish are the only
catfish in Ohio whose head is flattened between the
eyes and whose lower jaw is longer than the upper jaw.
They are the only large catfish with a square tail. Body
color is usually yellow-olive or a dark brown with dark
brown blotches. The belly is yellow or yellowish white.
FISHING TIPS: Heavy tackle is required when fishing
for large flatheads. Live bait, such as a large sucker or
chub, is a necessity for successful flathead angling. Cast
baits in or around large submerged objects or drift
piles. Flatheads are often caught on trotlines.
ADULT SIZE: Most flatheads in Ohio are 15-30 inches
and 5-40 pounds. Flathead catfish have been known to
exceed 5 feet in length and 80 pounds.
FOOD: Unlike channel catfish, flathead catfish rarely
feed upon dead or decaying matter. Primary food items
include live fish and crayfish
SPAWNING: Occurs when water temperatures reach
70°F. Flathead catfish build their nests in dark secluded
shelters such as natural cavities, undercut banks, or
near a large submerged object.
RANGE AND HABITAT: Common in large river
systems, a few inland lakes, and some reservoirs in the
Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District. Adults
prefer deep pools with slow current and nearby cover,
such as submerged logs and drift piles.
24
w h i t e b a s s
Morone chrysops
s i l v e r b a s s
IDENTIFICATION: Have an overall silvery color with
steel-blue iridescence and a milk-white belly. The 2 dorsal
fins are well separated and the spiny dorsal fin has 9
spines. There are 6 or more dark lateral lines on the sides
and back. Closely resembles the white perch.
FISHING TIPS: Still fish or drift fish minnows or cast
small spinners or plugs. Best fishing in Lake Erie is in
late April through May. White bass are often located by
watching for circling gulls and terns that are feeding on
the minnows driven to the surface by schooling white
bass.
ADULT SIZE: Normally 10-14 inches
FOOD: Small fish, aquatic insects
SPAWNING: Usually occurs in late April into May
when the fish move into the tributary streams or reef
areas of Lake Erie and near shore in larger lakes. Females
broadcast their eggs into the water where they are
fertilized by the males and then settle to the bottom
and adhere to hard surfaces. The eggs will hatch in
approximately two weeks.
RANGE AND HABITAT: Widespread throughout
Ohio, in larger lakes, Lake Erie, and the Ohio River. They
prefer open clear water with a firm bottom and water
depths of less than30 feet.
25
s t r i p e d b a s s
Morone saxatilis
s t r i p e r
IDENTIFICATION: Long, silvery fish with 7-9 distinct
lines running lengthwise along sides and back. Sharp
spine on gill cover. Teeth on the base of the tongue are
arranged in 2 parallel patches.
FISHING TIPS: Live gizzard shad are the most
productive live bait. Jigs, jigging spoons, and crankbaits
are good lures for casting. Trolling with large, deep-
diving crankbaits can also be effective.
ADULT SIZE: Normally 12-24 inches and weigh 1-5
pounds in Ohio. Grows much larger in saltwater
habitats. Striped bass grow fast and can live up to 20
years in the wild. Those found in Ohio waters are
stocked by the Division of Wildlife.
FOOD: Primarily small fish
SPAWNING: Striped bass do not reproduce in Ohio.
RANGE AND HABITAT: Native to the Atlantic
Ocean, and its coastal tributaries. Striped bass
prefer large bodies of deep, cool water. Presently,
only stocked in Senecaville Lake and Kiser Lake in
Ohio to maintain broodstock for hybrid striped bass
production. Occur occasionally in the Ohio River.
26
h y b r i d s t r i p e d b a s s
Morone saxatilis x M. chrysops
w i p e r • s u s h i n e b a s s
IDENTIFICATION: A silver, deep-bodied fish, similar
to white bass. Stripes along sides and back are distinct,
usually broken, with several extending to the tail. Teeth
on the base of the tongue are arranged in 2 parallel
patches.
FISHING TIPS: Effective baits include live shad,
nightcrawlers, and soft crayfish. Jigs, jigging spoons, and
crankbaits are good lures for casting. Trolling with large
deep-diving crankbaits can be productive. Fish live baits
near the bottom. They can often be found by watching
gulls circling and feeding on the water. This happens
when schools of hybrid striped bass herd gizzard
shad to the water’s surface where the shad are easier
to catch. Hybrids are fast growing fish that are hard
fighters when hooked.
ADULT SIZE: Normally 12-22 inches and weigh 1-5
pounds, but may grow to 16 pounds in Ohio
FOOD: Larval insects, worms, and small fish
SPAWNING: Does not occur naturally, those found
in Ohio waters are stocked by the Ohio Division of
Wildlife.
RANGE AND HABITAT: This fish has been stocked
in several impoundments in Ohio and the Ohio River.
Hybrid stripers often use open water habitat, and are
more tolerant of warmer water than striped bass.
27
w h i t e p e r c h
Morone americana
s i l v e r p e r c h • g r a y p e r c h • b l u e n o s e p e r c h
IDENTIFICATION: Olive to silver-gray in color with a
bluish tint on the lower jaw. A lack of dark lines on its
sides distinguishes it from the white bass.
FISHING TIPS: The best angling occurs in spring near
shore and in major tributaries. Good fall catches can
occur at various water depths using spreaders with
minnows, shiners, red worms, or cut bait fished near the
bottom.
ADULT SIZE: Normally 7-12 inches and weigh 1/4 -1
pound
FOOD: Larval insects, crayfish, small fish, and are known
to feed extensively on the eggs of other species
SPAWNING: White perch spawn in shallow tributary
waters in April and May. Small adhesive eggs are
randomly released in shallow riffle areas.
RANGE AND HABITAT: Originally found in brackish
waters along the Atlantic Coast from Nova Scotia to
Georgia, white perch are now present throughout Lake
Erie. Recently found in the Ohio River. Prefers clear
water with little preference for bottom type.
28
m u s k e l l u n g e
Esox masquinongy
m u s k i e
IDENTIFICATION: A long, slender fish with a large
mouth and numerous teeth. Scales on cheeks are found
only on the upper half and gill cover. Muskies lack a spiny
dorsal fin, but do have a soft-rayed fin and soft-rayed
ventral fin, both just in front of the tail. Muskie have 7-11
sensory pores on the underside of each side of the lower
jaw.
FISHING TIPS: Bait casting and trolling large plugs,
spoons, and spinner baits are the most popular ways to
catch muskies.
ADULT SIZE: Males typically range from 22-39 inches
and weigh 3-21 pounds; females typically range from
22-50 inches and weigh from 3-40 pounds.
FOOD: Soft-rayed fish such as suckers and gizzard shad
SPAWNING: Usually in April when the water
temperature reaches the low 50s. Eggs are dropped on
soft shallow bottoms where they adhere to vegetation
and other debris. Females will drop as many as 200,000
eggs. Reproduction in Ohio is limited to non-existent.
RANGE AND HABITAT: Historically abundant in
Lake Erie and larger streams in the Ohio River drainage.
Today found primarily in lakes where they have been
stocked and occasionally in Lake Erie and Ohio River
tributaries. Ideal habitat is heavily vegetated with
submerged stumps, brush, and logs and water 3-4 feet
deep.
29
n o r t h e r n p i k e
Esox lucius
n o r t h e r n • p i k e • h a m m e r h a n d l e s
IDENTIFICATION: Lower half of the gill cover is
scaleless with a fully scaled cheek. Northern pike usually
have fewer than 7 sensory pores on the underside of
each side of the lower jaw.
FISHING TIPS: Large minnows or chubs seem to be
more productive than artificial lures.
ADULT SIZE: Normally 20-32 inches and weigh 2-10
pounds
FOOD: Soft-rayed fish such as shad and suckers but
will take nearly anything they can fit in their mouth,
including frogs, muskrats, and small ducks.
SPAWNING: Soon after the ice-out in late February or
early March, Northern pike move in tributary streams
to spawn. Natural reproduction in Ohio outside of
Lake Erie is limited. Females spread between 15,000
to 75,000 eggs freely into vegetated areas. As the eggs
settle they adhere to vegetation, rocks, sticks and
other debris until they hatch in about two weeks.
RANGE AND HABITAT: Once abundant in Lake Erie,
Northern pike are now primarily limited to the marshes
and bays of the Western Basin of Lake Erie.
30
c o m m o n c a r p
Cyprinus carpio
m i r r o r c a r p • l e a t h e r c a r p
IDENTIFICATION: A stout, bronze-gold to golden-
yellow fish with a yellowish belly. The upper jaw has two
barbels on each side, the largest at the back of the jaw.
Partially scaled or scaless individuals are often called
“half-scaled,” “mirror,” or “leather” carp.
FISHING TIPS: Dough balls, worms, crayfish tails, or
similar baits fished on the bottom often produce good
catches of carp. Bowfishing, gigging, snagging, and spearing
are also popular ways of harvesting carp, especially when
receding water levels leave them stranded in shallow
pools.
ADULT SIZE: Generally between 1-10 pounds,
occasionally up to 50-60 pounds and 40 inches long
FOOD: Primarily insect larvae, crustaceans, mollusks,
and small fish
SPAWNING: In shallow waters during April into June.
Eggs are scattered in vegetation, debris, or roots in 1-4
feet of water. Large females lay between 100,000 and
500,000 eggs.
RANGE AND HABITAT: Originally found in Europe
and Asia, but introduced into North America in the
1870s. Now found in warm lakes, rivers, streams, and
ponds throughout Ohio. Carp prefer turbid waters rich
in organic matter and do not multiply readily in clear,
cool waters.
31
f r e s h w a t e r d r u m
Aplodinotus grunniens
s h e e p h e a d • g r u n t e r • s i l v e r b a s s • g r a y b a s s
IDENTIFICATION: Silver-gray in color and rounded
tail
FISHING TIPS: Frequently taken by anglers fishing for
other species with both artificial and live baits.
ADULT SIZE: Normally 12-30 inches; can reach 20
pounds or more
FOOD: Larval insects, crayfish, small fish, snails, and zebra
mussels
SPAWNING: In spring to late summer; usually peaks
in July when water temperatures reach 70°F. Eggs are
buoyant and float near the surface of the water.
RANGE AND HABITAT: Large shallow lakes and
big rivers. Most abundant in Lake Erie. In rivers they
normally inhabit deeper pools.
32
b r o w n t r o u t
Salmo trutta
g e r m a n t r o u t
IDENTIFICATION: Color ranges from brown to gold
on back with a cream to slate-colored belly. Have black,
yellow, gray, or occasionally red spots surrounded by a
white halo. The adipose fin between dorsal and caudal fin
is prominent with spots. There are no spots on squarish
tail or wavy markings on back region.
FISHING TIPS: Fishing is most successful in the fall
through late spring, or during early and late hours during
the summer. Brown trout are usually pursued with fly
fishing equipment, with patterns that match local hatches
or nymphs of caddisfly, stonefly, or mayfly. Fly patterns of
ants, crickets, grasshoppers, and “wooly buggers” also
produce nice catches. Live bait such as nightcrawlers,
leeches, crayfish, minnows, and maggots can also be
productive.
FOOD: Small fish and insects
ADULT SIZE: Normally 10-13 inches; maximum of 29
inches
SPAWNING: Brown trout do not naturally reproduce
in Ohio. Division of Wildlife hatcheries rear brown
trout for roughly one year before stocking them.
RANGE AND HABITAT: Native to Europe. The Ohio
Division of Wildlife currently stocks brown trout in
selected streams. Prefered habitat includes coldwater
streams with boulders, cobble, logs, rootwads, and
overhead cover.
33
r a i n b o w t r o u t
Oncorhynchus mykiss
s t e e l h e a d
IDENTIFICATION: Has an adipose fin, squarish to
rounded tail, black spots throughout. Rainbow trout have
10-12 anal rays and a white mouth and gums (coho and
chinook salmon, occasionally found in Lake Erie, have gray
or black gums, more anal rays, and forked tails). Lake Erie
steelhead are generally bright silver with a bright pink band.
Males develop a hooked jaw known as a “kype” during the
spawning season.
FISHING TIPS: Most steelhead trout caught in Lake
Erie are caught while trolling deep running crankbaits and
spoons for walleye. In the early fall, however, shore anglers
east of Cleveland begin catching steelhead using spoons or
jigs tipped with maggots. After fish begin moving upstream
later in the fall, spawn bags, salmon eggs, flies, minnows,
and worms can be productive. The best locations for
steelhead are pools with deep water (2 feet or more) with
some current. Steelhead prefer slower moving water in the
winter, but move into shallower, swifter water in the spring
where they are often caught on flies, spinners, minnow-
shaped crankbaits, and jigs with maggots.
ADULT SIZE: Normally 20-23 inches, but can grow to 36
inches and 19 pounds
FOOD: Small fish and aquatic insects
SPAWNING: Natural reproduction is rare in Ohio.
RANGE AND HABITAT: Not native to Ohio, but
introduced throughout coldwater locations in the state.
Prefers coldwater streams with cobble, boulders, deep
pools, and overhead cover. In Ohio, rainbow trout stocked
into coldwater streams move to Lake Erie for a year or two
then return to that stream in the fall through spring months.
These fish are referred to as steelhead trout.
THREATENED
s pecies
34
p a d d l e f i s h
Polyodon spathula
s p o o n b i l l
IDENTIFICATION: No other fish in Ohio resembles
it. Long paddle-shaped snout. Blue-gray color,
large toothless mouth, small eyes, scaleless skin,
cartilaginous skeleton (no true bones).
ADULT SIZE: Juveniles usually 1-4 feet in length, adults
larger. Can reach over 5 feet in length and weigh over
100 pounds.
ATTENTION: Paddlefish are listed as a threatened
species in Ohio. If you catch one, you must release it.
FOOD: Young and adult fish filter zooplankton and
small insect larvae from the water with their long gill
rakers.
SPAWNING: In the spring during high flows in areas
of submerged gravel and cobble bars. A late maturing
species: males reach sexual maturity at 7-9 years;
females at 10-12 years.
RANGE AND HABITAT: Found in the Ohio River
and its larger tributaries up to the first dam. Prefers
sluggish pools and backwaters of these rivers and
streams.
ENDANGERED
s pecies
35
l a k e s t u r g e o n
Acipenser fulvescens
g r e a t l a k e s s t u r g e o n • r o c k s t u r g e o n
IDENTIFICATION: Numerous body plates on its
back, sides, and belly. Coarse textured skin is scaleless.
Four long barbels on its snout.
ADULT SIZE: Can exceed 6 feet and 200 pounds. Lake
sturgeon can live as long as 150 years.
FOOD: Larval insects, crayfish, some fish, and plant
material
ATTENTION: Because this is a state endangered
species, if you catch one, you must release it.
SPAWNING: In April or May. Requires river or lake
habitats with clean cobble to boulder substrates for
spawning. Preferred spawning depth is between 2 and
15 feet. Females reach sexual maturity at 20 to 25
years of age and carry 4,000 to 5,000 eggs per pound
of body weight. Individuals will only spawn once every
four to seven years.
RANGE AND HABITAT: Historically found in large
rivers and lakes. In Ohio, it is classified as a state
endangered species. Present in Lake Erie, but probably
extirpated in the Ohio River drainage after that system
was impounded in 1916.
36
l o n g n o s e g a r
Lepisosteus osseus
s t r i p e d s h i n e r
Luxilus chrysocephalus
g o l d e n r e d h o r s e
Moxostoma erythrurum
w a r m o u t h
Lepomis gulosus
s o u t h e r n r e d b e l l y d a c e
Phoxinus erythrogaster
common fish you may encounter in ohio
b l a c k r e d h o r s e
Moxostoma duquesnei
37
n o r t h e r n h o g s u c k e r
Hypentelium nigricans
g r e e n s i d e d a r t e r
Etheostoma blennioides
j o h n n y d a r t e r
Etheostoma nigrum
l o g p e r c h d a r t e r
Percina caprodes
r a i n b o w d a r t e r
Etheostoma caeruleum
38
F I S H I N G F U N D A M E N T A L S
Generations of anglers began
fishing as kids by using simple
canepole rigs. Some even used
a long stick, a piece of string,
a cork, and a fish hook. Today,
basic fishing equipment is more
sophisticated, but still easy to
use. Listed below is what you will
need as a beginner learning the
fundamentals of fishing.
Your safety, and the safety of
others, is a vital part of fishing.
Careless use of fishing equipment
can result in an injury. As you
learn the fundamentals of fishing
and become more confident in
your level of skill, safe fishing
practices will become automatic.
But always regard safety as an
important part of learning how
to fish. Look for this symbol
(
) for some safety tips.
39
SINKERS
A si n ker is a weig ht
designed to keep a bait
down in the water. Sink-
ers come in a variety of
sizes and styles for dif-
ferent uses. Some sink-
ers are made to keep
a bait on the bottom,
while others are made
to suspend a bait be-
neath a bobber.
Don’t use your
mouth to tie a knot
around a sinker or to
place a piece of split
shot on fishing line;
you might acciden-
tally swallow it.
HOOKS
Hooks come in a vari-
ety of sizes and styles.
Small hooks in size 6, 8,
or 10 are good for pan-
fish. Sizes 4 to 2/0 are
best for most bass and
walleyes. Large hooks in
sizes above 2/0 are used
for catfish, large bass,
and muskie.
Always handle
fishing hooks with
extreme care, as they
are sharp and can
cause serious injury.
RODS AND REELS
For most young an-
glers, a 5- or 5 ½-foot
light-action fishing rod
equipped with a spin-
casting reel is best.
Spinning and baitcasting
tackle is more appro-
priate for more experi-
enced anglers.
Be careful how
you carry and cast
your fishing pole; it’s
longer than you think
and can easily strike
someone in the face.
Give yourself plenty
of open space to cast
safely.
LINE
Fishing lines come in
a variety of styles and
strengths. For general
purposes, monofilament
in the 4 to 8 pound test
range will work well.
Anglers seeking large
fish like flathead catfish
and muskie may want to
consider lines in the 20
to 30 pound test range.
Throw tangled
or unused line in
the trash. Loose line
often presents a haz-
ard to waterfowl and
other wild animals.
BOBBERS
Surface floats, or bob-
bers, are designed to
keep a bait hook sus-
pended at a spcific
depth. They also help
to signal when a fish
has taken the bait. Use
a bobber that is large
enough to suspend your
bait and sinker.
40
BUGS
Insect repellent will
greatly reduce annoy-
ances with bugs and
insects, allowing your
fishing experiance to be
an enjoyable one.
WATER
Always wear a personal flotation device (life jacket)
when fishing from a boat. Do not fish in rivers or
streams when they become flooded. Be very care-
ful when fishing from shore not to get so close to
the edge that you might fall in the water. Shore an-
glers should wear personal flotation devices, too.
SUNLIGHT
Wear protective clothing and limit exposure to
direct sunlight. Use a quality sunscreen when out-
doors on sunny days. Wear sunglasses to protect
your eyes.
WILDOHIO.COM
Young anglers today have unprecedented opportunities to learn about aquatic
resources. These opportunities include participation in angler education
courses, Aquatic Project WILD, fishing clinics, conservation club activities, and
other programs sponsored by the Division of Wildlife. For more information
on the Division’s aquatic resources education program or to access many of
our publications and information on fishing go to our Website: wildohio.com
KNIVES
Fillet and pocket knives
are handy to have when
fishing, but are even
more dangerous than
hooks. Take special care
to handle knives safely.
41
Palomar
1. Double about 4 inches of line and pass loop through eye.
2. Let hook hang loose and tie overhand knot in doubled line.
3. Pull loop of line far enough to pass over hook, swivel, or lure.
4. Pull tag end and standing line to tighten.
Moisten before fully tightening. Clip tag end.
Clinch (improved)
1. Pass line through eye of hook, swivel, or lure. Double back and make five turns
around the standing line. Thread line through first loop above the eye, then
through big loop as shown.
2. Hold tag end and standing line while coils are pulled up. Moisten and slide tight
against eye. Clip tag end.
COMMON
KNOTS
42
FATHEAD MINNOW: Fatheads are found in small creeks, especially in
muddy ones, and in ponds and small lakes, mainly in western
Ohio. They are one of the most commonly used bait minnows in
Ohio. Fatheads are propagated and sold at bait stores throughout
the state. Fatheads grow to about 3 inches.
NORTHERN CREEK CHUB: The creek chub lives in most Ohio streams. It
is a versatile minnow, growing to 10 inches or more. The smaller
1- to 4- inch minnows are used for crappie and bass fishing. The
bigger chubs are good bait for catfish, pike, and muskies.
COMMON EMERALD SHINER: Emerald shiners are popular and abundant
Lake Erie bait fish that are also found in the Ohio River and some
of its tributaries. Lake Erie perch fishermen rely on the emerald
shiner as the most popular bait for yellow perch.
POPULAR BAIT
P O P U L A R L I V E B A I T
43
GOLDEN SHINER: This large shiner reaches a length of 7 inches or
more. It can be found in low gradient streams, marshes, and
farm ponds and is sold in some bait stores. Golden shiners are
used mostly by largemouth bass and pike fishermen.
SPOTTAIL SHINER: This shiner is abundant in Lake Erie and is a very
popular bait with smallmouth bass fishermen.
BLUNTNOSE MINNOW: The bluntnose minnow is widespread
throughout the state. Millions are taken annually from streams
and used as bait. This small minnow is a good bait for bass,
crappies, and other panfish.
OHIO STONEROLLER MINNOW: This minnow lives in streams having
sandy-gravel bottoms. Males grow to 6 inches in length.
44
COMMON WHITE SUCKER: Abundant throughout the state, common
white suckers may grow more than 20 inches long. Those in
the 4- to 12-inch size range are used by catfish, muskie, and
pike anglers. Smaller ones, 2 to 4 inches long, are used for bass,
walleyes, and panfish.
GIZZARD SHAD: This shad is a good bait for hybrid striped bass, striped
bass and catfish. Gizzard shad are found in waters throughout
the state. Small shad are used whole; the larger ones are cut
up and used as “cut bait.”
BLUEGILL: The bluegill is a popular bait used on trotlines and banklines
for flathead catfish and large channel catfish. Small bluegills are
used by bass anglers. Other sunfish and small game fish may
also be used for bait if they are acquired legally.
45
NIGHT CRAWLERS: These large
earthworms are Ohio’s most popular
fish bait. Most are collected at night
when they come to the surface of the
ground. Just about any Ohio fish can
be caught on a night crawler.
HELLGRAMMITES: This aquatic larva of the dobsonfly is an excellent
fish bait. It is found under rocks in riffles of gravel bottomed, high
gradient streams. It is used to catch smallmouth bass, rock bass,
channel catfish, sunfish, and several other kinds of fish.
LEECHES: Leeches occur in waters
throughout the state. These annelid
worms have a sucker-type mouth and
reach a length of 3 to 4 inches. They
are used to catch walleye, smallmouth
bass, rock bass, and panfish.
RED WORMS: These small earth
worms rank close to night crawlers
in their popularity with fish and
anglers. The smaller worms are great
for panfish.
MAGGOTS OR MOUSIES: These are the larval stage of a fly. The
small, light-colored, wormlike larvae are excellent bait for bluegills,
crappies, perch, and other panfish.
WAX WORMS: Wax worms are the
larval stage of the bee moth, or wax
moth. The small white worms are
excellent bait for bluegills, crappies,
and rock bass.
CRAYFISH: Crayfish are an excellent bait for smallmouth bass, rock
bass, catfish, and several other kinds of fish. Crayfish occupy most
Ohio waters. Soft craws—crayfish in the soft-shelled stage of their
molt—are preferred by many anglers.
OTHER: Other live baits used by Ohio anglers include water dogs,
tadpoles, frogs, crickets, grasshoppers, and other insects.
46
Filleting Your Fish
FIRST, KEEP YOUR CATCH FRESH
Fish is a very perishable food. If
you plan to bring fish home from
a fishing trip, keep your catch alive
as long as possible. A good stringer,
fish basket or boat live well is fine
for short periods, especially when
the water is cool. But the best way
to keep fish fresh for a long trip is
to put them directly on ice.
When you are ready to fillet the
fish, first examine it for freshness.
The gills should be red or bright
pink and moist, not white or dull
pink and slimy. Fish odor should
not be excessive; the eyes should
appear fresh and clear.
GET THE RIGHT KNIFE
A good fillet knife has a long, thin,
flexible blade which should be kept
sharp. It is helpful to have a smooth,
flat board to use as a cutting
surface when you are filleting fish.
HOW TO STORE YOUR CATCH
Removing skin
Remove the skin from the fillet by inserting the knife at the tail
and cutting the meat from the skin. Hold the fillet in position
by pressing down on the skin, with your fingers. Repeat the
same steps on the other side of the fish.
Knife inserted behind gill cover
To start, make sure the fish is dead to avoid injuring yourself.
Make the first cut behind the gill cover. Be careful to cut only
until the knife touches the backbone. Do not cut through it.
Knife into fish along the rib cage
Turn the fish end-for-end and run the knife along the backbone
and dorsal fin. Cut deep enough to bounce the knife along the
top of the rib cage.
Knife through the fish and cutting toward tail
When the knife blade no longer contacts the rib cage, push
the knife through the width of the fish. The blade will exit on
the bottom of the fish near the vent. Continue cutting along
the bone until the fillet is cut off at the tail.
Cutting meat from rib cage
option 1) Hold the fillet away from the rib cage and carefully
cut the meat away from the ribs by running the knife along the
ribs. Cut through to the belly and remove the fillet.
option 2) Cut through the rib cage and remove the ribs along
with the fillet. An additional step is then required to cut the
ribs away from the meat.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Make sure to keep the fish cool during the filleting process.
47
Fish will taste best if they are
cooked soon after they are caught.
Fish can be stored in a refrigerator
for up to two days, but if you
cannot cook them within that time
they should be frozen.
The best freezing method is to
submerge the fillets completely in
a container of cold water. Plastic
freezer bags, freezer containers
and paper milk cartons are good
freezing packages. Tightly seal the
container and freeze it. This method
helps prevent freezer burn or
drying and preserves the fine flavor
of your catch.
Fish recipes can be found at
wildohio.com
Additional Preparations • Most sportfish taken in Ohio are safe to eat, but chemicals such as mercury and PCBs’ have been found in some fish from
certain waters. To reduce your exposure to these contaminants properly trim, skin, and cook your catch. Remove the skin and trim all the fat from the
belly flap, the line along the sides of the fish, along the back, and under the skin. Cooking does not destroy contaminants in fish, but heat from cooking
melts some of the fat in fish. Broil, grill, or bake the skinned fish on a rack so the fat drips away. Do not use the drippings to prepare sauces or gravies.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Make sure to keep the fish cool during the filleting process.
Removing skin
Remove the skin from the fillet by inserting the knife at the tail
and cutting the meat from the skin. Hold the fillet in position
by pressing down on the skin, with your fingers. Repeat the
same steps on the other side of the fish.
Knife inserted behind gill cover
To start, make sure the fish is dead to avoid injuring yourself.
Keep your hand clear of the barb. Make the first cut behind
the gill cover. Be careful to cut only until the knife touches the
backbone. Do not cut through it.
Knife into fish along the rib cage
Turn the fish end-for-end and run the knife along the backbone
and dorsal fin. Cut deep enough to bounce the knife along the
top of the rib cage. Cut around the “belly fat” of the fish. It is
more jelly-like in appearance and not good tasting.
Knife through the fish and cutting toward tail
When the knife blade no longer contacts the rib cage, push
the knife through the width of the fish. The blade will exit on
the bottom of the fish near the vent. Continue cutting along
the bone until the fillet is cut off at the tail.
If you catch a catfish, the same basic filleting instructions apply. You
do need to be more cautious in the way you handle the fish
48
OHIO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
PUBLICATION 5334 (R312)
Total Quantities Printed: 000,000 Unit cost: $0.000 Publication date: 4/12
DIVISION OF WILDLIFE
