COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Wildlife Council on Wednesday voted to approve a proposal, allowing a maximum of three fishing lines across the state, a new rule for fishers which will take effect Jan. 1, 2023.

The Ohio Wildlife Council is an eight-member board that approves all Division of Wildlife proposed rules and regulations.

What You Need To Know

  • The Ohio Wildlife Council voted to approve a proposal, allowing a maximum of three fishing lines across the state

  • The vote aligns Ohio's regulations with those already in effect in the Lake Erie Sport Fishing District, Ohio River fishing units, and Pymatuning Lake

  • Site-specific catfish regulations were removed by the council for Hoover Reservoir to align the fishing destination with statewide rules for blue and channel catfish

  • As of March 1, 2023, annual shooting range permit expirations will be one year from the date of issue rather than the last day of February

The vote aligns Ohio's regulations with those already in effect in the Lake Erie Sport Fishing District, Ohio River fishing units, and Pymatuning Lake with the increase in lines allowed per person.

Site-specific catfish regulations were removed by the council for Hoover Reservoir to align the fishing destination with statewide rules for blue and channel catfish. Starting Jan. 1, catfish anglers can harvest one blue catfish 35 inches or longer and one channel catfish 28 inches or longer. There are no restrictions on shorter fish.

According to a news release, the regulations were amended based on research showing the catfish fishery meets angler and agency expectations. The amendment will improve fish growth, reduce time for fish to reach trophy length and simplify harvest regulations. 

As of March 1, 2023, annual shooting range permit expirations will be one year from the date of issue rather than the last day of February, as approved by the council. An annual shooting range permit is required for all individuals age 18 or older visiting a Division of Wildlife Class A, B, or C range.

Additional decisions by the wildlife council included:

  • Remove of the size limit on crappie in the Mahoning River downstream of the Lake Milton dam.
  • Extend camping dates in Woodbury Wildlife Area to include the Friday before Memorial Day, including the wild turkey hunting season.
  • Update of the descriptions and boundaries in the restricted migratory bird hunting zone in Muddy Creek Bay so that it can be located using readily available modern technology.
  • Amend fishing regulations so float line restrictions apply only to public waters.

Related Stories