COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife awarded 9,723 Fish Ohio pins to successful fishers with meeting the requirements of certain amount of catches in 2022. In the Fish Ohio program, the trophy fishes have more than 400,000 catches being noticed since 1976. 

 What You Need To Know
  • ​The program acknowledges the 25 species of fish caught

  • When fishing in public waters, an Ohio fishing license must be required and purchased

  • The anglers receive the Fish Ohio pin for the first entry, then a Master Angler pin for four different species in the same year

​The program acknowledges the 25 species of fish caught. The anglers receive the Fish Ohio pin for the first entry, then a Master Angler pin for four different species in the same year. For applications for a Fish Ohio pin and requirements, click here.

“Fish Ohio inspires anglers to go fishing, and then celebrates their success,” said Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker.

Next year, the Fish Ohio program will feature a walleye pin.

The best spot to catch a Fish Ohio-qualifying walleye is at Lake Erie. Anglers caught 1,348 Fish Ohio walleye with length at least 28 inches long just last year. Lake Erie’s largest Fish Ohio walleye was measured at 34 inches.

In the Fish Ohio  records, the three of the most popular species at inland lakes across the Buckeye State comprise largemouth bass, saugeye and crappie.

According to the Division of Wildlife, there are many resources available to guide anglers, which include lake maps, fishing tips by specific species and fishing forecasts. Some resources are available with the HuntFish OH mobile app.

A reminder that an Ohio fishing license is required to fish in public waters. An Ohio resident fishing license is $25. To learn more about fishing tips and forecast, click here.