Fishing

Get Hooked Reel in some excitement

Families are welcome to catch and take fish from waterways in the following parks as long as they have a current Ohio fishing license in accordance with state regulations.

Live bait collection and wading in the water are not permitted, and fish may only be taken with rod and reel or cane pole.

Please enjoy perusing the resources below, including a map of parks where fishing is permitted, rules for casting a line, what types of fish can be caught where, and any upcoming naturalist-led fishing fun.

If you love to hear what people are catching, you might also click here to get the latest from our Fishing in Geauga Park District group on Facebook!

What's Living Where? Species to Fish

Bass Lake Preserve

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Bullhead, Yellow Perch, Crappie
Note: Crappie and/or Sunfish collection is limited to 30 fish per individual, and Largemouth Bass collection is limited to five fish (no fish between 12”-15” kept) per individual. Also, boating here is allowed from dawn till dusk by permit only in accordance with this park’s management plan approved by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. View the Reservations page for details or to request a permit for boating at Bass Lake Preserve.

 

Beartown Lakes Reservation’s Lower Bear & Middle Bear Lakes

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Bullhead, Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout

 

Big Creek Park’s Wild Goose & Chestnut Ponds

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Channel Catfish

 

Claridon Woodlands

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill

 

Eldon Russell Park

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Bullhead, Northern Pike

 

Headwaters Park

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Bullhead, Channel Catfish, Yellow Perch, Crappie, Northern Pike

 

Orchard Hills Park

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill

 

Swine Creek Reservation’s Killdeer and Lodge Ponds

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish

 

Troy Wetlands

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill

 

Tupelo Pond in Big Creek Park

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill

 

Walter C. Best Wildlife Preserve

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Bullhead, Channel Catfish, Yellow Perch

 

The West Woods’ Affelder Pond

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill

Guidelines Ice Fishing

Hoping to ice fish this winter? Here are some good guidelines to follow courtesy of Park Biologist Paul Pira.

  • Ice fishing is allowed in Geauga Park District only at Bass Lake Preserve and Walter C. Best Wildlife Preserve.
  • Remember that a minimum of four inches of clear, solid ice is a requirement to support an average person’s weight. Avoid any ice that is covered by snow or slush.
  • It is important to check ice thickness using tools such as spud bar, ice auger, etc.
  • Never go fishing on the ice alone. Always bring along a fishing buddy, and let a friend or family member know where you are going.