LAW
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Ohio Laws and Rules
(A) Fish may be taken in any number and of any size unless otherwise restricted by the Ohio Revised Code or other rules of the wildlife division.
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person at any time to engage in fishing with more than two hand lines or more than two units of rod and line or a combination of more than one hand line and one rod and line, either in hand or under control.
(2) Throughout the state, it shall be unlawful for any person to take or attempt to take fish by the use of explosives, poisons, firearms, electricity, chemicals, seines, nets, or traps, provided gizzard shad, minnows and smelt may be taken with a minnow seine, minnow dip net, or hand landing net.
(3) Throughout the state, fish may be taken only by angling except as provided by wildlife rule or the Revised Code.
(4) All fish may be taken by hand except bullheads, catfish, coho and chinook or pink salmon statewide, and walleye and sauger in the Maumee and Sandusky rivers.
(5) Throughout the state, it shall be unlawful for any person to use tipups, float lines, trotlines, set lines, bank lines, turtle traps, or an ice fishing shelter which does not have attached thereon the name and address of the owner or user in legible letters in the English language. The name and address shall be exhibited on the outer part of the structure of an ice fishing shelter.
(6) It shall be unlawful for any person to set, use or maintain any fishing device having floats or buoys made of glass or other shatterable material attached thereto.
(7) It shall be unlawful for any person to release any fish or aquatic insect into waters of the state, or waters under control of the division of wildlife without first obtaining permission from the chief of the division of wildlife.
(8) Sheepshead in the lake Erie fishing district only, carp, quillback, suckers, bowfin, gar, buffalo, gizzard shad, and goldfish throughout the state are hereby designated as “forage fish” and may be taken by any method except as expressly prohibited in paragraphs (A)(1) and (A)(2) of this rule.
(9) It shall be unlawful for any person to take or possess any fish not mentioned in paragraph (A)(8) of this rule, which were taken by snagging, spearing, or shooting with a cross-bow or longbow and arrow.
(10) It shall be lawful to take forage fish and minnows in the inland fishing district with a cast net. It shall be unlawful for any person to use a cast net within a distance of one thousand feet down stream from any dam posted with division of wildlife signs indicating cast net use is prohibited. Provided further it shall be unlawful to use cast nets with a square mesh less than one-quarter inch on a side or larger than one-inch on a side, and with a diameter larger than ten feet, to take forage fish.
(11) It shall be unlawful to set or maintain any device for rearing, culturing or raising aquatic animals into waters of the state or waters under control of the division of wildlife.
(B) Ice fishing.
(1) In the inland fishing district it shall be unlawful for any person to cut or fish through a hole in the ice which has a diameter that exceeds twelve inches.
(2) Throughout the state, it shall be unlawful for any person to use more than six tip-ups while fishing through the ice.
(3) In the lake Erie fishing district, it shall be unlawful for any person to cut or fish through a hole in the ice which has a width that exceeds twelve inches.
(C) It shall be unlawful for any person, other than authorized division employees, to remove fish from, tamper with, destroy in any manner, or possess any fishing device set, maintained, or owned by the division of wildlife.
(D) It shall be unlawful for any person from March first through May first, to engage in fishing between sunset and the following sunrise in the Maumee river from the Ohio turnpike bridge to the Old Waterville interurban bridge at the end of Forst road in Wood county and from the state route 578 bridge to the Grand Rapids Providence dam; in the Sandusky river from where the power line, “Toledo Edison,” Old Ballville and Fifth street line crosses the Sandusky river at the southeast corner of Roger Young park, city of Fremont, Sandusky county to the northern tip of Brady’s island; in the Portage river from state route 19 to the dam at Elmore, and in the Mahoning river from the dam at Berlin reservoir to lake Milton. The closed areas mentioned in this paragraph shall be in effect when posted with division signs indicating the above-mentioned regulations.
(E) It shall be unlawful for any person to use a line having attached more than one single hook larger than one-half inch from shank to point, or a lure having more than a single hook larger than one-half inch from shank to point attached while fishing from March first through May first, in the Maumee river from the Grand Rapids Providence dam to a line in the Maumee bay, from Little Cedar Point to Turtle island; in the Sandusky river from where the power line, “Toledo Edison”, Old Ballville and Fifth street line crosses the Sandusky river at the southwest corner of Roger Young park, city of Fremont, Sandusky county to a line in Sandusky bay to a line running one quarter mile east of, and parallel to, the full length of the Conrail railroad bridge in Sandusky Bay (from N 41 degrees 29’ 35.4”, W 082 degrees 49’ 18.0” to N 41 degrees 28’ 02.4”, W 082 degrees 47’ 58.2”; in the Portage river from state route 19 to the dam at Elmore, and in the Mahoning river from the dam at Berlin reservoir to lake Milton.
(F) It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in fishing in the Sandusky river at any time from March first to May first from the Ballville dam to the power line, “Toledo Edison,” Old Ballville and Fifth street line, located at the southeast corner of Roger Young park, city of Fremont, Sandusky county.
(G) It shall be unlawful for any person at any time to place or dispose of a dead fish in a stream, river, pond, lake, or any other body of water or upon the banks thereof, except dead fish or parts of fish may be used as bait or a lure.
(H) It shall be unlawful to take any species of trout by any means other than angling, in the following areas.
(1) The Mad river or its tributaries in Clark, Champaign and Logan counties, the Clear Fork branch of the Mohican river and its tributaries in Ashland and Richland counties, and Clear Creek located in Fairfield and Hocking counties from the first Fairfield county road 69 bridge East of the junction of county road 26. and county road 69 to U.S. route 33 Highway bridge in Hocking county.
(I) It shall be unlawful to take or possess more than two trout a day in any area listed in paragraph (H)(1) of this rule.
(J) It shall be unlawful to take or possess a trout less than twelve inches in length in any area listed in paragraph (H)(1) of this rule.
(K) It shall be unlawful to take or possess a smallmouth bass less than fifteen inches in length from any of the following areas.
(1) The Big Darby creek from state route 762 to U.S. 40 located in Madison, Franklin, and Pickaway counties.
(2) The Sandusky river from the Ballville dam to the township road 143 bridge located in Seneca and Sandusky counties.
(3) The little Beaver creek from the Ohio – Pennsylvania border to the state route seven bridge located in Columbiana county.
(4) The Hocking river from the state route 278 bridge to the state route 93 bridge located in Hocking and Athens counties.
(5) The Stillwater river from the Frederick-Garland road bridge to the state route 718 bridge in Miami county.
(L) It shall be unlawful to take or possess more than one smallmouth bass per day in any of the areas listed in paragraphs (K)(1), (K)(2), (K)(3), (K)(4), and (K)(5) of this rule.
(M) It shall be unlawful to take a brook trout from the Chagrin river or its tributaries located in Geauga county.
(N) It shall be unlawful to possess any black bass (including largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass) while on or within one-quarter mile of the “lake Erie sport fishing district” from May first until the last Saturday in June.
(O) It shall be unlawful to take a brook trout from the Rocky river or its tributaries located in Medina county.
(P) It shall be unlawful for any person to sell any fish taken by angling from any waters in the state wherein an Ohio fishing license is required by section 1533.32 of the Revised Code.
(Q) It shall be unlawful for any person to take or possess paddlefish in or within two thousand feet of Deer creek reservoir and dam, Paint creek reservoir and dam, Caesar creek reservoir and dam, and East Fork reservoir and dam.
(R) All definitions set forth in rule 1501:31-1-02 of the Administrative Code shall apply to this rule.
Effective: 07/01/2008
R.C. 119.032 review dates: 02/04/2008 and 07/01/2013
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 1531.08
Rule Amplifies: 1531.08
Prior Effective Dates: 8/25/75, 2/15/77, 7/11/80, 1/2/81, 5/31/83, 4/20/87, 9/12/87, 3/1/91, 6/30/94, 3/1/98, 3/1/00, 2/1/02, 3/1/04
(A) Trotlines in the inland fishing district:
It shall be unlawful for any person to set, use or maintain a trotline except:
(1) In streams;
(2) North of the causeway in Mosquito lake to the southern boundary of the waterfowl refuge;
(3) In that part of Charles Mill lake lying north of old U.S. route 30;
(4) In Seneca lake in all areas extending south of state route 147;
(5) In Clendening lake in all areas extending east of state route 799;
(6) In Tappan lake in all areas extending above gas line causeway and state route 646;
(7) In Atwood lake in the area north and east of state route 542 north at Delroy, Ohio;
(8) In Piedmont lake in all areas in sections 11 and 12 of Kirkwood township;
(9) In Wills creek lake, provided it is unlawful to set, use or maintain a trotline in that area directly in front of the Muskingum conservancy district boat landing;
(10) In Berlin lake in that area lying south and west of state route 225;
(11) In Grand lake St. Marys in that area bounded on the west by Prairie creek, on the east by Big Chickasaw creek, and on the north by a line of buoys extending east to west between Big Chickasaw creek and Prairie creek. In such area it is unlawful to set, use or maintain a trotline in channels, or across the mouths of channels or streams and;
(12) In the inland part of Sandusky bay, commonly called Mud creek bay;
(13) It shall be unlawful for any person to set, use, or maintain a trotline composed all or in part of wire or cable;
(14) It shall be unlawful for any person to set, use, or maintain a trotline which can be removed from the water by pulling on the shore end of such line;
(15) It shall be unlawful for any person to set, use, or maintain a trotline within a distance of one thousand feet downstream from any dam;
(16) It shall be unlawful for any person to set, use, or maintain more than three trotlines in any one body of water in the inland fishing district;
(17) It shall be unlawful for any person to use a trotline having more than fifty hooks attached in any tributary of lake Erie.
(18) It shall be unlawful for any person to fail to inspect or maintain their trotline once every twenty-four hour period.
(B) It shall be unlawful for any person to set or use a float line except:
(1) In streams;
(2) In Sandusky bay west of the “New York Central Railroad” bridge;
(3) In Berlin lake in that area lying south and west of state route 225;
(4) In Mosquito lake north of the causeway and south of a line of buoys designating the waterfowl refuge;
(5) Charles Mill lake north of state route 430;
(6) Clendening lake east of state route 799;
(7) Seneca lake south of state route 147;
(8) Tappan lake above the gas line causeway and state route 646;
(9) Atwood lake in all areas north and east of state route 542 north at Delroy;
(10) Piedmont lake in sections 11 and 12 of Kirkwood township;
(11) Wills creek lake except that part directly in front of Muskingum watershed conservancy district boat landing;
(12) In all public waters of the state of Ohio unless specifically prohibited by the owner in authority of said body of water.
(C) It shall be unlawful for any person:
(1) To use float lines in any area except in those specified in paragraph (B) of this rule;
(2) To use any float line unless the user is present within a distance from which he can observe and attend such line at all times;
(3) To use a float line anchored, fastened, or otherwise restricted from moving, floating or drifting freely and independent of any other line whatsoever;
(4) To set, use, or maintain more than six floatlines in all public waters of the state of Ohio less than seven hundred surface acres. Provided further, it shall be unlawful to use a treble hook on any floatline.
(D) Set or bank lines
(1) Set or bank lines may be used to take fish or turtles only as herein provided.
(2) It shall be unlawful for any person to set, use, or maintain in excess of fifty set or bank lines, or attach more than one single hook to any one line. Treble hooks are unlawful.
(3) It shall be unlawful for any person to set, use, or maintain a set or bank line from a dock, wharf, pier, boat, dam or artificially constructed retaining wall, or attach such lines to fishing rods or fishing poles.
(4) It shall be unlawful for any person to set, use, or maintain a set or bank line which is attached to any stake placed or present in or under the water.
(5) It shall be unlawful for any person to set, use, or maintain more than six set or banklines in all public waters of the state of Ohio less than seven hundred surface acres. Provided further, it shall be unlawful to use a treble hook on any set or bankline.
(6) It shall be unlawful for any person to fail to inspect or maintain their set or banklines once every twenty-four hour period.
(7) It shall be unlawful for any person to leave any part of a set or bankline which was brought to the site upon completion of use.
(8) It shall be unlawful for any person to set, use, or maintain set or banklines unless they have attached thereto a durable waterproof tag bearing the name and mailing address of the user in English letters legible at all times.
(9) It shall be unlawful for any person to disturb or molest a legally placed set or bankline of another without permission from the set or bankline owner or user.
(E) Snag or snatch fishing
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to use snatch hooks, snag hooks, snag lines, or to catch fish in any manner other than by mouth, within a distance of one thousand feet downstream from any dam in the Muskingum river.
(2) It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in snag fishing within a distance of one thousand feet down stream from any dam posted with division of wildlife signs indicating snagging is prohibited.
(3) It shall be unlawful for any person to snag a fish or engage in snagging while using a hook exceeding five-eighths inches in space between the point and shank of the hook.
(4) It shall be unlawful for any person to use snatch hooks, snag hooks, snag lines, or to catch fish in any manner other than the mouth, during the period from September first through April thirtieth in the entire drainage basins of the Rocky river, Grand river, Chagrin river, and Conneaut creek, except as stated in rule 1501:31-13-08 of the Administrative Code.
(F) Minnow seines – minnow dip nets
(1) In the lake Erie fishing district and other waters wherein fishing with nets is licensed by law, and in East and West harbors, Ottawa county, it shall be lawful for any person to use a minnow seine of any length or width, or a minnow dip net not exceeding seventy-two inches on a side to take minnows, cray fish, and larval aquatic insects; however, it shall be unlawful for any person:
(a) To have in possession or use a seine or dip net with a square mesh larger than one-half inch on a side;
(b) To have in possession or use a dip net having any side greater than seventy-two inches;
(c) To have in possession or use a seine having other than straight sides.
(2) In the inland fishing district it is lawful to use a minnow seine or a minnow dip net to take minnows, crayfish, and larval aquatic insects. However, it shall be unlawful for any person:
(a) To have in possession or use a minnow seine exceeding ninety-six inches in length or exceeding forty-eight inches in depth except in such waters wherein fishing with nets is licensed by law, and excepting East and West harbors, Ottawa county, Ohio;
(b) To use a seine or dip net with a square mesh larger than one-half inch on a side;
(c) To have in possession or use a dip net having any side greater than forty-eight inches, except in such waters wherein fishing with nets is licensed by law, and excepting East and West harbors, Ottawa county, Ohio;
(d) To have in possession or use a seine having other than straight lines;
(e) To use two or more seines fastened together the combination of which exceeds ninety-six inches in length or forty-eight inches in width;
(f) It shall be unlawful for any person to use a minnow seine from nine p.m. to four a.m. except in East and West harbors, Ottawa county, and in such waters wherein fishing with nets is licensed by law.
(G) Minnow or bait fish traps are permitted subject to the following:
It shall be unlawful for any person:
(1) To have in possession or use a minnow or bait fish trap which measures more than twenty-four inches in its greatest overall length, or measures more than twelve inches in its greatest overall width;
(2) To have in possession or use a minnow or bait fish trap having an opening larger than one inch in diameter.
(H) All definitions set forth in rule 1501:31-1-02 of the Administrative Code shall apply to this rule.
HISTORY: Eff 2-27-75; 6-1-80; 6-1-82; 11-12-82; 6-1-85; 6-1-86; 6-1-87; 3-1-90; 3-1-91; 3-1-98; 03-1-04
Rule promulgated under: RC 119.03
Rule authorized by: 1531.08
Rule amplifies: RC 1531.08
RC 119.032 Review Date: 10-17-2007
Rescinded eff 1-1-04
(A) Bait fish, crayfish, larval aquatic insects – bait dealers
(1) Any individual or bait dealer may take minnows, crayfish, hellgrammites, and other larval aquatic insects, suckers not exceeding ten inches in length, skipjack herring, smelt, brook silversides, brook sticklebacks, gizzard shad, trout perch, sculpins, darters, top minnows and mud minnows from any waters in the state of Ohio at any time and in any number except as prohibited by this or other rules of the wildlife chief.
(2) It shall be unlawful:
(a) For a bait dealer to possess minnows, bait fish, crayfish and hellgrammites at any place, except at the address listed on his application for a bait dealer’s permit, without having each receptacle containing minnows, crayfish, and hellgrammites marked with his name, address and license number in letters and numerals at least one-half inch high in the English language;
(b) For any person to take any fish not mentioned in this paragraph by the aid or use of a net or seine;
(c) For any person, except a person possessing a bait dealer’s permit, or a licensed fishing guide providing bait to their customers, to have in possession more than one hundred crayfish or five hundred in the aggregate of the wild animals specified in paragraph (A)(1) of this rule, excepting therefrom, smelt, hellgrammites, other larval aquatic insects, and canned or preserved minnows;
(d) For a bait dealer to sell to any person other than a person possessing a bait dealer’s permit, more than one hundred crayfish or five hundred in the aggregate of the wild animals specified in paragraph (A)(1) of this rule, excepting therefrom, smelt, hellgrammites, other larval aquatic insects and canned or preserved minnows.
(B) Lake Erie emerald shiners (Notropis atherinoides Rafinesque) may be taken, sold, or possessed by licensed bait dealers in unlimited numbers, and such dealers may sell minnows to other bait dealers in and out of the state in unlimited numbers, provided they make and keep a record of each such sale. Such records shall be open for inspection at all reasonable hours. This paragraph does not supersede or alter the law requiring a permit to buy, sell, or deal in minnows for bait purposes.
(C) Crayfish and larval aquatic insects
It shall be unlawful for any person to take crayfish or larval aquatic insects by any method, from nine p.m. to the following four a.m., except by trapping, angling or by hand picking. This provision does not apply to east and west harbors, Ottawa county, and such waters where fishing with nets is licensed by law.
(D) It shall be unlawful for any person to sell as bait fish, or use as bait any fish or minnow not already established in waters of Ohio over which the wildlife chief has control.
(E) All definitions set forth in rule 1501:31-1-02 of the Administrative Code shall apply to this rule.
Effective: 01/01/2006
R.C. 119.032 review dates: 08/23/2005 and 01/01/2011
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 1531.08
Rule Amplifies: 1531.08
Prior Effective Dates: 8/25/75, 6/1/79, 6/1/84, 4/17/89, 3/1/96, 1/1/04
(A) Throughout the state, except at Pymatuning lake, it shall be unlawful for any person to take bullfrogs or greenfrogs from May first to six p.m. on June fifteenth each year. Season opens six p.m. on June fifteenth each year.
(B) Throughout the state, it shall be unlawful for any person to take, possess or transport, bullfrogs or greenfrogs which have been taken in Ohio from May first to six p.m. on June fifteenth each year.
(C) It shall be unlawful for any person to take bullfrogs or greenfrogs by shooting, except with a longbow and arrow.
(D) It shall be unlawful for any person to take more than ten bullfrogs or greenfrogs in any one day, or have in possession more than ten bullfrogs or greenfrogs taken from Ohio. This does not include those purchased out of state that are accompanied with a bill of lading at any time except as provided for Pymatuning reservoir, or as provided in rule 1501:31-25-04 of the Administrative Code.
(E) It shall be unlawful for any person to buy or sell bullfrogs or greenfrogs taken from Ohio. However, bullfrogs or greenfrogs that have been shipped from outside Ohio that are accompanied by a bill of lading may be bought and sold, persons possessing a permit issued under authority of section 1533.71 of the Revised Code may sell bullfrogs or greenfrogs taken from ponds or lakes they own or lease as a wholly enclosed preserve.
(F) Persons selling bullfrogs or greenfrogs under authority of this section shall record each sale, listing date of the sale, number sold and the name and address of the person to whom they were sold. These records shall be available for inspection by any division of wildlife employee during reasonable daytime hours.
(G) Legally acquired snapping and softshell turtles may be bought for consumption as food. All persons raising and/or selling snapping and softshell turtles for purposes other than consumption as food must obtain a permit as required under section 1533.71 of the Revised Code.
(1) Persons buying, selling, bartering, trading or giving away snapping or softshell turtles for food consumption must keep accurate records and retain them for five years, which include:
(a) The taxa and number of snapping and softshell turtles sold, purchased, traded, bartered or given away.
(b) The complete name and address of the person from whom or to whom the snapping or softshell turtle where purchased, sold, bartered or given.
(H) It shall be unlawful for any person to take or attempt to take snapping and softshell turtles by shooting, except with longbow and arrow.
(I) It shall be unlawful for any person to take or attempt to take snapping and softshell turtles with a steel or spring trap.
(J) It shall be unlawful for any person to set, use or maintain a turtle trap having any mesh measuring less than four inches on a side; however, traps may be constructed with square mesh less than four inches when such traps are provided with an escape ring of at least six inches in diameter leading out of the trap and such escape ring is held open at all times to permit the escape of fish.
(K) It shall be unlawful for any person to take or attempt to take turtles by means of a trap having wings or leads.
(L) All reference to bullfrogs, greenfrogs, snapping and softshell turtles in this section shall be defined as;
Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)
Greenfrog (Rana clamitans)
Snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina serpentina)
Spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera spinifera)
Smooth softshell turtle (Apalone mutica mutica)
(M) All definitions set forth in rule 1501:31-1-02 of the Administrative Code shall apply to this rule.
HISTORY: Eff 2-27-75; 6-1-79; 6-1-84; 4-17-89; 3-1-00; 2-1-02; 1-1-04
Rule promulgated under: RC 119.03
Rule authorized by: RC 1531.08
Rule amplifies: RC 1531.08
RC 119.032 Review Date: 10-17-02; 10-17-07
(A) It shall be unlawful to engage in skin diving while using a snorkel or to engage in diving with scuba (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) in any water area owned or controlled by the division of wildlife except when fishing for forage fish specified in paragraph (A) of rule 1501:31-13-01 of the Administrative Code.
(B) It shall be lawful to take only the forage fish specified in rule 1501:31-13-01 of the Administrative Code while skin diving with a snorkel or while scuba diving with self-contained underwater breathing apparatus in any water area owned or controlled by the division of wildlife or in any other water area where skin or scuba diving is lawful.
(C) It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in fishing while skin or scuba diving while alone, or without first marking the fishing area by displaying an official diving flag at the water’s surface.
(D) All definitions set forth in rule 1501:31-1-02 of the Administrative Code shall apply to this rule.
HISTORY: Eff 8-31-74; 6-1-79; 6-1-84; 4-17-89; Expires: NOT UNTIL AMENDED OR RESCINDED
Rule promulgated under: RC Chapter 119.
Rule amplifies: RC 1531.08, 1531.06
119.032 Review Date: 10-17-02; 10-17-07
(A) Fish, frogs, turtles, crayfish, and larval aquatic insects may be taken during the open season in such manner and in such numbers only as prescribed by wildlife rules of the Administrative Code, or the Revised Code. All areas closed to fishing shall be posted with signs.
(B) It shall be unlawful for any person to take any species of fish, frog, turtle, crayfish, or larval aquatic insect at any time in the areas listed in this paragraph.
(1) Any state fish farm;
(2) Bathing beaches supervised by the department of natural resources, the boundaries of which are posted with “no fishing” signs;
(3) Wildlife ponds located on state-owned or controlled areas which are posted with state signs reading, “no fishing.”
(C) It shall be unlawful for any person to use a seine in any lake, pond, quarry, reservoir, canal, or gravel pit in the inland fishing district which is subject to regulation by the wildlife chief.
(D) It shall be unlawful for any person to fish on the Avondale or Kaul public hunting areas and the Ohio power recreation area without first securing a special permit.
(E) It shall be lawful for any person to engage in fishing in the Mahoning river within a distance of one thousand feet downstream from the Berlin lake dam except for restricted areas posted within this zone.
(F) It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in fishing within five hundred feet of crest gates or intake tower in the dam at Berlin lake.
(G) It shall be unlawful for any person to fish from the shore from the dam crest gates west then south to the “no motor boundary zone” sign at Berlin lake.
(H) It shall be unlawful for any person to fish from the bank or shore of Deer creek reservoir in Stark county, except from the following described areas: beginning at the railroad bridge located in the northwest section of said reservoir, thence east along the north shoreline of the peninsula located at the north end of spillway embankment to a marker established by the division of wildlife.
(I) It shall be unlawful for any person to fish in the area east of an imaginary line drawn straight from the marker referred to in paragraph (H) of this rule to a similar marker established by the division of wildlife on the south shore of Deer creek reservoir in Stark county west of the south end of the spillway embankment.
(J) It shall be unlawful for any person to fish from the east shore of the dam and spillway embankment in the area designated by signs at Deer creek reservoir in Stark county.
(K) It shall be unlawful for any person to fish or wade from the bank or shore in the following described area at the East Branch reservoir in Geauga county: all of the shoreline north and south of U.S. route 322, excepting the bridge and embankment contained within the U.S. route 322 right-of-way.
(L) Fishing at East Branch reservoir is permitted subject to the following regulation:
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to use gasoline motors. A maximum of two electric motors are permitted per watercraft.
(M) Fishing at LaDue reservoir is permitted subject to the following regulations:
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to use gasoline motors. A maximum of two electric motors are permitted per watercraft.
(2) It shall be unlawful to fish from the bank or shore except for the right-of-ways along state route 44, U.S. route 422, and Auburn road.
(N) Fishing at Mogadore reservoir is permitted subject to the following regulations:
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to fish within one hundred feet of the center line of the Congress lake road. It shall be unlawful for any person to fish or wade from the bank or shore within the right-of-ways of Rainfield road, Congress lake road, and state route 43;
(2) It shall be unlawful for any person to fish or wade from the bank or shore in the following described area; except in the designated camping area so designated by the city of Akron: beginning at a point on the south shore of the main channel of the reservoir contiguous to state route 43, thence starting in a westerly direction and following said shoreline continuously to and including the reservoir and spillway and terminating at a point on the north shoreline two thousand feet east of the reservoir spillway as marked.
(3) It shall be unlawful for any person to fish in the bathing beach area in the small bay on the south side of the reservoir.
(4) It shall be unlawful for any person to fish or wade from the bank or shore of the concrete embankment located at the most northerly point of the reservoir.
(5) It shall be unlawful for any person to fish or wade from the north bank or shore of the main channel at the reservoir of a point contiguous to the easterly side of state route 43, thence starting in an easterly direction and following said shoreline up to and including the boat rental area.
(6) It shall be unlawful for any person to use gasoline motors. A maximum of two electric motors are permitted per watercraft.
(O) It shall be unlawful for any person to fish in the area immediately above the dam in Clear fork reservoir for a distance of approximately five hundred feet to an imaginary line extending straight across the reservoir from a marker on the southerly shore to a similar marker on the northerly shore.
(P) It shall be unlawful for any person to fish from that part of the shore of Clear fork reservoir extending from the marker on the northerly shore referred to in paragraph (O) of this rule to the Orweiler road.
(Q) Fish may be taken in Pymatuning lake by angling only, at any time of the year, except as is otherwise provided in this rule.
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person at Pymatuning lake to use more than five tip-ups or other legal devices when fishing through holes in the ice.
(2) It shall be unlawful for any person at Pymatuning lake to cut or use a hole in the ice for fishing purposes that is larger than ten inches between the farthest points as measured in any direction.
(3) It shall be unlawful for any person at Pymatuning lake to take minnows by means of a minnow trap which measures more than twenty-four inches in its greatest overall length, or more than twelve inches in its greatest overall width, or have openings larger than one inch in diameter.
(4) It shall be unlawful for any person at Pymatuning lake to take minnows with a seine or dip net having a side of such seine or dip net that exceeds forty-eight inches in length, or having a size of the mesh in such seine or dip net which measures not less than one-eighth inch on a side or larger than one-half inch on a side.
(5) It shall be unlawful for any person to take more than six walleyes, or two muskellunge, or five large mouth and smallmouth bass, singly or in the aggregate, while at, on, or when returning from Pymatuning lake.
(6) It shall be unlawful for any person to take or possess a walleye less than fifteen inches, or a muskellunge less than thirty inches, or a largemouth or smallmouth bass less than twelve inches while at, on, or when returning from Pymatuning lake.
(7) It shall be unlawful for any person to take or possess frogs, turtles, and tadpoles from Pymatuning lake at any time except from July first to October thirty-first, both dates inclusive.
(8) It shall be unlawful for any person at Pymatuning lake to take or have in possession in any one day more than fifteen frogs or fifteen tadpoles. Frogs shall not be taken with the aid of a light or by means of firearms.
(9) It shall be unlawful for any person at Pymatuning lake to take more than ten turtles in any one day (except snapping turtles-unlimited). Hooks used for taking turtles by set lines shall be not less than three and one-half inches long with not less than one inch of space between point and shank.
(10) It shall be unlawful for any person to take crayfish, mussels, and larval aquatic insects at any time from Pymatuning lake.
(11) Residents of Ohio may angle on any part of Pymatuning lake, except while on any island in the lake or land on the Pennsylvania side, with an Ohio fishing license. Residents of Pennsylvania may angle on any part of the lake, except from the shore on the Ohio side, with a Pennsylvania fishing license.
(12) All non-residents may angle on any part of Pymatuning lake, except while on any island in the lake or land on the Pennsylvania side, with their Ohio non-resident fishing license.
(13) All non-residents may angle on any part of Pymatuning lake, except from the shore on the Ohio side, with their Pennsylvania non-resident fishing license.
(14) Pennsylvania fishermen angling from the shore on the Ohio side of Pymatuning lake must have an Ohio non-resident fishing license.
(15) Ohio fishermen angling from the shore of the Pennsylvania side of Pymatuning lake must have a Pennsylvania non-resident license.
(16) It shall be unlawful for any person to take fish in any manner other than by angling from Pymatuning lake, except carp and suckers may be taken with longbow and arrow or a spear from said lake.
(17) It shall be unlawful to possess any species of fish taken from Pymatuning lake which has a size limit in any form other than in the whole or in the round.
(R) It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in fishing in or possess fish taken from any body of water that is posted with signs declaring the lake, stream, river, or portion thereof closed to all fishing.
(S) It shall be unlawful for any person to fish in lake Medina at any time except from six a.m. to eleven p.m.
(T) It shall be unlawful for any person to fish in any impounded water on the lake La Su An wildlife area without first obtaining a daily permit from the division of wildlife. A person upon signing for and receiving the permit authorized by this paragraph agrees to:
(1) Fish only where authorized on the permit;
(2) Take fish according to the minimum size listed on the permit;
(3) Fish only during the time listed on the permit;
(4) Report all fish taken as requested;
(5) Return the permit at or before a specified time on the day issued;
(6) Any person failing to comply with any provision listed in this paragraph or on the permit shall be considered to be fishing without a permit and will be so charged.
(U) It shall be unlawful for any person to possess fish taken from any waters of the state that is not in conformity with the regulations on the posted division of wildlife sign.
(V) All definitions set forth in rule 1501:31-1-02 of the Administrative Code shall apply to this rule.
Effective: 07/01/2008
R.C. 119.032 review dates: 02/04/2008 and 07/01/2013
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 1531.06, 1531.08
Rule Amplifies: 1531.06, 1531.08
Prior Effective Dates: 9/20/75, 2/25/77, 6/1/80, 6/1/81, 10/16/81, 6/1/82, 5/31/83, 6/1/88, 9/15/95, 3/1/97, 3/1/98, 1/1/01, 7/19/02, 11/13/02
(A) Throughout the state it shall be unlawful for any person to take or possess more than six saugeyes, six sauger, or six walleyes, singly or in the aggregate in any one day while on of any stream, river or other body of water where fishing therein requires the licenses set forth in section 1533.32 of the Revised Code; excepting therefrom, it shall be unlawful for any person to take or possess more than four walleye, sauger, or saugeye singly or in the aggregate, in any one day while on the “lake Erie sport fishing district” from March first through the last day in April. Provided further, it shall be unlawful for any person to take or possess more than six walleye, sauger or saugeye singly or in the aggregate in any one day while on the “lake Erie sport fishing district” from May first through the last day in February. Provided further, it shall be unlawful for any person to take or possess more than ten saugeyes, ten walleyes, or ten sauger singly or in the aggregate in the Ohio river zone in accordance with the rule 1501:31-13-11 of the Administrative Code.
(B) It shall be unlawful for any person to take or possess more than: one muskellunge, or one tiger muskies, singly or in the aggregate; or five black bass, including smallmouth, largemouth, or Kentucky spotted bass, singly or in the aggregate in any one day statewide, except in the Ohio River zone and Pymatuming lake in accordance with rule 1501:31-13-11 and paragraph (Q) of rule 1501:31-13-07 of the Administrative Code.
(C) The possession limits set forth in paragraphs (A), (B) and (L) of this rule shall not apply to such fish when transported on a commercial ferry boat in lake Erie.
(D) It shall be unlawful for any person to take or possess blue pike or sturgeon from lake Erie or any of its tributaries.
(E) It shall be unlawful for any person to take or possess white amur or grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) from waters owned, leased, or controlled by the division of wildlife.
(F) It shall be unlawful for any person to take or possess singly or in the aggregate more than five rainbow or steelhead trout, lake trout, brown trout, golden trout, coho, chinook, or pink salmon daily, from any waters in this state; excepting therefrom these areas listed in paragraph (H)(1) of rule 1501:31-13-01 of the Administrative Code. It shall be unlawful for any person to take or possess more than two trout or salmon species (as listed in this paragraph) in lake Erie and its tributaries from September first through May fifteenth.
(G) It shall be unlawful for any person to take coho, chinook, or pink salmon by any means other than hook and line.
(H) It shall be unlawful for any person to take, catch or attempt to take or catch fish in any waters posted with division of wildlife signs stating “No Fishing” or “Fishing in This Area is Prohibited.”
(I) It shall be unlawful for any person to seine or take bait in King’s creek between the bridge on county road no. 223 and the Mad river.
(J) It shall be unlawful for any person to possess a fish in any form or condition other than in the round while on or when unloading the fish from a boat, or while fishing from shore on any waters in this state where a fishing license is required. Provided further, it shall be lawful to possess fish in the whole or as a fillet with the skin attached while returning from the lake Erie islands on a commercial ferry boat.
(K) It shall be unlawful for any person sixteen years of age or older to take, catch, or attempt to take or catch fish, or engage in fishing in any manner in any waters posted with division of wildlife signs stating “Fishing in this area restricted to persons fifteen years of age or younger.”
(L) It shall be unlawful for any person to take or possess more than forty yellow perch (Perca flavescens) in any one day statewide, except in the eastern and western fishing units of the Ohio river, in accordance with the rule 1501:31-13-11 of the Administrative Code, Pymatuning lake, in accordance with paragraph (Q) of rule 1501:31-13-07 of the Administrative Code.
(1) Lake Erie yellow perch sport fishing units:
(a) Lake Erie yellow perch sport fishing unit one
(i) It shall be unlawful for any person to take or have in one’s possession more than twenty-five yellow perch in this unit in any one day.
(ii) For the purposes of this rule, lake Erie yellow perch sport fishing unit one shall consist of all waters in Lucas, Ottawa and Erie counties between east and west boundaries as defined:
(a) The west boundary is the Michigan-Ohio state line beginning in Maumee bay and extending northeast to the United States-Canada international line in lake Erie including all waters in Lucas and Ottawa counties.
(b) The east boundary begins at the Huron pier lighthouse, extends along an imaginary line running northeast to the eighty-two degree, thirty minute meridian and thenceforth along the meridian north to the United States-Canada international line.
(b) Lake Erie yellow perch sport fishing unit two
(i) It shall be unlawful for any person to take or have in one’s possession more than thirty yellow perch in this unit in any one day.
(ii) For the purposes of this rule, lake Erie yellow perch sport fishing unit two shall consist of all waters in Lorain and Cuyahoga counties between west and east boundaries as defined:
(a) The west boundary shall begin in the Huron river, including all boat ramps or marinas connected to the Huron river, then extending from the Huron pier lighthouse along an imaginary line northeast to the eighty-two degree, thirty minute meridian and thenceforth along that meridian north to the United States-Canada international line.
(b) The east boundary begins at the Fairport harbor light, extends north along the eighty-one degree, twenty minute meridian to the United States-Canada international line.
(c) Lake Erie yellow perch sport fishing unit three
(i) It shall be unlawful for any person to take or have in one’s possession more than thirty yellow perch in this unit in any one day.
(ii) For the purposes of this rule, lake Erie yellow perch sport fishing unit three shall consist of all waters in Lake and Ashtabula counties between west and east boundaries as defined:
(a) The west boundary shall begin in the Grand river at the state route 535 bridge, including all boat ramps and marinas connected to the Grand river and extending from the Fairport harbor light along the eighty-one degree, twenty minute meridian north to the United States-Canada international line.
(b) The east boundary shall be the Ohio-Pennsylvania state line extending from the shoreline north to the United States-Canada international line.
(M) It shall be unlawful for any person to take or possess more than six channel catfish in any one day from any public waters of the state of Ohio less than seven hundred acres.
(N) It shall be unlawful for any person to possess more than one channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) in excess of twenty-eight inches, and one flathead catfish (Pylodictus olivaris) in excess of thirty-five inches in any one day statewide from any waters in the state wherein an Ohio fishing license is required by section 1533.32 of the Revised Code, except in the eastern and western fishing unit of the Ohio river and Pymatuning lake in accordance with rule 1501:31-13-11 and paragraph (Q) of rule 1501:31-13-07 of the Administrative Code.
(O) It shall be unlawful for any person to take or possess more than ten sunfish in the aggregate in any one day from each of the following areas:
St. Joseph river wildlife area
Oxbow lake wildlife area
Killdeer Plains wildlife area
(P) It shall be unlawful for any person to take or possess more than ten crappie in the aggregate in any one day from each of the following areas:
St. Joseph river wildlife area
Oxbow lake wildlife area
Killdeer Plains wildlife area
(Q) All definitions set forth in rule 1501:31-1-02 of the Administrative Code shall apply to this rule.
Effective: 07/01/2008
R.C. 119.032 review dates: 02/04/2008 and 07/01/2013
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 1531.06, 1531.08
Rule Amplifies: 1531.06, 1531.08
Prior Effective Dates: 2/5/77, 6/1/79, 3/1/80, 1/25/82, 11/12/82, 6/1/84, 3/1/85(Emer), 6/1/85, 6/1/86, 6/1/87, 6/1/88, 3/1/89, 3/1/91, 7/31/95, 1/2/96, 11/20/96, 3/1/98, 3/1/00, 3/0/01, 2/1/02, 3/1/04, 5/27/05 03/01/2006, 6/1/88, 3/1/89, 3/1/91, 7/31/95, 1/2/96, 11/20/96, 3/1/98, 3/1/00, 3/0/01, 2/1/02, 3/1/04, 3/1/06, 4/10/07 (Emer), 7/1/07
Under authority of sections 1533.02 and 1531.08 of the Revised Code, the chief of the division of wildlife hereby orders that:
(A) It shall be unlawful for any person to take or possess a coho, chinook, or pink salmon less than twelve inches in length.
(B) It shall be unlawful for any person to take or possess a walleye less than fifteen inches in length while on the following bodies of water:
Lake Milton in Mahoning and Portage counties;
Berlin lake in Stark, Portage and Mahoning counties;
Mahoning river between Berlin lake and lake Milton in Mahoning and Portage counties.
C.J. Brown reservoir in Clark county.
Lake Erie sport fishing district;
(C) It shall be unlawful to take or possess rainbow trout, steelhead trout, brown trout, or brook trout less than twelve inches in length while on lake Erie or its tributaries, including all the streams in the entire drainage basin, excepting therefrom Cold creek upstream of state route 2 located in Erie county, and Beaver creek in Seneca county.
(D) It shall be unlawful to take or possess rainbow trout or brown trout less than twelve inches in length while on the Mad river or its tributaries.
(E) It shall be unlawful to take or possess largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, or spotted bass less than fifteen inches in length on the following bodies of water:
New Lyme lake in Ashtabula county;
Acton lake in Preble and Butler counties;
Blue Rock lake in Muskingum county;
Hargus lake in Pickaway county;
Spencer lake in Medina county;
Cowan lake in Clinton county;
Greenfield lake in Fairfield county;
Zoar lake in Tuscarawas county;
Wellington south reservoir in Lorain county;
Zepernick lake in Columbiana county;
Salt fork lake in Guernsey county;
Dale Walborn reservoir in Portage and Stark counties;
Pike lake in Pike county;
Ross lake in Ross county;
Lake Milton in Mahoning and Portage counties;
Mahoning river between Berlin lake and lake Milton in Mahoning and Portage counties;
Caesar creek lake in Warren, Greene, and Clinton counties;
Paint creek lake in Highland and Ross counties;
Silver Creek lake in Summit county;
Adams lake in Adams county;
Resthaven pond #8 in Erie county;
Rush creek lake in Fairfield and Perry counties;
Rush Run lake in Preble county;
Killdeer pond #33 in Wyandot county;
Pine lake in Ross county;
Seneca lake in Guernsey and Noble counties;
Hancock county wetland lake in Hancock county;
Monroeville reservoir in Huron county;
Monroe lake in Monroe county;
Caldwell lake in Ross county;
Vesuvius lake in Lawrence county;
Ohio/Erie canal in Cuyahoga county;
Sippo lake in Stark county;
Kenton lake in Gallia county.
(F) It shall be unlawful to take or possess largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, or spotted bass less than eighteen inches in length on the following bodies of water:
Knox lake in Knox county.
Lake Wildlife Area lakes in Defiance county;
Tycoon lake in Gallia county.
St. Joseph River Wildlife Area lakes in Williams county
Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area lakes in Wyandot county
(G) It shall be unlawful to take or possess hybrid striped bass less than fifteen inches in length on East Fork lake in Clermont county. Provided further, it shall be unlawful to take or possess more than four hybrid striped bass per day from East Fork lake.
(H) It shall be unlawful to take or possess largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass less than fourteen inches in length while in the “Lake Erie sport fishing district”.
(I) It shall be unlawful for any person to take or possess large-mouth bass, smallmouth bass, or spotted bass greater than twelve inches but less than fifteen inches in length while on the water or surrounding shoreline of the following bodies of water:
Burr Oak lake in Athens and Morgan counties;
Dow lake in Athens county;
Fox lake in Athens county;
Lake Rupert (Wellston city reservoir) in Vinton county;
Jackson City reservoir (Hammertown lake) in Jackson county;
Findley lake in Lorain county;
Lake Snowden in Athens county;
Wolf run lake in Noble county;
Belmont lake in Belmont county;
Timbre Ridge lake in Lawrence county;
Slope creek reservoir (Barnsville #3) in Belmont county;
Turkey creek lake in Scioto county;
AEP recreation lands lake sites MB40 and MB41 on A to C Haul road, MB42 at parksite C-Sand hollow, MM29 at parksite D-Sawmill road, MM34 at campsite N-Keffler kamp in Morgan county;
AEP recreation land lake site NB43 at campsite K-Bicentennial in Noble county;
Highlandtown lake in Columbiana county.
(J) It shall be unlawful for any person to take or possess black crappie or white crappie less than nine inches in length on the following bodies of water:
Delaware lake in Delaware county, including the Olentangy river in Marion county upstream to the Waldo dam, Whetstone creek upstream to state route 229, Alum creek lake in Delaware county, Deer creek lake in Fayette and Pickaway counties, Tappan lake in Harrison county, Seneca lake in guernsey and Noble counties and Caesars creek lake in Clinton, green and Warren counties.
(K) It shall be unlawful to take or possess a striped bass less than twenty-six inches in length from Senecaville lake in Guernsey and Noble counties. Provided further, it shall be unlawful to take or possess more than one striped bass per day from Senecaville lake in Guernsey and Noble counties.
(L) It shall be unlawful to take or possess largemouth, smallmouth, or spotted bass less then twelve inches in length from division of wildlife owned or agreement lakes having a water area greater than five hundred acres in size, not withstanding any other length limits in this rule.
(M) All definitions set forth in rule 1501:31-1-02 of the Administrative Code shall apply to this rule.
Effective: 03/01/2006
R.C. 119.032 review dates: 08/23/2005 and 03/01/2011
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 1531.08, 1533.02
Rule Amplifies: 1531.08, 1533.02
Prior Effective Dates: 6/1/86(Temp0, 9/20/86(Temp), 6/1/87(Temp), 5/15/88(Temp), 3/1/89(Temp), 3/1/90, 3/1/91, 2/29/92, 2/28/94, 5/1/95, 3/1/96, 3/1/97, 3/1/98, 3/1/00, 3/1/01, 2/1/02, 3/1/04
(A) It shall be lawful for residents of this state to take or catch fish by angling in any waters of the state without procuring a resident fishing license as prescribed in section 1533.32 of the Revised Code on the first consecutive Saturday and Sunday in May. Provided further, it shall be unlawful to take or catch fish contrary to the Ohio Revised Code and any division order or rule.
(B) All definitions set forth in rule 1501:31-1-02 of the Administrative Code shall apply to this rule.
HISTORY: Eff 10-31-92; 11-13-02
Rule promulgated under: RC 119.03
Rule authorized by: RC 1531.08
Rule amplifies: RC 1531.08
R.C. 119.032 review dates: 08/22/2002 and 11/13/2007
(A) The eastern fishing unit of the Ohio river shall consist of those counties bordering the state of West Virginia and more specifically the counties of Columbiana, Jefferson, Belmont, Monroe, Washington, Athens, Meigs, Gallia, and that portion of Lawrence east of the West Virginia and Kentucky state lines. Provided further, it shall be unlawful to take or possess any fish contrary to this rule or any other division of wildlife rule when within a quarter mile of the Ohio river or its embayment areas and tributaries to the first riffle or dam in the eastern fishing unit of the Ohio river.
(B) It shall be unlawful for any person to take or possess more than two muskellunge, or two northern pike, or six largemouth, smallmouth, or spotted bass singly or in the aggregate in any one day in the area prescribed in paragraph (A) of this rule.
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to take or possess a muskellunge or tiger muskie less than thirty inches in length, or a northern pike less than twenty-eight inches in length in the area prescribed in paragraph (A) of this rule.
(2) It shall be unlawful for any person to take or possess more than four striped bass, hybrid striped bass, white bass, or yellow bass singly or in the aggregate which is more than fifteen inches in length in any one day in the area prescribed in paragraph (A) of this rule.
(C) The western fishing unit of the Ohio river shall consist of those counties bordering the state of Kentucky and more specifically that portion of Lawrence county west of the Kentucky and Ohio border and the entire counties of Scioto, Adams, Brown, Clermont, and Hamilton. Provided further, it shall be unlawful to take or possess any fish contrary to this rule or any other division of wildlife rule when on or within a quarter mile of the Ohio river or in its embayment areas and tributaries to the first riffle or dam in those counties or portions thereof in the western fishing unit.
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to take or possess more than six largemouth, smallmouth, or spotted bass singly or in the aggregate, or more than two muskellunge or tiger muskie singly or in the aggregate, or thirty black or white crappie singly or in the aggregate in any one day in the area prescribed in paragraph (C) of this rule.
(2) It shall be unlawful for any person to take or possess more than thirty striped bass, hybrid striped bass, white bass, or yellow bass singly or in the aggregate in any one day in the area prescribed in paragraph (C) of this rule. Provided further, it shall be unlawful to take or possess more than four striped bass, hybrid striped bass, white bass or yellow bass singly or in the aggregate more than fifteen inches in length in any one day in the area prescribed in paragraph (C) of this rule.
(3) It shall be unlawful to take or possess a largemouth bass or smallmouth bass less than twelve inches in length or a muskellunge or tiger muskie less than thirty inches in length.
(D) The possession limits set forth in this rule shall not apply to such fish when stored in a persons abode in those areas prescribed in paragraphs (A) and (C) of this rule.
(E) All definitions set forth in rule 1501:31-1-02 of the Administrative Code shall apply to this rule.
HISTORY: Eff 2-28-94
Rule promulgated under: RC Chapter 119.
Rule amplifies: RC 1531.08
119.032 Review Date: 10-17-02; 10-17-07
(A) Any resident of this state or a nonresident may purchase a one day fishing license the fee for which is established in section 1533.32 of the Revised Code. The one day fishing license shall expire at midnight on the day for which the license is valid.
(B) All definitions set forth in rule 1501:31-1-02 of the Administrative Code shall apply to this rule.
HISTORY: Eff 7-15-98; 2-1-02
Rule promulgated under: RC Chapter 119.
Rule authorized by: RC 1531.08, 1533.10, 1533.32
Rule amplifies: RC 1531.08, 1533.10, 1533.32
119.032 Review Date: 10-17-02; 10-17-07