Ohio’s fish hatcheries are opening for family fun

Justin Dennis
·2 min read

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WJW) — As Ohio springs into warmer weather, fish hatcheries around the state are opening their doors for the state’s 2024-25 fishing season, offering a closer look at how the Ohio Department of Natural Resources restocks public lakes and rivers.

Free open houses are planned through May 4 at each of the state’s six fish hatcheries, set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on certain Saturdays:

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ODNR Division of Wildlife workers will offer tours and answer questions about fish production and fishery management, according to a news release. Visitors can learn about hatcheries, see fish eggs and fry in production and watch fish swim or race in ponds. Archery and BB shooting ranges are also available at some of the hatcheries.

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Ohio’s hatcheries raised and stocked nearly 41 million fish in 2023, including sport fish like rainbow trout, steelhead, walleye and bluegill, according to the release. Though most of Ohio’s fish populations are replenished naturally, the department’s restocking efforts create new fishing opportunities in habitats where fish don’t normally live.

Anglers, through their spending, reeled in about $5.5 billion for the state’s economy in 2022, according to a recent report. Nearly 1 in 5 adults in the state, or about 1.7 million people, participate in fishing.

Fishing season started March 1. Get information on this year’s regulations and licensing on ODNR’s website.

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