By Okon Ekpenyong

On Saturday, May 10, 2025, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine spent his morning with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) at Indian Lake State Park to celebrate Governor’s Inland Fish Ohio Day, highlighting Ohio’s exceptional fishing opportunities for anglers of all levels. Angling is the recreational sport of fishing with a rod and line to catch fish.

Fishing in Ohio is more than just a pastime; it’s a blend of relaxation and the thrill of anticipating delicious meals as enthusiasts cast their lines into the State’s stunning lakes and rivers. For newcomers to Ohio, Indian Lake State Park offers a perfect destination where anglers of all skill levels can fish while also enjoying camping, hiking, and various amenities the park offers. This creates ideal opportunities for them to explore one of Ohio’s most beautiful gems. 

In addition, sharing with the community the diverse fish species and prime fishing spots like the Ohio River, Indian Lake, Mosquito Creek Lake, and Buckeye Lake to help get folks out of the house and vibe with nature. 

These areas also offer camping, boating, and birdwatching for outdoor lovers. Indian Lake, for example, is about 5,100 acres of water. It is off via Highway 33 in Lakeview in Logan County. It features five boat ramps and piers, providing easy access to fish such as saugeye, bluegill, and largemouth bass. 

It is also the top spot for catching Channel Catfish and Saugeye, especially the ones longer than 21 inches, with 170 reported in 2024,” the DeWine administration says. Part of the reason is that “India Lake’s shadow waters are an ideal habitat for saugeye and support strong abundances and sizes of bluegill, crappie, yellow perch, largemouth bass, and white bass.”

ODNR Chief Kendra Wecker announced the stocking of 2.5 million saugeye in Indian Lake this year. Another known fact about this state park is that “Indian Lake can be fished by boat or from shore and has been a destination fishery for decades,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “It is one of Ohio’s largest reservoirs and offers five boat ramps and several piers for easy access.”

Governor DeWine, First Lady Fran DeWine, and their grandchildren enjoyed a day of fishing there, emphasizing the importance of family and outdoor experiences.

“Great fishing can be found all across Ohio, but the inland waters at Indian Lake offer some of the best public places for fishing,” said Governor DeWine. “It was great to be back here on the water today and see firsthand the progress Indian Lake State Park and the community have made since last year’s tornado. I encourage everyone to visit Indian Lake and cast a line.”

Since Indian Lake is one of Ohio’s best fishing spots, highlighting the State’s commitment to wildlife preservation. No wonder Anglers who choose to fish at inland waters like Indian State Park help contribute to noting that over $5.5 billion anglers contributed to the local economy in 2022. 

Indian Lake’s strong fishing performance is evident, with top rankings in various categories, making it a prime location for anglers seeking sport and natural tranquility. For more information on Ohio’s fishing offerings, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources provides valuable resources for enthusiasts.

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