• Besides having a huge shoreline on the great Lake Erie, which is known to some as the “walleye capital of the world,” Ohio is home to a vast variety of lakes that provide excellent fishing opportunities. State park lakes require a valid Ohio fishing license, and many of these lakes are periodically stocked with fish.
  
  

Grand Lake St. Mary's

• Located smack in the middle of the far western part of the state, this massive, 13,500-acre lake provides not only fishing, but swimming, boating, and camping as well. For those with a boat, there are 8 public boat ramps operated by the state. Fishing is permitted year-round with a license, and the lake is full of bass, walleye, bluegill and yellow perch. Many rare birds make their home here, including heron, egrets, and bald eagles.
  
  

Buckeye Lake

• Almost exactly in the middle of the state, near Route 70 and just east of Columbus, lies Buckeye Lake. The lake is 3,100 acres and is a very popular spot for fishing. Permits are required and there are 9 public docks for those who have boats. Around the turn of the 20th century, a train called the “Buckeye Fish Car” would take bass and crappie from Lake Erie and bring them for stocking in Buckeye Lake. The lake is now home to perch, crappie, bass, and several different types of catfish.
  
  

Jefferson Lake

• Making your way east, almost exactly in the middle of Routes 70 and 80 lies Jefferson Lake, a small lake in the town of Richmond. This is a hilly, mountainous area within the steel-producing area of Ohio. The lake was made by humans in 1946, and although it’s only about 17 acres, it’s packed with largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish. Motor-less boats are the only boats allowed, and there is also camping and hunting in the area.
  
  

Adam's Lake

• Located in the Bluegrass Region in the south, near the Ohio River, is Adam’s Lake. The Bluegrass Region is located in the foothills of the Appalachians, and is notable for the vast variety of plants and animals that live within it. The fishing here is scenic and abundant. The lake is located in the town of West Union and is 47 acres in size. Electric boats are the only motorized boats allowed, and the lake is full of carp, bullhead, bass, and crappie.