Ohio Fishing Licenses Requirements
The objective of the Ohio Division of Wildlife is to safeguard and augment fish resources and their habitats for sustained use and enjoyment by all. One of the key methods to safeguard the future of fishing involves licensing.
In Ohio, individuals aged 16 or over must have a license to fish, which authorizes them to extract fish from Ohio waters. It's important to note that this also applies to anglers fishing in privately-owned bodies of water (ponds, lakes, or reservoirs) that are publicly accessible due to an agreement or lease with the Ohio Division of Wildlife. Licenses are also required for capturing frogs or turtles on any public or private land.
License holders must keep their license on their person while fishing and present it when asked. Licenses can be shown digitally on a mobile device.
Fishing License Exemptions
Several exceptions exist to Ohio's fishing license requirement. The following individuals are exempt from needing a permit:
- People fishing in privately owned ponds, lakes, or reservoirs where fish do not migrate
- Individuals assisting a free mobility impaired or blind fishing license holder, provided they're using only one line together
- Anglers fishing or catching frogs or turtles on lands and waters they or their parents tenant, live on, and primarily earn income from via agricultural production (excluding state-owned lakes)
- People fishing or catching frogs or turtles on lands and waters owned by them or their parents, unless the lands border or lie within state parks or state-owned lakes
- Active duty members of the Armed Forces on leave or furlough
- Individuals fishing on free fishing days, specifically June 19 and 20 in 2021
Regardless of these exemptions, size and bag limits remain applicable.
Types of Fishing Licenses
Ohio offers a variety of fishing license options, irrespective of residency status.
Residents:
- 1-day Fishing License (upgradeable)
- 1-year Fishing License
- 3-year Fishing License
- 5-year Fishing License
- 10-year Fishing License
- Lifetime Fishing License
To be considered a resident, one must have lived in Ohio for the past six consecutive months.
Non-residents:
- 1-day Fishing License (upgradeable)
- 3-day Fishing License
- 1-year Fishing License
- Lake Erie Fishing Permit (valid from January 1 to April 30, 2021)
An upgraded one-day license can be credited towards the purchase of an annual license.
Ohio Fishing License Fees
The fishing license fees in Ohio may vary each year. However, the 2021 rates were as follows:
Residents:
- 1-Day Fishing License: $14.00
- 1-Year License Upgraded from a 1-Day Fishing License: $12.00
- 1-Year Fishing License: $25.00 ($10 for seniors)
- 3-Year Fishing License: $54.08 ($28.60 for seniors)
- 5-Year Fishing License: $90.22 ($47.58 for seniors)
- 10-Year Fishing License: $180.44
- Lifetime Fishing License: $468.00 ($430.56 for youth under 16 and $84.24 for seniors)
Non-residents:
- 1-Day Fishing License: $14.00
- 1-Year License Upgraded from a 1-Day Fishing License: $37.44
- 3-Day Fishing License: $25.00
- 1-Year Fishing License: $50.96
- Lake Erie Fishing Permit (January 1 to April 30, 2021): $11.00
Purchasing Your Ohio Fishing License
You can acquire a fishing license in Ohio either online at the Division of Wildlife website at wildohio.gov or via authorized license sales agents spread across the state. Following an online purchase, the license is emailed to you. It is not mandatory to print the license; it can simply be shown on a mobile device when requested.
You can also buy lifetime and multi-year licenses online, provided you have an Ohio driver's license or state identification associated with your account. Lifetime license purchasers have the alternative option of visiting the Division of Wildlife office or sending in a paper application via mail. Note, proof of age and residency are required at the time of purchase. Multi-year licenses can also be bought at agent locations, but certain restrictions may apply.