by Dana Snyder, Outdoor Education Manager

Lake Metroparks offers multiple ponds with easy public access for all fishing abilities. Whether you are a new angler just learning the sport or a seasoned angler practicing your skills, you can find just what you need at a Lake Metroparks pond.

Lake Metroparks encourages catch and release fishing, which helps to maintain fish populations and ensure many park visitors the same opportunities to enjoy fishing. Our annual stocking program takes this one step further by adding more fish to our popular fishing locations. This stocking program helps to keep the pond population strong and allows anglers of all ages to have fun catching fish. A standard annual stocking includes 3,000 to 4,000 pounds of largemouth bass, up to 2,000 bluegill and 1,500 to 2,200 channel catfish. Other species are added where indicated by pond population studies. In addition, fathead minnows are added where needed to help sustain the new additions and keep the pond population healthy and well fed. Notice of these annual stockings is posted on the Lake Metroparks Fishing Report along with pictures and actual weight and number of fish added.

Fish stocking at Veterans Park

Lake Metroparks offers public access to multiple parks with stocked fishing ponds. Below are some of those locations with more details. Of further note, a state of Ohio fishing license is not required in these areas with the exception of Veterans Park. At Veterans Park, anyone 16 and older must have a fishing license.

Chapin Forest Reservation: This location has three separate fishing areas. The Quarry Pond is located at the Chillicothe Road entrance in Kirtland. This is a small pond area that can only accommodate a limited number of anglers. The fishing here yields mainly small panfish, with the occasional largemouth bass. The Twin Ponds are located at the Hobart Road entrance in Kirtland. Both of these ponds also have small areas of access due to plant growth around them. The catch here is also typically panfish and largemouth bass with the occasional good-sized channel catfish.

Concord Woods Nature Park: This location is off Spear Road in Concord Township and is a shallow pond/wetlands area that is great for young children. There is a long stretch of flat grass along one side of the pond, perfect for parking the wagon or stroller. There is also a small bridge area that crosses one end of the wetlands. Many children have caught their first fish at this location. There are plenty of bluegill, channel catfish and largemouth bass. There are also plenty of turtles to entertain the little ones. Many more seasoned anglers like the back side of this pond for stalking the larger bass that feed in the lily pads. 

Girdled Road Reservation: This location has four separate fishing areas in Concord. The most popular pond is located at the Radcliffe Road entrance. There are multiple fishing areas around the pond including a small dock area. Easy fishing for children to catch bluegill and also some quality largemouth bass for the more experienced angler can be found here. Take the trail at the east end of the parking area back to another pond/wetlands area. Careful casting here can yield some quality largemouth bass or channel catfish. Two other ponds of note are at the Skok Meadow entrance off Route 608. The small pond near the parking lot doesn’t hold much interest, however further north there is a larger pond that is frequently stocked. This pond has some challenges in the growth around it, but the yield of largemouth bass is worth it.

Hidden Lake: Just like its name, this is a true hidden gem located in Leroy. This location is catch and release only. All skill levels can enjoy themselves here. Anglers can fish from the shore, the dock area or even bring their own hand-powered boat. This location receives a large quantity of quality fish each year during stocking. Species found here include bluegill, crappie, yellow perch, largemouth bass and channel catfish. Occasional trophy fish have been caught at this location!

Hidden Valley Park: This location has a small pond/wetlands area on River Road in Madison. There is a long stretch of grassy area for easy access, with the other side being less accessible due to plant growth. This is a fairly shallow fishing area with mostly panfish and the occasional largemouth bass.

Penitentiary Glen Reservation: This location offers two ponds off Kirtland-Chardon Road in Kirtland. The small pond located by the nature center is popular for families. Bank access is easy, minimal casting is necessary. Bluegill and channel catfish are caught here with the occasional largemouth bass. The second location is a bit of a hike into the woods. There is a boardwalk/dock area to access the water. The occasional bluegill or channel catfish can be caught here.

River Road Park: This location has a small pond/wetlands area on River Road in Madison near the Route 90 bridge. This area is more difficult to access. Casting is difficult due to plant growth, but the seasoned angler can be rewarded with quality largemouth bass.

Veterans Park: The most popular fishing location in Lake Metroparks is located on Hopkins Road in Mentor. A fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. There are multiple dock locations, along with bank access. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources stocks this pond with trout each spring. Lake Metroparks typically also adds a fall trout stocking along with the regular annual stocking. Anyone can catch a bluegill here! There are also quality largemouth bass and large channel catfish for the more experienced angler.

Blair Ridge Park: This location offers a small pond with a small bank dock area. Fishing here is by permit only.

Hidden Lake