By Tom Koritansky, Director of Park Operations
Anglers in Lake Metroparks are afforded many opportunities to fish in some of the most picturesque areas of Lake County. From scenic rivers and streams to secluded lakes and ponds, there is something for everyone who enjoys fishing at many of the parks.
Streams and rivers in Lake County are some of the finest in Ohio for both scenery, recreation and wildlife. Because of the quality of our streams, they have become recognized as some of the best steelhead fishing locations in the state. Lake Metroparks protects many streams in Lake County including portions of the State Scenic Chagrin River and State Wild & Scenic Grand River. Their protection preserves habitat for plants and animals and provides visitors access to enjoy these treasured resources.
Lakes and ponds are also plentiful in the parks. Many of the lakes and ponds range in size from 0.5 to three acres with the exception of the nine-acre lake at Hidden Lake and 33-acre pond at Veterans Park (which is the largest inland body of water in Lake County). The lakes and ponds are stocked annually with largemouth bass, channel catfish and bluegill of varying sizes and quantities. Some of the more popular fishing destinations are stocked with fish more than once per year.
To augment the spring and fall trout fishing seasons, Lake Metroparks generally stocks Hidden Lake each spring and Veterans Park in the fall with catchable rainbow trout. Thanks to a long-standing partnership with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife, Veterans Park is also stocked each spring with catchable rainbow trout. Anglers who enjoy trout fishing but may not be able to fish streams or rivers can certainly take advantage of these opportunities. Throughout the year, Lake Metroparks offers introductory fishing programs and activities for children, families and groups. A valid fishing license is required to fish Lake Erie, any of the rivers and streams flowing through the parks and the pond at Veterans Park. For a complete list of parks with fishing access and more information about fishing at Lake Metroparks visit lakemetroparks.com.
The nine-acre lake at this park is the property’s namesake. A shaded and highly-accessible shoreline make Hidden Lake—North a popular destination for anglers. With the exception of trout, all species are catch and release at this location.
A long expansive shoreline, dock and secluded setting are the distinctive qualities of the pond at Blair Ridge Park.
The 33-acre pond at Veterans Park is Lake County’s largest inland waterbody. The pond is regularly stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill and rainbow trout. Fish from a choice of three different piers or along the shore. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.
Penitentiary Glen Reservation is home to two ponds that are regularly stocked with fish throughout the year. The pond next to the Nature Center is a great small pond for beginners.
Fish from your choice of two ponds at Girdled Road Reservation—South. Access to these ponds is made using the entrance off Radcliffe Road.