Fish For Free Across Ohio This Father’s Day Weekend
Ohio’s annual free fishing days are this Saturday, June 15, and Sunday, June 16, just in time for Father’s Day! Ohio residents can fish for free at any public lake, reservoir, stream, or river without a license for 48 hours.
It will be the only weekend of the year in which residents 16 years old and older can fish public waters for free without purchasing a license. All other fishing regulations apply.
Fishing at Zion Retreat & RV Park
Check out some great fishing spots here in Belmont County:
Barkcamp State Park – At Barkcamp Lake, anglers will enjoy catching bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, saugeye, and trout. Barkcamp is one of the few places where visitors can glimpse what Ohio’s forests looked like before settlement. The park’s picturesque hills and quiet lake draw campers, paddlers, anglers, horseback riders, and hikers to experience the region’s natural splendor.
Piedmont Lake – Nestled in the steep hills and wooded valleys of eastern Ohio is the serene and picturesque Piedmont Lake, a hidden gem revered among anglers for its legendary muskie fishing. Piedmont Lake is a treasure trove for fishing enthusiasts and has one of the highest muskellunge catch rates in the state. In fact, Ohio’s 55.13-pound state-record muskie was caught here in 1972.
Egypt Valley Wildlife Area – 14,300 acres of reclaimed surface mining area in Belmont and Guernsey counties is a great place to reel one in. The Ohio Division of Wildlife has stocked many small ponds with bass, catfish, and bluegills. Hiking, bird watching, photography, and sightseeing are also popular here.
Fishing at Barkcamp State Park
Pike Island Lock and Dam – Pike Island Lock and Dam is located just outside of Yorkville. Fishermen will find a variety of fish, including flathead catfish, walleye, bowfin, perch, green sunfish, largemouth bass, bream/bluegill, bullhead, carp, and catfish.
Powhatan Point Marina – Noted as one of the best-quality streams in Ohio, the main stem of Captina Creek has scored the highest average fish diversity scores in the state, with 56 fish species sampled by the Ohio EPA. The watershed also supports a healthy smallmouth bass fishery and abundant other wildlife in its forested habitat.
Zion Retreat & RV Park in Flushing is the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature – it’s a hidden gem in our county! Become immersed in the peacefulness of 1,300 acres of rolling hills, green fields, sparkling water, and beautiful sunsets. Enjoy catch-and-release fishing in a 27-acre lake.
Other great places to fish in Belmont County include Barnesville Memorial Park Lake, Epworth Park in Bethesda, and Schuler Park in Flushing. Dickinson Cattle Ranch in Barnesville also offers paid fishing in eight stocked ponds, ranging in size from one to five acres.
Load up the car, get the bait ready, and enjoy free fishing with Dad this Father’s Day weekend!
