AKRON, Ohio – The popular youth fishing area in Portage Lakes opens Saturday, May 27 to anglers 15 years old and younger, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. The fishing area will remain open on weekends through Labor Day.
Division of Wildlife youth fishing area is located at 912 Portage Lakes Drive in Akron. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, through and including Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4.
All young anglers must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, but adults are not required to have a fishing license. Adults are not allowed to fish in the youth area; however, they may assist young anglers. Picnic tables and restroom facilities are available. Equipment, bait, and assistance from Division of Wildlife staff members are provided at no charge thanks to the purchases of Ohio fishing licenses and federal contributions from the Sport Fish Restoration Fund.
Species that can be caught include bluegill, catfish, bass, crappie, trout, and carp. Many fish meet or exceed Fish Ohio length requirements. Read more about where to fish, how to target certain species, and the popular Fish Ohio program at wildohio.gov.
Each young angler may keep only one fish per day at the youth fishing ponds; however, catching and releasing fish for the duration of the visit is welcome.
Call 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543) to connect with the Wildlife District Three Headquarters in Akron for more information. Organizations interested in visiting with a group may schedule visits during the open fishing hours by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543).
Since 1950, the Sport Fish Restoration program has dedicated permanent funding to fishery conservation through federal excise taxes on sport fishing equipment, import duties on fishing tackle and pleasure boats, and the portion of the gasoline fuel tax attributable to small engines and motorboats. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service annually apportions these funds that the Division of Wildlife uses to acquire habitat, produce and stock fish, conduct research and assessment surveys, provide aquatic education, and secure fishing access.
The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.