COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife has issued its fishing regulations for the upcoming 2026-2027 season, bringing a handful of rule changes anglers should be aware of before hitting the water.
The new regulations took effect March 1, 2026, and run through Feb. 28, 2027. The complete guide is available on the ODNR website.
What’s changing this season
Among the most significant updates, turtles taken from the wild may no longer be sold, bartered or traded. The rule applies to snapping and softshell turtles, the only two species that may be legally harvested. Turtle season runs July 1 through Dec. 31, 2026, and it remains illegal to take turtle eggs.
Bait fish trap regulations have also been updated. Traps may now have openings up to 2 inches in diameter or 2 inches in height — a change from prior limits. Traps still cannot exceed 24 inches in length or 12 inches in width, and each trap must be tagged with the owner’s name and address or customer identification number.
Additionally, the landmark designating the restricted stretch of the Maumee River has changed. The portion of the river open only for fishing from sunrise to sunset between March 1 and April 30, 2026, is now defined by the easternmost point of Missionary Island.
Frog and turtle seasons
A fishing license is required to take frogs and turtles on both public and private property. Frog season opens at 6 p.m. on June 12 and runs through April 30, 2027. Only bullfrogs and green frogs may be taken, with a daily limit of 15.
License costs and free fishing days
Fishing licenses are available for residents, resident seniors, resident youth and nonresidents, and can be purchased for one day, multi-year periods or for life. Anglers under 16 do not need a license. One-year licenses are valid for exactly one year from the date of purchase.
Ohioans born on or before Dec. 31, 1937, are eligible for a free license. Others who may qualify — including certain disabled veterans, mobility-impaired individuals, residents of state and county institutions and former prisoners of war — must submit a formal application by calling 1-800-945-3543.
All Ohio residents can fish without a license on June 20 and 21, 2026, the state’s designated free fishing days. All size and daily catch limits remain in effect on those days.
Protected species
Anglers who catch any of Ohio’s protected fish species are required by law to immediately return them to the water. The list includes lake sturgeon, shovelnose sturgeon, alligator gar, spotted gar, shortnose gar, brook trout (restricted to four northeast Ohio rivers and their tributaries), cisco, goldeye and more than a dozen other species.
For full regulations, license pricing and additional information, visit the ODNR Division of Wildlife website.
