ODNR issues updates fishing license rules, prices for 2022-23 season

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources issued an updated set of fishing regulations in effect March 1 until Feb. 28, 2023.

Youth residents (under age 16 at time of purchase) are not required to buy a license; however, they may purchase a lifetime license for $430.56, according to ODNR.

Residents age 16-65 at the time of purchase can buy a license for the following amounts:

• Resident 1-Day License $14
• Resident 1-Year Upgraded from a 1-Day License * (see below) $12
• Resident 1-Year License $25
• Resident 3-Year License $72.11
• Resident 5-Year License $120.18
• Resident 10-Year License $240.36
• Resident Lifetime License $599.04

Senior licenses are available as follows:

• Resident 1-Year License $10
• Resident 3-Year License $27.04
• Resident 5-Year License $45.07
• Resident Lifetime License $84.24

Nonresidents of any age can buy a license for these time periods:

• 1-Day License $14
• 1-Year License Upgraded from a 1-Day $37.44
• 3-Day License $25
• 1-Year License $50.96

A fishing license is required to fish in Ohio or to take frogs or turtles on public or private property. The license is also mandated for fishing in privately owned ponds, lakes or reservoirs that are open to public fishing through an agreement or lease with the Ohio Division of Wildlife.

The license must be in your possession while you are fishing and you are required to show the license to anyone on request, according to the ODNR. You can show the license on a cellphone or other mobile device.

The license requirement also applies to active duty members of the U.S. military stationed in Ohio, but who are not on leave or on furlough.

Exceptions to the ODNR rules

A license is not required under these circumstances, according to the ODNR.

• If you are under the age of 16, even when catching frogs and turtles.
• If you are fishing in a privately owned pond, lake or reservoir where fish do not migrate.
• Giving assistance to an angler who has been issued the free mobility impaired or blind fishing license, provided the two persons together are using only one line.
• Fishing, or taking frogs or turtles, on land and water which they or their parents own, except where the land is in or borders on state parks or state-owned lakes.
• Fishing, or taking frogs or turtles, on land and water where they or their parents are tenants on which they reside, and from which they derive the majority of their income from agricultural production on that land (except state-owned lakes).
• Members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty while on leave or furlough.
• Free Fishing Days: Ohio residents are not required to have a license on June 18-19, 2022.