Hamilton County Park District - It's Great Outdoors! ®

People that have caught a fish

The Hamilton County Park District manages four lakes that are ideal for fishing and boating. An Ohio State fishing license is required to fish at each lake (except Lake Isabella and Campell Lakes Preserve) and may be purchased at most local sporting goods stores, or click here to buy Ohio Fishing Licenses from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

The Park District conducts fish population and creel surveys on its lakes to collect information about fish growth and populations. Review individual park lake reports here.

Accessible Bank Fishing
Each lake includes designated bank fishing areas with Level 1 Accessibility ratings. Physically challenged anglers may also enjoy fishing at Mitchell Memorial Forest's River Hill Pond, also a Level 1 area.

Fishing Programs
Fishing Programs and Clinics run from March to October. Register by calling (513) 791-1663, advance registration is required. Youth and senior citizen groups may also take advantage of free fishing sessions at Lake Isabella. The Park District provides the use of fully-rigged rods and reels (up to 25). This special program is offered March through October. Sessions must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance by calling the boathouse.The Hamilton County Park District presents many fishing events and programs including two-person team tournaments.

Lakes Opening
Lake Isabella will open weekdays (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.) and weekends (6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.) beginning Friday, March 5.

Miami Whitewater Forest Boathouse will open weekdays (10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.) and weekends (8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.) beginning Friday, March 5.

Sharon Woods Boathouse will open weekends only (9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.) beginning Saturday, March 13.

Winton Woods Boathouse will also be open weekends (8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.) beginning Saturday, March 13.

For more information on your favorite lake, click on a link below.

Parks with Fishing:

Additional Fishing Sites
River Hill Pond at Mitchell Memorial Forest is "catch and release" only; however, fish caught at Triple Creek pond may be taken home. No fishing license required. Shawnee Lookout provides a canoe and kayak access to the Great Miami and Ohio Rivers; bank fishing and boating should be done with caution due to shallow water in this area. Woodland Mound has a boat launching ramp to the Ohio River, open when river conditions permit. A daily or annual launch permit is required and bank fishing is permitted at this site. Bank fishing on the Little Miami River is permitted at Bass Island, located at Little Miami Golf Center. Canoe access to the Little Miami River is provided at Bass Island and Lake Isabella. Armleder Park offers canoe access to the Little Miami River. Campbell Lakes Preserve has 4 lakes for fishing by car top boat or from the bank; Ohio state fishing license is not required. Bass, Northern Pike and Yellow Perch are catch and release only.

Hamilton County Park District