Fishing

Fishing is permitted in two borrow ponds from May 1–September 30. Non-motorized boats are permitted. Primary species include channel catfish, largemouth bass and sunfish. Ohio state regulations apply.

Fishing is permitted along the shore in Lake Erie, access is by water only.

Fishing Brochure

Welcome

Established in 1961 under the Migratory Bird Conservation Act, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge provides sanctuary and habitat for migratory birds, waterfowl, resident wildlife, and endangered species. The refuge also offers hunting, wildlife viewing, photography, environmental education, interpretation, and fishing opportunities.

Accessibility Information

Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs and activities of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is available to all individuals regardless of physical or mental ability. For more information please contact the U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Civil Rights, https://www.doi.gov/pmb/eeo/public-civil-rights.

Safety

Weather conditions at the refuge are often affected by Lake Erie and it can be hotter, colder or windier than it is further inland. Dress in layers, bring extra clothes, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes. Insects can be a problem; wearing long sleeves and using insect repellent is advised. Be prepared with plenty of water and food.

Firearms

Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on National Wildlife Refuge System lands must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (50 CFR 27.42 and specific refuge regulations in 50 CFR Part 32.)

Fishing Regulations

Fishing regulations are designed to provide safe recreational opportunities through wise use of renewable wildlife resources. Fishing is permitted in accordance with Federal regulations governing public use on National Wildlife Refuges as set forth in Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

• Fishing is allowed in designated fishing areas in accordance with State of Ohio regulations, seasons, and harvest limits, subject to the conditions stated here.
• The refuge prohibits the take of any turtle, frog, leech, minnow, crayfish, and mussel species by any method (except in Metzger Marsh).
• Only catch and release fishing is allowed at the visitor center pond.
• Fishing is permitted from legal sunrise to legal sunset. Anglers must remove all boats, ice fishing structures, devices, and personal property from the refuge each day.
• Crane Creek and Crane Creek Estuary are closed to all boats and flotation devices from the mouth of Crane Creek at Lake Erie and throughout the entirety of the refuge.

Brochures may be obtained by mail, at the refuge headquarters, or from the refuge website.

Motorized Vehicles, Parking, Camping

Park only in designated parking areas. Camping and overnight parking are prohibited. Licensed motor vehicles are permitted only on public use roads as shown on the map. ATVs and UTVs are prohibited.

Boats

The Refuge allows non-motorized craft in designated areas. These areas are Cedar Point Fishing Access, Middle Toussaint Unit, West Harbor Landing Unit, Nehls Memorial Preserve, Turtle Creek Island Unit, Ottawa Magee Partnership Ponds, and Little Portage Unit. Boats with motors are allowed at Metzger Marsh.

Access

Access to the Refuge from private property is prohibited.

General

Individuals accessing the refuge are subject to inspections of permits, licenses, hunting equipment, harvest limits, boats, vehicles and their contents by federal and state officers. Ohio state regulations and refuge specific regulations will be enforced. Refuge specific regulations supersede state regulations.

To Report Violations

• 1-844-FWS-TIPS (397-8477)
  • Turn In a Poacher (TIP) Line: 1-800-POACHER

Prohibited Activities

By law, recreational activities on national wildlife refuges are prohibited unless expressly permitted.

• Trapping any animal without a permit
  • Camping and Fires
  • Searching for or removal of any natural items such as plants, historic, and archaeological features, protected by Federal law.
  • Taking of any turtle, frog, leech, minnow, crayfish, and mussel species by an method (except in Metzger Marsh).
  • Cutting woody vegetation
  • Marking or flagging any tree or other Refuge feature with reflectors, paint, or other substance.
  • Please follow “Leave No Trace” principles and do not leave trash.