fishing ohio erie canal

 Fishing the Ohio Erie Canal Locations and Tips

The Ohio Erie Canal a 308-mile long canal that runs from Cleveland to Portsmouth is an excellent destination for fishing enthusiasts. The canal is home to a variety of fish species including largemouth bass smallmouth bass northern pike channel catfish and bluegill. In this article we will take a closer look at some of the best locations for fishing the Ohio Erie Canal and provide some tips on how to catch fish.

fishing ohio erie canal


Akron - The Mustill Store and Canal Park

The Mustill Store and Canal Park in Akron is a great place to start your Ohio Erie Canal fishing adventure. The park offers easy access to the canal and the nearby Mustill Store has a small museum dedicated to the canal's history. The canal here is known for its abundance of bluegill and catfish.


Massillon - Ernie's Bicycle Shop

Ernie's Bicycle Shop in Massillon is located right on the canal and offers bike rentals and fishing gear. The canal here is known for its northern pike and anglers have reported catching pike over 40 inches long.


Canal Fulton - St. Helena Heritage Park

St. Helena Heritage Park in Canal Fulton is a great spot for fishing the Ohio Erie Canal. The park offers a fishing pier and a boat launch making it easy to access the canal. Anglers have reported catching catfish bass and bluegill in this area.

fishing ohio erie canal


Bolivar - McDonnell Trailhead

The McDonnell Trailhead in Bolivar is a popular spot for fishing the Ohio Erie Canal. The trailhead offers ample parking and easy access to the canal. The canal here is known for its channel catfish and bass.



To catch fish in the Ohio Erie Canal it's important to choose the right bait and equipment. Different fish species require different types of bait and a medium to heavy-action rod and reel with a strong fishing line is recommended for larger fish such as northern pike and channel catfish. Checking the weather is also important as overcast days are often ideal for fishing.


Overall the Ohio Erie Canal is a great destination for anglers of all skill levels. By following these tips and exploring the best fishing spots along the canal you're sure to have a successful and enjoyable fishing trip.


fishing ohio erie canal



Tips for Fishing the Ohio Erie Canal


Choose the Right Bait - Different fish species require different types of bait. For example largemouth bass are often caught using plastic worms or crankbaits while catfish are often caught using live bait such as nightcrawlers or chicken liver.


Use the Right Equipment - When fishing the Ohio Erie Canal it's important to use the right equipment. A medium to heavy-action rod and reel with a strong fishing line is recommended for catching larger fish such as northern pike and channel catfish.


Check the Weather - The weather can have a significant impact on fishing success. Overcast days are often ideal for fishing as the fish are more likely to be active and feeding.


Respect the Canal - When fishing the Ohio Erie Canal, it's important to respect the canal and the surrounding environment. Always clean up after yourself and follow any posted fishing regulations.


In conclusion the Ohio Erie Canal offers plenty of opportunities for fishing enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to catch largemouth bass northern pike or catfish there are plenty of locations along the canal to explore. Remember to choose the right bait and equipment check the weather and respect the canal and the environment. Happy fishing!

fishing ohio erie canal


Useful Links:

Ohio Department of Natural Resources - Fishing in Ohio Erie Canal:Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Canalway Ohio - Ohio Erie Canal Fishing:Canalway Ohio



What is the biggest fish ever caught in the Erie Canal?

While there have been many notable catches in the Erie Canal over the years the largest fish ever caught in the canal was a 50-pound flathead catfish. The massive fish was caught by angler Jim Kinner in August 2016 near the town of Ilion New York. The catch was verified by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and made headlines across the state. It's worth noting that the Erie Canal is a popular fishing destination for a variety of species and while catching a fish as large as Kinner's catfish is certainly an impressive feat anglers can still find plenty of other fish to catch in the canal including bass pike and panfish.

Is there a canal from Lake Erie to the Ohio River?

Yes there is a canal that connects Lake Erie to the Ohio River. It is called the Ohio and Erie Canal which was constructed in the 1820s and 1830s to provide a water route for shipping goods between the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico. The canal runs for 308 miles from Cleveland on Lake Erie to Portsmouth on the Ohio River passing through several towns and cities along the way. The canal was an important transportation route in the 19th century but it gradually became obsolete with the rise of railroads and highways. Today the Ohio and Erie Canal is part of the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area and has been preserved as a recreational resource for hiking biking boating and fishing.

fishing ohio erie canal


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