Fishing Programs 2026

Fishing programs are supported by Metroparks Members. For a complete list of fishing in the Metroparks visit our Fishing page [Details].

Youth Fishing Event: Trout Release (Ages 17 & Under)

Oak Openings Preserve, Mallard Lake and Pearson, Pearson Lake
April 4, 9 a.m. to Noon
No Reservations Required, FREE

Reel in Metroparks memories and catch tonight’s dinner all at one event. Oak Openings Mallard Lake and Pearson Lake will be stocked with rainbow trout and we need youth anglers to fish them out! You are welcome to bring your own equipment, but we will also have fishing poles and bait available on a first come, first served basis. If you want to take your trout home to cook, please bring a cooler of ice. Help protect the balance of this ecosystem by taking all of your live bait home and dumping nothing into the water or onto land! Bon Appetite.

Open to youth ages 17 and under. Those aged 16 & 17 will need to have an Ohio Fishing License.

This event runs rain or shine. Please dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear. No flip-flops. Minors must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.

Still having fun? The ponds are open for youth fishing only (age 17 and under) during park hours April 4-5. Your Metroparks are open every day 7am to dark. Poles, bait, and staff unavailable after the event 9-noon. Adults may resume fishing these ponds with a license on April 6. During this time, all are welcome to take home trout, otherwise catch and release Metroparks Fishing Rules apply. The daily harvest limit for inland lakes is five trout per angler.

Try It! Youth Fishing Programs (Ages 17 & Under)

Cannonball Prairie Metropark
No Reservations Required, FREE

• May 9, 2026, 9 a.m. to Noon
• May 23, 2026, 9 a.m. to Noon, Equipment and bait provided
• June 13, 2026, 9 a.m. to Noon
• June 21, 2026, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Equipment and bait provided
• July 25, 2026, 9 a.m. to Noon, Equipment and bait provided
• July 31, 2026, 5 to 8 p.m.
• August 9, 2026, 9 a.m. to Noon
• August 23, 2026, 9 a.m. to Noon, Equipment and bait provided
• September 4, 2026, 5 to 8 p.m.
• September 19, 2026, 9 a.m. to Noon, Equipment and bait provided

Whether you are an experienced angler or trying fishing for the first time, we invite you to reel in Metroparks memories at these youth fishing events. 

Ages 17 and Under (Ages 16 & 17 will need to have an Ohio Fishing License.)

• Fishing poles and bait available on a first come, first served basis on the dates indicated above—anglers are welcome to bring their own equipment and will need to on the dates that equipment and bait are not available.
• Help protect the balance of this ecosystem by taking all your live bait home and dumping nothing into the water or onto land!
• These events run rain or shine. Please dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear. Please bring a reusable water bottle filled with water.
• Minors must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.
• Open house style—come anytime during the event.

Hook & Cook Youth Fishing Event (Ages 17 & Under)

Cannonball Prairie
August 1, 9 a.m. to Noon
No Reservations Required, FREE

Have you ever wanted to learn how to clean and cook what you catch from your own fishing trips? We invite you to join our experts for live fillet demonstrations to sharpen your skills. After your fish is prepared it will then be cooked in a mobile kitchen brought by ODNR Division of Wildlife.

Cannonball prairie pond is only open for youth fishing (under age 18). Youth ages 16 & 17 will need to have an Ohio Fishing License.   You are welcome to bring your own equipment, but we will also have fishing poles and bait available on a first come, first served basis.

Help protect the balance of this ecosystem by taking all your live bait home and dumping nothing into the water or onto land!

This event runs rain or shine. Please dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear. No flip-flops.  Minors must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.