Fishing Series
Catch and release policy 2024
To improve the fishing experience at Metroparks ponds and lakes, Metroparks Toledo has established a catch and release policy. This policy is intended to improve the fishing experience by providing more and larger fish to be caught by Metropark anglers throughout the fishing season. Exceptions to this policy will be; Annual trout stockings in April as well as special event days.
In 2024 anglers will be able to keep fish they catch (Mallard Lake and Pearson Pond Only)
Trout fishing ONLY: April 13 - 28
*During this time period fisherman will be able to “keep” all trout caught. All other species of fish will need to be released.
- *All Metroparks ponds and lakes
- May 25 - 27 - Memorial Day Weekend
- June 15 - 16 - Free Fish Ohio days
- July 4 - 7 - Independence Day Weekend
- Aug 31 - Sept 2 - Labor Day Weekend
Cannonball Prairie pond. Kids Only Fishing (Kids under 17)
*These dates correspond with programs current schedule:
- June 15 - 9 a.m. to Noon
- July 14 - 9 a.m. to Noon
- August 17 - 9 a.m. to Noon
FISHING PROGRAMS
Youth Fishing Class (Ages 8-14)
Cannonball Prairie, parking lot
May 4, 9 a.m. to noon
Reservations Required, Fee: $ 20
Are you looking to build your fishing skills? Look no further than the amazing fishery at Cannonball Prairie Metropark and our youth fishing series! During this program, we will further our skillset as we explore specific lures and baits to hunt for monster bass. Ages 8-14 Meet at Cannonball Prairie Parking Lot. These programs run rain or shine. Please dress for the weather. This is a drop-off program. Please bring a reusable water bottle filled with water.
Fly Fishing 101 and Fishery Management (Adults)
Cannonball Prairie, parking lot
June 2, 9 to 11 a.m.
Reservations Required, Fee: $ 20
Cast a line at our exclusive new fishery at Cannonball Prairie! We will discuss fly fishing in our area and work on casting techniques, as well as how to approach casting in different scenarios before taking those skills to the water. After fly fishing, we will be targeting specific fish species to remove from the fishery to promote overall health of the populations of fish and the fishery as a whole. If you catch fish within our removal criteria, you are welcome and encouraged to keep what you catch. This exclusive opportunity is the only one available for adults to fish at Cannonball Prairie.
All equipment provided. Registration required. Adults only. All participants must have an Ohio Fishing License. Meet at Cannonball Prairie Parking Lot. These programs run rain or shine. Please dress for the weather. Please bring a cooler of ice if you would like to keep your fish.
Youth Fishing Event
Cannonball Prairie, parking lot
June 15, 9 a.m. to Noon
No Reservations Required, Free
Whether you are an experienced angler, or trying fishing for the first time, we invite you to reel in Metroparks memories at this youth fishing event. Cannonball prairie pond will be open for youth fishing (under age 18) during this time. 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 of 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.
Youth Fishing Event
Cannonball Prairie, parking lot
July 14, 9 a.m. to Noon
No Reservations Required, Free
Whether you are an experienced angler, or trying fishing for the first time, we invite you to reel in Metroparks memories at this youth fishing event. Cannonball prairie pond will be open for youth fishing (under age 18) during this time. 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 of 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.
Youth Fishing Class (Ages 8-12)
Cannonball Prairie, parking lot
July 27, 9 a.m. to Noon
Reservations Required, Fee: $ 20
Are you looking to build your fishing skills? Look no further than the amazing fishery at Cannonball Prairie Metropark and our youth fishing series! During this program, we will further our skillset as we explore specific lures and baits to hunt for bluegill and other pan fish. Ages 8-12 Meet at Cannonball Prairie Parking Lot. These programs run rain or shine. Please dress for the weather. This is a drop off program. Please bring a reusable water bottle filled with water.
Youth Fishing Event
Cannonball Prairie, parking lot
August 17, 9 a.m. to Noon
No Reservations Required, Free
Whether you are an experienced angler, or trying fishing for the first time, we invite you to reel in Metroparks memories at this youth fishing event. Cannonball prairie pond will be open for youth fishing (under age 18) during this time. 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 of 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.