Marsh Park Fishing Lake

marsh lake sm

About the Lake

Thomas O. Marsh Park Fishing Lake is a natural spring fed lake with over 4,000 feet of accessible shoreline. The lake is home to carp, catfish, crappie, bass, bluegill, northern pike, perch, trout and walleye. The Bait House carries fresh live bait and your basic tackle needs. Beverages, snacks, and hot sandwiches are also available for purchase. 

Opening Hours/Times

  • Year-round general park access (trails, fitness stations, general leisure):
    • Pedestrian access is from daylight to dusk (one half-hour after sunset).
    • Vehicle access is from 7.30 a.m. to dusk (one half-hour after sunset). 
    • Fishing from the shore is permitted year-round.
    • Parking lot gates will be locked each evening. 
  • Lake use:
    • All boating and fishing permitted March 1st – Dec. 1st. 
    • Dock open for fishing March 1st – Dec. 1st. 
    • We ask all guests to be off the lake 30 minutes before sunset. 
  • Bait House Hours:
    • First weekend in March through March 31st: Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 8 am - 5 pm
    • April 1st - September 30th: Open seven days a week from 8 am - 5 pm. 
    • Closed: Oct 1st through first weekend in March.


General Rules:

  • All bait shop sales are final – no refunds.
  • Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on premises.
  • Glass containers are not allowed on the premises.
  • Swimming/wading is not allowed at any time.

Fishing:

  • A state fishing license is not required.
  • Limit 2 poles per Adult, child limited to 1 pole.
  • Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Throw and trot lines are not allowed.
  • Any combination of 8 fish may be kept per day, excluding carp (no limit) and bluegill (up to 18).
  • All fish over 25 pounds must be released back into lake.
  • No purchasing or trading of fish is allowed.
  • Fishermen catching or possessing any fish over the daily bag/possession limit will be charged Market Price per fish.
  • All vehicles must be parked in the parking lot.
  • Snagging/netting of fish is not allowed.
  • Frogging is not allowed at any time.
  • Cleaning of fish is not allowed in the park.

Boating:

Only hand-powered boats that have a current and valid registration sticker (OH numbers) OR the alternative registration decal are permitted on the lake.

  • This includes: Kayaks, canoes, rowing shells, rowboats, and jon boats.
  • Swimming in Marsh Lake is prohibited, therefore, the use of paddleboards or windsurfers is NOT permitted due to the likelihood of a patron being exposed to a swimming situation during the use of these type of vessels.

Boating is only permitted during park operating hours, in accordance with the Ohio state “dusk” law, and after a waiver of liability has been signed. Boaters must be off the water and loaded up prior to closing time, not AT closing time, in order for staff to close the park accordingly.

It is required that each person navigating Marsh Lake by boat to wear a USCG approved PFD at all times.

Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.