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. 

Fishing and Boating is FREE during the 2023 season.

Marsh Lake Bait House Hours of Operation

2023 Bait House Hours:

  • March 3 - March 31: Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 8 am - 5 pm
  • April 1 - end of season: Open seven days a week from 8 am - 5 pm. 

Access to the park (trials, fitness stations, and general leisure) is year round from 8 a.m. to dusk. 

Fishing:

  • A state fishing license is not required.
  • No refunds, all sales are final.
  • 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.
  • A total of 8 fish may be kept per daily limit, excluding carp and bluegill.
  • All fish over 25 pounds remain property of the lake and must be released after weighing in.
  • 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.
  • Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on premises.
  • Glass containers are not allowed on the premises.
  • Snagging/netting of fish is not allowed.
  • Frogging is not allowed at any time.
  • Cleaning of fish is not allowed in the park.
  • Swimming/wading is not allowed at any time.

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.

Swimming in Marsh Lake is never permitted.

 The consumption of alcohol on the property is not permitted.

 Due to limited parking, trailers are not permitted to park in the lot. Vehicles with trailers may park in the overflow lot.

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