With years of expertise from the fishing captain, Papa Jake, we’ve gathered the best places to go fishing with kids in Cincinnati.Ā
Need kids fishing tips? Want to know the basics and where to find lessons? Check out myĀ Fishing With KidsĀ post.Ā Ā
Here’s hoping your kids catch a bigger fish than that one when you go fishing with kids! I’m kidding, that’s the bait!Ā
Choosing The Right Place To Fish in Cincinnati
Don’t forget, you need a fishing license before you go fishing with kids in Cincinnati! You may purchase them at most local sporting goods stores or if you’re in Ohio, get an Ohio fishing license here.Ā
Choosing a lake may depend on what you have and need. I’ve divided up the options by one stop shop with everything you need and places that are great to fish but BYOB(bait!)
Plus, there are a ton of great fishing activities for kids run through the Great Parks like tournaments and competitions.Ā
One Stop Shop Fishing in Cincinnati
Lake IsabellaĀ – a great place to fish for families! During a normal fishing season, they hold tournaments for kids – complete with trophies and all! And there is often live music and grill outs on Friday nights. It’s a ton of fun for all!
You will need a fishing ticket ($3 for kids, $12.50 for adults) and state license – see above to get one. They have a bait shop to purchase gear and bait. You can fish on the bank or you can rent a boat during a normal season. This lake is stocked with fish by the parks department so the odds for catching something are good!.
Miami Whitewater Forest – You can rent boats or bring your own canoes and kayaks. You can also buy bait or tackle at the boathouse. If you don’t want to go in a boat, bank fishing is also available. Don’t forget to get a fishing license before you go!
Sharon Woods Park – a great option for fishing with the family. The boathouse rents row, pedal and pontoon boats and kayaks. Personal canoes, kayaks are permitted. Fishing is available from boats or the fishing pier.
There are also tons of other activities there, so make a day of it with my guide to Sharon Woods Park for families.Ā
Winton Woods – the boathouse offers row, pedal, motor and pontoon boats; kayaks; and canoes for rental. You can also bring your own canoes and kayaks. Bank fishing is also available. You can also purchase bait and tackle at the boathouse. Don’t forget your fishing license!
BYOB (Bait) Fishing in Cincinnati
There are also great options to fishing, but you have to bring your own bait. Most stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Walmart, Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shop have a variety of bait. Chances are, the closest gas station to the lake has bait available!
Other options include:
Baehrās bait and tackle shop in north Cincinnati
Latonia Bait & Tackle – in NKY
BOYBait to these great places:
Lake Barber – a great fishing lake in Newtown with a paved path around the lake great for walking and bike/scooter riding. Bring the scooters or a nature scavenger hunt (see Outdoor Activities With Kids for info). You will need to bring everything (including a fishing license) because there is no fishing support there. You fish from the bank for free in a natural lake that is not stocked. Don’t forget to see my Fishing With Kids post to make sure you have all the right gear.
Woodland Mound – A small lake with bank fishing only. This lake is stocked with fish by the parks department, so while fishing is a sport of chance and skill, your odds of getting a bite are better here. Note, you need to bring all your bait and gear as there is not boathouse. Great Parks parking permits are usually required and available to purchase at entry. There is also a boat launch ramp available if Ohio River conditions allow. Grab your bait at Shell (4525 Kellogg Ave) or Marathon (6790 Kellogg Rd)
Little Miami River at Bass Island – fishing on the bank of the river (this is a great creeking spot too). The parking lot is just past the Little Miami Golf Center. You can also bring your own Canoe or kayak. Speaking of this place, check out my golfing with the kids blog for information on their great putt putt golf course (kids 4+), Par 3 course and driving range.Ā
Fernbank Park – You can fish from the banks of the Ohio River. BYOeverything and don’t forget your fishing license! There is a great flat path here if you want to bring scooters or bikes to ride when the kids want to take a break! And, there is a playground nearby for the really short attention spans.
Triple Creek pond – The park offers a nice neighborhood fishing pond where you get to keep the fish and no fishing license is required.
East Fork State Park – A huge lake with boat access and bank fishing. You will need a state fishing license and will have to pay for access into the park. I have a ton of information on my blog post about spending a day (or weekend) at East Fork with the family.Ā
