COLUMBUS, OH - Anglers interested in a special opportunity to fish the half-mile section of Cold Creek located at the Castalia State Fish Hatchery in Erie County have until March 1 to submit their names for a lottery drawing, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
The ODNR Division of Wildlife purchased the Castalia Fish Hatchery in 1997, and the first special lottery began in 1999. This year, the lottery will offer more than 100 slots. Selected individuals will be assigned a non-changeable fishing date between April 1 and November 1. Lottery winners and their guests will have exclusive fishing access to the ODNR-owned part of Cold Creek from 7 a.m. to noon on their assigned date.
Cold Creek is one of the most unique and picturesque streams in the state with excellent trout habitat.
For the first time, a separate youth fishing period will be open to anglers under the age of 16. The dates for this youth opportunity will be from June 10 through August 23.
We want to offer young anglers a chance to experience world class trout fishing, said David Insley, Castalia hatchery superintendent. And making this opportunity available during the traditional school break period will benefit more youth anglers.
Interested anglers must submit a postcard with their name, address and daytime phone number to Castalia Trout Fishing, c/o ODNR Division of Wildlife, 1840 Belcher Dr., Columbus, Ohio 43224-1329 no later than March 1.
Participants will be chosen through a random selection drawing. Youth anglers should indicate on the post card that they are entering the "youth drawing." Only one entry per angler is allowed. Duplicate entries will be discarded. Those selected will be notified by mail of their fishing dates as well as special rules for trout fishing in the stream.
Individuals selected for the adult drawing may be accompanied by up to two other adults, and up to three youth anglers under the age of 16 (six anglers). Individuals selected for the youth drawing will be allowed to bring up to three other youth and up to two adult anglers.
Special fishing rules will be effective at the Castalia hatchery to ensure that a quality fishing experience is maintained throughout the season. The daily bag limit will be five trout per angler.
Anglers 16 years of age and older are required to have a valid 2002 fishing license. An annual fishing license for an Ohio resident costs $15, a one-day fishing license costs $7. People who purchase a one-day fishing license may later return it to receive credit toward purchase of an annual fishing license.