News Release

COLUMBUS, OH -- The Ohio Division of Wildlife says it will allow limited public fishing in a half-mile section of Cold Creek that is located at the Castalia state fish hatchery.

Visitors to the hatchery have long admired the crystal clear water, abundant vegetation, and sleek rainbow trout that inhabit the stream. Since the early 1900s, the stream was in private ownership, which did not offer public fishing opportunities.

This has now changed since the Division of Wildlife purchased the Castalia hatchery 16 months ago.

The wildlife agency will hold a random selection drawing for a limited number of fishing spots on the portion of Cold Creek located on the hatchery property. Anglers interested in this unique trout fishing opportunity must submit a postcard containing their name, address and daytime phone number to Castalia Trout Fishing, c/o Ohio Division of Wildlife, 1840 Belcher Dr., Columbus, Ohio 43224-1329 no later than April 15.

A limited number of anglers will be selected at random from the postcard entries for morning and afternoon fishing sessions to be held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from May 24 to July 2, and July 19 to August 27.

Successful applicants will be notified by mail of their fishing date and time as well as special rules for trout fishing in the stream. Each applicant will be allowed to bring up to two guests.

"Cold Creek is one of the most picturesque streams in the state. We are very happy to be able to provide Ohio anglers with a special opportunity to experience fishing on one of the state's most unique streams," said Michael J. Budzik, Division of Wildlife chief.

Special fishing rules will be in effect at the Castalia hatchery to ensure that a quality fishing experience is maintained throughout the season. One of these special rules prohibits catch and release fishing, with the Division of Wildlife requiring that anglers keep all fish they catch. The daily bag limit will be five trout per angler.

The use of live bait or artificial lures will be permitted, however no minnows or crayfish may be used or possessed. Anglers will be required to check in at the hatchery upon their arrival and check out at the end of their session. The fishing session will be open 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and noon to 4 p.m.

Anglers 16 years of age and older will need a valid fishing license, which is now sold through a new electronic license sales system operational at approximately 1,400 locations around Ohio. The annual resident fishing license costs $15, while a one-day fishing license costs $7. Those who purchase a one-day fishing license may later return it to a vendor and receive credit toward purchase of an annual fishing license.