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Olentangy River

Boat Ramps
22
Access Points
23
Species
33

The Olentangy River is a remarkable 88-mile waterway flowing through central Ohio, beginning south of Bucyrus in Crawford County and continuing through Marion, Morrow, Delaware, and Franklin counties before joining the Scioto River in downtown Columbus. A 22-mile section from the Delaware Dam to Wilson Bridge Road in Worthington has been designated as a state Scenic River since 1973. Despite urban development along its banks, especially in the rapidly growing Delaware County, the Olentangy maintains a forested corridor in many areas with willow, red and silver maple, sycamore, oak, basswood, and green ash trees. The river supports a diverse ecosystem with 63 species of fish, numerous freshwater mussels, and provides excellent recreational opportunities for anglers throughout the year.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Olentangy River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Delaware State Park Fishing Access

Delaware State Park Fishing Access

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on Olentangy River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Ohio licenses and regulations

Ohio Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Ohio Fishing License

Persons under 16 years of age are not required to purchase a fishing license.

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Ohio Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Ohio Stream Access Laws

Ohio does not believe there is a precise definition for navigability, so it is determined on a case-by-case basis. However, the state generally accepts waterways capable of recreational boating, with a history of recreation and with public access. The public is allowed to recreate freely on all navigable waters but streambeds are not publicly owned.

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Take Olentangy River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Olentangy River to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Olentangy River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Olentangy River and check the forecast before you go.

Olentangy River near Worthington OH

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