Introduce children to the lifetime hobby of fishing at Lake Metroparks' ponds throughout Lake County
Dy Dana Snyder, Outdoor Education Manager
Fishing is a great family activity that can include several generations enjoying this lifetime hobby together. Lake Metroparks offers several well-stocked ponds with easy access for all ages and abilities.
Young children aren’t always ready for a long day of fishing, so be ready to be flexible. When you take a child fishing, make it simple. Use a smaller pole, with a closed-face reel and a simple hook and bobber. Basic live baits such as worms or maggots will offer the best chance for success. Worms can be purchased at any bait store, or make hunting worms part of your adventure. Find an open area at one of our ponds, free of surrounding trees and top water weeds to teach your child the basics of casting. Don’t worry if your child doesn’t have enough patience to sit for long periods of time, allow them to reel and cast again if they wish. Children much prefer catching to fishing, so target easy-to-catch species such as the panfish stocked at several of our ponds. Don’t forget snacks and drinks to keep your child comfortable and enjoying their time outdoors. Fish early morning or early evening, when the weather is cooler and the fish are more active. Don’t expect a child to sit quietly for several hours—if the fish aren’t biting, allow them to explore some of the nature around them. Talk to them about the importance of conservation. Teach them pack in, pack out. Consider cleaning up the litter at your local fishing hole. This is an ideal time to talk with your child about the wonders of being outdoors. Be sure to check local rules and regulations before you head out. Fishing offers a great opportunity to make lifetime family memories.
Once you have your child hooked on fishing, consider signing up for one of our fishing derbies.
While fishing with your child on your own is great, Lake Metroparks also offers many beginner fishing programs to get you started. Go Fish is a favorite for many first-time anglers and is offered throughout the year. We also offer adapted fishing programs to assist participants of all abilities. We’re happy to help you get started!
While fishing with your child on your own is great, Lake Metroparks also offers beginner programs to get you started.
Concord Woods is a great place to take the family. The pond is stocked and panfish are plentiful. There is a long stretch of open grassy bank area and a small bridge across one end of the pond. Other convenient amenities are the picnic pavilion, playground and bathroom—all within easy access. Add a walking trail around the pond and you have everything necessary for a fun family outing. A fishing license is not required.
Hidden Lake is another family favorite. There are several access areas to the lake, along with a small dock. This lake often offers some nice-sized largemouth bass and crappie. Hand-powered boats such as canoes and kayaks are permitted here and offer another access point to fish. To maintain the fish population here, catch and release only is permitted. A fishing license is not required.
Fishing with Grandkids is a popular year-round program
If you are looking for several dock areas, try Veterans Park. This is one of the busier fishing areas, offering largemouth bass, catfish and rainbow trout stocked every fall. This park also offers convenient restroom access, a picnic pavilion and a playground. A fishing license is required here for anyone 16 and older.
Other ponds to explore include Girdled Road Reservation, Hidden Valley Park (River Rd. entrance), River Road Park, Penitentiary Glen Reservation and Chapin Forest Reservation. And don’t forget you can always try fishing our great Lake Erie from the fishing pier at Painesville Township Park.
For a different, more private fishing experience, consider renting the Strong Cabin at Hogback Ridge Park or the Resource Center at Hidden Valley Park. Renters of the cabins have private access to well-stocked ponds right outside the doors.
Lake Metroparks annually stocks ponds across the agency. In 2019, 1,800 pounds of trout, 3,300 pounds of largemouth bass, 900 channel catfish, 1,325 bluegill and 300 black crappie will be carefully placed in Lake Metroparks’ ponds to enhance the enjoyment of anglers. This annual stocking program keeps the pond population strong and allows anglers of all ages to have fun catching fish.