The 8 Best Fishing Lakes in Cincinnati

Discover the best fishing lakes in Cincinnati. Learn about the best spots to fish, what type of fish you can expect to catch, and what to bring on your fishing trip. Get the most out of your fishing experience with our expert guide.

Lake Isabella

Lake Isabella is a large lake located just southwest of downtown Cincinnati. It is part of the Ohio State Park Lake system.

Types of fish: bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, carp, perch
Types of fishing: Boat, shore, wading
Fishing equipment rental: Available at local fishing stores
Fishing guide service: Available
Closest hotels: Chateau Cincinnati, Comfort Inn & Suites, Red Roof Inn Cincinnati and Quality Inn Cincinnati are all within 5 miles of the lake
Nearest fishing store: Rock Bottom Bait & Tackle, 3 miles away
Basic fishing regulations: Must adhere to Ohio Department of Natural Resources regulations
Amenities: Picnic areas, boat launch, restrooms, playground
Nearest gas station: Marathon, 2 miles away

Little Miami River

The Little Miami River winds through several counties in southwestern Ohio, including Hamilton and Clermont counties. It is a popular fishing spot in the Greater Cincinnati area.

Types of fish: catfish, bass, smallmouth bass, carp, crappie, bluegill, sauger
Types of fishing: Shore, wading
Fishing equipment rental: Not available, but can be purchased at local sporting goods stores
Fishing guide services: Available
Closest hotels: Red Roof Inn Cincinnati, Comfort Inn & Suites, Chateau Cincinnati and Marriott Cincinnati River Centre are all within 5 miles of the river
Nearest fishing store: Academy Sports & Outdoors, 3 miles away
Basic fishing regulations: Must adhere to Ohio Department of Natural Resources regulations
Amenities: Picnic areas, boat launch, restrooms, playgrounds, hiking trails
Nearest gas station: Speedway, 4 miles away

Harsha Lake

Harsha Lake is located in East Fork State Park, just east of Cincinnati. It is the largest lake in the Ohio State Park Lake system and is a popular fishing destination.

Types of fish: largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, carp, perch, white bass
Types of fishing: Boat (electric motor only), shore, wading
Fishing equipment rental: Not Available
Fishing guide service: Available
Closest hotels: Best Western Batavia & Suites, Comfort Inn & Suites and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Amelia are all within 10 miles of the lake
Nearest fishing store: Newtown Bait & Tackle, 8 miles away
Basic fishing regulations: Must adhere to Ohio Department of Natural Resources regulations
Amenities: Picnic areas, boat launch, restrooms, playgrounds, hiking trails, swimming beach
Nearest gas station: Speedway, 8 miles away

Taylorsville Lake

Taylorsville Lake is located north of Cincinnati in the city of Alexandria. It is a popular fishing spot for both locals and visitors.

Types of fish: catfish, bass, crappie, bluegill, carp
Types of fishing: Boat, shore, wading
Fishing equipment rental Not available, but can be purchased at local sporting goods stores
Fishing guide services: Available
Closest hotels: Bartlett Inn and Suites, Wyndham Garden Cincinnati and Comfort Inn & Suites Cincinnati/Newtown are all within 10 miles of the lake
Nearest fishing store: Newtown Bait & Tackle, 8 miles away
Basic fishing regulations: Must adhere to Ohio Department of Natural Resources regulations
Amenities: Picnic areas, boat launch, restrooms, playgrounds, swimming beach, hiking trails
Nearest gas station: Speedway, 8 miles away

Cowan Lake

Cowan Lake is a small lake located just south of Cincinnati in the town of Wilmington. It is part of the Ohio State Park Lake system.

Types of fish: bluegill, crappie, catfish, bass, carp, perch
Types of fishing: Boat, shore, wading
Fishing equipment rental: Available at local fishing stores
Fishing guide services: Available
Closest hotels: Courtyard by Marriott, Hampton Inn and Suites, Hilton Garden Inn and Super 8 are all within 10 miles of the lake
Nearest fishing store: Tilton Bait & Tackle, 3 miles away
Basic fishing regulations: Must adhere to Ohio Department of Natural Resources regulations
Amenities: Picnic areas, boat launch, restrooms, playgrounds, swimming beach, hiking trails
Nearest gas station: Speedway, 2 miles away

Ohio River

The Ohio River winds through several states and is the largest tributary of the Mississippi River. It is a popular fishing spot in the Greater Cincinnati area.

Types of fish: catfish, bass, sauger, smallmouth bass, walleye, carp, white bass, freshwater drum
Types of fishing: Boat, shore, wading
Fishing equipment rental: Not available, but can be purchased at local sporting goods stores
Fishing guide services: Available
Closest hotels: Comfort Inn & Suites, Chateau Cincinnati, Red Roof Inn Cincinnati, Quality Inn Cincinnati and Marriott Cincinnati River Centre are all within 5 miles of the river
Nearest fishing store: Academy Sports & Outdoors, 3 miles away
Basic fishing regulations: Must adhere to Ohio Department of Natural Resources regulations
Amenities: Picnic areas, boat launch, restrooms, playgrounds, hiking trails
Nearest gas station: Speedway, 4 miles away

Interstate Lake

Interstate Lake is a large lake located just south of Cincinnati in the town of Hamilton. It is part of the Ohio State Park Lake system.

Types of fish: bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, carp, perch
Types of fishing: Boat, shore, wading
Fishing equipment rental: Available at local fishing stores
Fishing guide service: Available
Closest hotels: Comfort Inn & Suites, Best Western of Hamilton, Red Roof Inn Cincinnati and Quality Inn Cincinnati are all within 5 miles of the lake
Nearest fishing store: Rock Bottom Bait & Tackle, 3 miles away
Basic fishing regulations: Must adhere to Ohio Department of Natural Resources regulations
Amenities: Picnic areas, boat launch, restrooms, playgrounds
Nearest gas station: Marathon, 2 miles away

Fairfield Pond

Fairfield Pond is a small lake located just south of Cincinnati in the town of Fairfield. It is a popular fishing spot for both locals and visitors.

Types of fish: largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, carp, perch, white bass
Types of fishing: Boat (electric motor only), shore, wading
Fishing equipment rental: Not Available
Fishing guide service: Available
Closest hotels: Comfort Inn & Suites, Courtyard Cincinnati North/West Chester, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cincinnati-West are all within 10 miles of the lake
Nearest fishing store: Academy Sports & Outdoors, 5 miles away
Basic fishing regulations: Must adhere to Ohio Department of Natural Resources regulations
Amenities: Picnic areas, boat launch, restrooms, playgrounds, swimming beach, hiking trails
Nearest gas station: Speedway, 8 miles away

Big Bone Creek

Big Bone Creek is a tributary of the Ohio River located in Boone County, just northwest of Cincinnati. It is a popular fishing spot in the Greater Cincinnati area.

Types of fish: catfish, bass, northern pike, smallmouth bass, walleye, carp
Types of fishing: Shore, wading
Fishing equipment rental Not available, but can be purchased at local sporting goods stores
Fishing guide service: Available
Closest hotels: Comfort Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Florence, Residence Inn Cincinnati Northeast and Courtyard Cincinnati Airport are all within 10 miles of the creek
Nearest fishing store: Academy Sports & Outdoors, 10 miles away
Basic fishing regulations: Must adhere to Ohio Department of Natural Resources regulations
Amenities: Picnic areas, boat launch, restrooms, playgrounds, hiking trails
Nearest gas station: Speedway, 10 miles away

Cincinnati Pond

Cincinnati Pond is a small lake located just east of downtown Cincinnati. It is a popular fishing spot for both locals and visitors.

Types of fish: largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, carp, perch, white bass
Types of fishing: Boat (electric motor only), shore, wading
Fishing equipment rental: Not Available
Fishing guide service: Available
Closest hotels: Wyndham Garden Cincinnati, Comfort Inn & Suites and Hampton Inn and Suites are all within 5 miles of the lake
Nearest fishing store: Newtown Bait & Tackle, 3 miles away
Basic fishing regulations: Must adhere to Ohio Department of Natural Resources regulations
Amenities: Picnic areas, boat launch, restrooms, playgrounds, swimming beach, hiking trails
Nearest gas station: Speedway, 2 miles away

Find Good Fishing Spots in Cincinnati and Other Nearby Lakes on The Map

If you’re looking for a great fishing spot in Cincinnati, you won’t have to look far! With Google Maps right at your fingertips, you can easily explore the many lakes and fishing locations that the city has to offer. From the banks of the Ohio River to the many lakes scattered throughout the area, the Cincinnati region has a lot to offer those looking to cast a line. So take a look at the map below, and start planning your next fishing adventure!

Check the Weather Forecast for Your Next Fishing Trip to Cincinnati

The weather in Cincinnati is ideal for sport fishing throughout the year. The summers are typically warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from the high 70s to the mid-80s, while the winters are typically cold, with temperatures averaging in the mid-30s. The city receives an average of 39 inches of precipitation per year, with the majority of it falling in the spring and summer months. There are plenty of sunny days year-round, making it a great place to go fishing in any season.