Before the first settlers arrived in Hocking Hills, three Native American tribes made their homes near the Hocking River. The abundance of fish, turtles, and clams made the river a vital supplier of food for these tribes. Today, the Hocking River is still one of the best local fishing spots. Anglers can cast their lines in hopes of catching a wide variety of fish species, and you’re invited to do the same. Here is everything you need to know about enjoying a relaxing and memorable Hocking River fishing trip!
Interested in more outdoor activities like Hocking River fishing? Then you’ll want to request your free copy of our Hocking Hills Vacation Guide! It’s filled with all the best recommendations and suggestions for things to do during your getaway.
Hocking River Fish Species
The Hocking River, connected to the popular Clear Creek, boasts an ample population of freshwater fish. The mid and upper portions of the river have an impressive amount of smallmouth bass, and typical midwest species like channel catfish, white crappie, quillback, sauger, and more have also been spotted. Although the prime time for fishing is in the spring, summer fishermen usually find luck along the shore. The fish tend to hide in shaded areas with maximum covering, where the cooler waters are located.
Hocking River Fishing Points
Five miles of waterway is used for public fly fishing at Clear Creek Metro Park. You’ll find marked parking lots and signs leading to these access points. You can also reach the Hocking River by traveling down the creek in Clear Creek Metro Park.
Obtaining a Fishing License
In order to legally fish in the Hocking River, you will need to obtain a state fishing license. Here are four locations near the river that provide licenses to visitors.
- Down’s Bait and Guns
- Logan, OH Walmart
- Grandma Faye’s Grocery (Closest to the Inn & Spa at Cedar FallsYou may also opt to purchase your fishing license online! The state has several types of fishing licenses, including ones for residents and nonresidents. One-day fishing licenses and three-day fishing licenses are also available.
Other Activities on Hocking River
If fishing isn’t your forte, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy on the Hocking River. Here are just a couple of our favorites!
River Trips
With an average depth of only 3 to 4 feet, the Hocking River is generally calm and is ideal for canoeing, kayaking, rafting, and tubing in the summertime. Both Hocking Hills Adventures and the Hocking Hills Canoe Livery offer a variety of scenic trips for all skill levels. Our inn can pack a brown bag lunch for you to enjoy while on your journey. Canoe tours provide a peaceful, calm ride through the trees, and kayaks are fast and easier to maneuver – just be careful not to tip over! There are also points where you can pull your canoe on the shore and explore the Natural Rock Bridge just a short walk away.
Camping
Guests can also spend a weekend roughing it on the Hocking River. One of the most popular areas for Hocking Hills camping is the Riverside Campground, where visitors can enjoy over 80 large sites complete with picnic tables, fire rings, and nearby flushing toilets. Many of the sites offer swimming access and are close to the Fun Center, which features mini-golf, go-karts, a driving range, arcade, grills, shelter houses, and a picnic facility.
Enjoy a Fantastic Getaway at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls
Before you start planning your Hocking River fishing adventures, be sure book your stay at our Hocking Hills bed & breakfast! Our beautiful property is green-certified and works to preserve the beauty of Hocking Hills instead of competing with it. That way, you and your significant other or family can enjoy peace, solitude, and luxury modern amenities together.
For the ultimate glamping experience, we highly recommend booking our yurts, which are unique to our northeast bed & breakfast! Each 20-foot diameter yurt has a king-size bed, full bathroom with a large tiled shower, comfortable reading rockers, gas log stove, microwave/under counter refrigerator, wood deck and more.
Book your next getaway with us today! We can’t wait to see you in Hocking Hills soon.