In recent years, the steelhead fishery in Ohio has increased dramatically on local rivers and streams. This $1 billion dollar a year industry is booming for the local and state economy with increased sales of licenses, lodging, guide services, restaurants, and outfitters. More and more people are traveling long distances to enjoy in our world class steelhead fishery. With this, there is much added pressures on our streams adding large crowds on the rivers.. Steelhead which are stocked by the state, migrate up streams to spawn often reaching private property that is off limits for licensed fishermen in which are helping fund the steelhead program. The United States Supreme Court has held that the bed and banks under all rivers, lakes, and streams that are navigable (Federal Courts have held that even those rivers that are navigable only by small, non-motorized watercraft are still navigable for title purposes / i.e.: canoes & kayaks) for title purposes (ownership), are owned by the states, HELD IN TRUST FOR THE PUBLIC. (resources by NORS , National Organization for Rivers). Every year we lose more and more access to beautiful scenic streams and waterways, never to be seen again. Now is the time to fight for our right!

        We need to guarantee public access to our waterways and ensure the future of that access to our children and grandchildren. A meeting has been called to discuss options for state legislation on gaining access to these waterways by local fishermen, clubs, environmentalist groups, and national organizations. This will be an uphill battle, but it has been accomplished in other states as we hope to accomplish it here in Ohio. We need all the support we can get so please step up and support our cause; not just for us, but our future. We need to Guarantee Access to our waterways around the world. We must also fight for land conservation easements to help lock up land for future usage. Write your congressman and let them know we care!!!

       Please take a second to fill out our contact form to show your support for this fight, and show you care. This database will be kept for future use as a database to contact those whom are interested in retaining access to our waterways.

Thank you,

Local anglers, clubs, guides, and environmental organizations.