LivewellOhio · River
East Branch Black River
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for East Branch Black River, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.
4 species with advisories · contaminants: Mercury
Ohio also has statewide guidance
Ohio publishes rules that apply to rivers across the state — 11 recommendations covering 11 species — in addition to anything listed for East Branch Black River below.
Strictest statewide rule: Flathead Catfish, Over 23" — Limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury.
What's safe to eat from East Branch Black River
Common Carp
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Over 23" | General population | Limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Rock Bass
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Smallmouth Bass
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Yellow Bullhead
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to one meal per month due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Is it legal to keep?
These are Ohio's statewide limits — a water-specific rule may override them. Always verify the current regulations before keeping a fish.
| Species | Size | Daily limit | Open season | Keep season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 12" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Smallmouth Bass | 12" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Walleye | 15" min | 6 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Muskellunge | 30" min | 1 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Northern Pike | — | 6 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Channel Catfish | — | 6 | Year-round | Same as open |
Official rules: Ohio — Ohio DNR